4WD: Advantages/disadvantages

[JoeinTX]

Probably the only disadvantage to FWA is potentially higher maintenance and costs should something go wrong with the drivetrain. But, I don't hear of too many actual FWA failures, so, it's probably not a likelihood on the average.

I've never operated an FWA tractor......plenty of 2wd from 20-120hp though. My father recently got a Kubota with all the bells and whistles including FWA and he uses it primarily for dirt work and utility jobs......and he was one to criticize 4wd be it on a tractor or truck or whatever else up to that time. Now, he swears by it and comments about how much of a worker it is compared to what he's had in the past.

Me, I'm kind a stick-in-the-mud and still probably wouldn't seek out an FWA model versus a 2wd if looking to buy.

As soundguy mentioned earler, weighting has a great deal to do with tractor performance. Besides, I'm in no wet or rough conditions so it seems like something I can "live without" and not miss.......maybe because I don't know what I'm missing........?

 

[Soundguy]

All depends of what you are doing. it sounds like you've worked with 2wd tractors that have been fine... thus you don't 'feel' like you are missing anything. Same here... I don't need 4wd to mow a flat pasture...

Soundguy

 

[JerryG]

I some instances a person doesn’t need to own a 4wd. Soundguy’s situation is one of those instances. If you don’t do ground engagement that is on the edge of what the tractor is capable of (weight wise or HP) or you only have flat ground that you mow, there is no need for 4wd. On the other hand, the type of land and operations that I have, I have to have 4wd to be able to complete my work. I mow on extremely steep places where I have no room to turn around when I get to the top. I have to do an about face and go right back down. Some of these areas are so steep that when I have tried to do some parts in 2wd, I couldn’t even get started up the hill. This was because of how steep it was and also the thickness of the grass and weeds. When going off these same areas in 2wd it is like a roller coaster. I need that 4wd drive train braking.

 

[_RaT_]

I some instances a person doesn’t need to own a 4wd. Soundguy’s situation is one of those instances. If you don’t do ground engagement that is on the edge of what the tractor is capable of (weight wise or HP) or you only have flat ground that you mow, there is no need for 4wd. On the other hand, the type of land and operations that I have, I have to have 4wd to be able to complete my work. I mow on extremely steep places where I have no room to turn around when I get to the top. I have to do an about face and go right back down. Some of these areas are so steep that when I have tried to do some parts in 2wd, I couldn’t even get started up the hill. This was because of how steep it was and also the thickness of the grass and weeds. When going off these same areas in 2wd it is like a roller coaster. I need that 4wd drive train braking.

Your experience is quite similar to mine Jerry. I need the braking of all 4 wheels. I suppose thats one of the nice advantages of livng with slopes, you don't just contemplate 4WD, you get it and you will indeed use it.

 

[charlesw]

Well... In the first 10 minutes of operation of my new tractor I got stuck. Sure, I could have gotten out by dumping the loader or something. Or... I could just pop it in 4wd. Which I did. It was like I'd never been stuck.

 

[therebarely]

There are many times while brushhogging that the rear tires will loose traction and the tractor will stop. This has never happened in 4 wd, and that is even on flat, rough ground. To me, a 2 wd tractor just isn't close to being comparable. Also, if you research, the one option that you get all your money back on is front wheel assist.

 

[charlesw]

There are many times while brushhogging that the rear tires will loose traction and the tractor will stop.

You know, you've just lot me, there. Unless there's something I'm missing like big hills or a boggy area, or something, it doesn't seem like this activity would have much chance for losing traction. With my old 9n (obviously 2wd) the only time I got stuck was in a swap. Well, other than the time that I high-sided on a stump... But... I mean, I was pulling a 5 footer with that tractor (way too much for it) and never got stuck. Again, there must be something I'm missing...

 

[Soundguy]

Again.. I think it's an issue of application... those of us mowing happily on 2wd tractors are obviously mowing in areas was extreme traction is not needed. Like you mention... with ford ford and mower.. I pull my 15' batwing all over my pasture with my 2wd tractor.. have -never- broke traction.. even in weeds taller than my canopy... ( and the canopy on a NH 7610s is on up there.. ). They must be refering to extreme terain.. etc.

That's why manufacturers make 2wd and 4wd tractors... those of use that don't need it.. don't want to pay for it.. and resale options are only usefull if you don't plan on keeping your tractor..

Soundguy

 

[john_bud]

Sound,

You are exactly right! On your flat ground 4wd would have no benefit while mowing. On my ground there are a couple places where I need to go up a 25% slope on ground that has heavy clay and grows rocks. That is an extreme that requires some extra traction. I'm glad that it is available.

jb

 

[machmeter62]

I believe if one is working in semi-soft conditions like plowing, etc.; FWD will do the job with more efficiency, by eliminating the front "dead wheel" syndrome of being pushed through soft soil, vs pulling like the rears? But using 4WD, which may require more HP, may cancel that advantage?