4wd front ends

[MrJoe]

Good Day to all:
In my search for a Kubota, I have noticed two different front ends on the 4wd axels. One looks like a giant cup and ball arrangement, the other a series of connected pipe joints. What's the diference? One better than the other? Last longer? Less maintaince? Depends on tractor size, age? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Thanks, Joe

 

[slowzuki]

You'll find a couple of other types too if you look hard enough!

I believe the pipe and joint one you mention is really the bevel gear drive. This raises everything above the centreline of the axle improving ground clearance and it allows sharper turning.

The ball and cup can contain a few different things depending on brand and model but generally it contains a u-joint like on a dodge 4x4 pickup front axle. The u-joints can't transmit power smoothly at large angles so the steering isn't as tight. The axle has to be located at the centre of the tire for this setup so it has less ground clearance.

On some ag tractors the u-joint is plainly visible in an open knuckle.