4WD - is NOT using it destroying it?

[rockyridgefarm]

In JD Buying there is a 4WD Post questioning whether 4WD is worth getting, and some of the responses suggest that using 4WD occasionally is a good thing.

I am not a ME and realize that the 4WD in CUTs is different than in Trucks or Jeeps. There are also differences between tractors, especially New Holland's SensiTrac. I work in a DodgeJeep dealership, and that is the single worst thing that we see done to 4WD. Disuse just destroys them.

I only turn off 4WD when I am on paved surfaces. That seems to be the only recommendation in the manual.

What do other manufacturers recommend? Has anyone been down the road far enough to have seen a difference?

I am directly referring to the front drive train, but there could also be addition strain on the engine. My previous tractor was an 18Hp Yanmar. I also left it in 4WD. I was told I needed to take it out as much as possible, and I tried. That didn't last long, as it would just struggle and almost overheat. Now, at 32Hp, My Deere isn't as likely to show those signs, but the stress is there nonetheless.

 

[Currmudgeon]

I don't see why not using 4WD would cause a problem in a tractor, provided you're developing adequate traction.

Then again, I use 4WD in my JD 855 for just about everything except running the lawnmower, so it's not likely to become a problem for me.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

I tnink not using them will have no negative effect. There are so many double negatives in that statement let e refrase. I haven't seen a front end failure do to non use.

But then again, I am not a machanic. My longest experience with a CUT 4x is the 1985 JD750 at work. We use 2 wheel drive for everything intill it gets stuck, then put in 4wheel to get out. No problems yet.

The 4x system in the tractors move when the tractor moves. All the gears in the diffential and transfercase move. All the 'slip' is in the ingagement mechanism. That is not the case in all trucks. Maybe thats the diff?

 

[_RaT_]

Mike I would never have thought about this issue unless someone brought it up. I rarely use 4WD when mowing. My loader is off and all I'm doing is dragging a floating mower around. There are a few times though in every mow where I need it. I have one area that is steep enough that it skids the mower down the hill and my job is to just keep the tractor straight. For loader work, I'm never in 2WD so my tractor gets a fair amount of 2WD and 4WD. I now have almost 200 hours on my new tractor. 4WD goes in and out like hot butter through a cold knife. Rat

 

[DAP]

For non tractor like gizmos, there are a lot of 'flavors' of the loosely used term 4WD or FWD or AWD.

AWD and/or full time 4 WD are moot cause that's their only operating mode.

For other 4WD engineering, specifically ones with 2 speed transfer cases, the only problem I can envision with NOT using it is a lubrication issue. This includes the electronically controlled systems with 2 speed transfer cases. IF for instance ya have a part time 4WD truck and keep it in 2WD for a long long time and then put in 4WD, it may not spin so nice for ya.


Most mfgs. recommend exercising the 4WD drive train and transfer cases once a month to ensure lubricant dispersal.

Other than that, I don't see any possible breakage resulting from unengaged drive train and transfer gear components (or 2WD use in 4WD systems).

Let's let the experts shoot me down, though, as I am merely a user.


Now, I'm not sure there are fulltime 4WD or AWD tractors as such, 'except for skidsteers, but they don't have transfer cases, just a hydro motor or some other direct drive mechanism for each wheel, so they are outta the equation.

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[RobertN]

On a Jeep or truck, it is an issue. When the front hubs are unlocked, and the transfer case is in 2wd, everything between the hubs, diff, and the front driveline sit there idle. Oil does not get to surfaces on the internal parts; it needs movement to "sling" the oil. All that stuff likes to be covered in that nice 90w lube; without it, there is the opportunity for bearings and mating surfaces to dry out, gum up ect.

On the tractor, there are no locking hubs. The wheels are always tied in to all the gearing in the front axle. So, the differential and half shafts are always turning, and slinging oil around internally.

So, for the tractor, it should be no big deal.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="red"> The 4x system in the tractors move when the tractor moves. All the gears in the differential and transfer case move. All the 'slip' is in the engagement mechanism. That is not the case in all trucks. Maybe thats the diff?
</font>

OK. that solves the drive line issues.

Extra load on the engine is certainly a variable that would depend largely on how much load is placed on the machine, and with a Deere eHydro, would be compensated by Loadmatch....

 

[PineRidge]

My last tractor was a 25 HP 4 WD rig. I only used 4 WD when the wheels started to spin and around here that was an almost everyday affair. Fact is my pole barn is cut into the side of a hill so to drive into it you are moving uphill even before you get to it. The wheels on the tractor always started to spin and I would lose traction when backing into it while still locked in 2 WD.

I never shift into 4 WD with my TC-40D since it is equipped with SensiTrak. Still, I know it's working in 4 WD when it needs to as I have yet to be stuck. I makes my time on the tractor more productive since I don't need to be concerned with when I need to manually apply 4 WD.

I think that you can do more damage to a 4 WD system by leaving it locked in 4 WD and driving over hard dry surfaces than by not using it enough but that is just my own opinion.

 

[BB_TX]

My tractor has over 2200 hours and the 4x4 works fine. I bought it at about 2000 hours so I don't know it's history, but I only use 4x4 occasionally.
I had a '87 Ford Bronco that had over 208,000 miles when i traded it off. Being in Texas, I only used it a couple times a year, an occasional ice storm or maybe mud when hunting. But it still worked fine when I got rid off it. Never heard of anyone around here messing up their 4x4 by not using it.

 

[Soundguy]

When I bought my NH 1920, the dealer told me to put it in 4wd every now and then ( once a month ) and drive around a bit forward and reverse so that the gears stay coated with oil, and that moisture didn't get to sit in one spot for too long.. etc.

Soundguy