4WD - is NOT using it destroying it?

rockyridgefarm · Mar 11, 2004

Never heard of anyone around here messing up their 4x4 by not using it. 

I have seen the transaxles split open up on the racks. Half the gear rusted out, the other half sitting in oil. It happens too much. This is on trucks and Jeeps.

Henro · Mar 11, 2004

I have seen the transaxles split open up on the racks. Half the gear rusted out, the other half sitting in oil. It happens too much. This is on trucks and Jeeps.


The way I look at it, and I could be wrong... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif... is that on my tractor, since I don't have hubs I can unlock on the front, that everthing is turning on both ends, whether I am in 4x4 mode or not. The only thing difference is that the gears that mesh to put the tractor in 4x4 are not meshed. I don't know if there is a gear in there that is stationary in 2 wheel drive mode or not though. But the front differential does turn all the time from what I can see.

So it would seem that the only real difference is that in 2wd the added stress on the system that is caused by the inherent speed difference between the front and rear wheels [due to designed in speed lead of the front wheels] would be missing, and that is probably a good thing. Not a great thing, but better if it is not there. How much better on dirt? Probably not a big deal...

So in my mind the all the major components of the 4x4 system are turning whether I have my tractor in 4x4 mode or not. I suppose this is true... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KiotiJohn · Mar 12, 2004

My owner's manual states that the tractor should be in 4WD when sitting. No explanation of why, but I do just that, make sure when I'm finished that it's in 4WD. I use it all the time anyway, so I can't really answer the poster's question. John

Youare · Mar 12, 2004

There is a difference between Jeep or truck 4WD and passenger car 4WD and AWD and a difference in tractor 4WD.

Having owned 4WD Jeeps and trucks for going on 30 years I have experienced some problems. One of the biggest problems in past years with 4WD in trucks and Jeeps was with the front drive shaft universal joints. Most of the time 4WD was only used occasionaly in the winter and never in good weather. The bearings on the universal joints would not turn lubricant would not be distributed and the joint was subjected to water spray whenever the truck when through a puddle or wet road. Joint bearing life was shorten.

For those with locking hubs the problem was worse. The differencial in the front would not turn and the inner axle bearings where pounded in the same place from every bump in the road. There is a term called brinneling (sp) which causes little dents in the race or rollers in the bearing from this pounding in place. Once this is started the bearing will wear out much quicker.

Cars and trucks today are not built the same way. The 4WD components tend to turn even when the 4WD is not being used the disconnect is in the transfer case. Lubrication and bearing damage from not rotating is minimized. All Wheel Drive in cars cycles on and off enough to keep things lubed and moving.

In my tractor the disconnect for 4WD is in the transmission so the front differencial and drive shaft turn even when 4WD is not engauged. As stated previously on a tractor the front wheels travel a little faster than the rear. I have noticed that when in 4WD on a hard surface there is a little conflict between the front and back wheels. This puts some strain or windup on the 4WD parts. Most instruction manuals caution not to use 4WD on hard surfaces.

Not using it will not destroy it, but using on pavement for extended periods can and will cause excess wear on the 4WD system. I only use 4Wd when it is necessary which is at least once per tractor use.

Randy

Mark_in_NH · Mar 12, 2004

( 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.)

Mike,
I am picturing this to be one he!! of an incline if it causes you to loose traction.

I use my tractors 4WD capabilities the very same way I use my trucks 4WD capabilities. When I need the added traction, I lock it in. When I no longer have need for the additional traction, I unlock it. If all I am doing is tooling along from point A to point B, why on earth would I want or need it to be in 4WD.
30 years ago, growing up on a small New England farm, if you were privileged enough to own a tractor it was most defiantly a 2WD. Most likely a Ford N series or a JD or a Farmall. 4WD's weren't even a thought back then in a tractor.
Massive amounts of work was accomplished with only 2WD.
I am sure that I use my tractor in different ways then other's and I know that "having" 4WD capabilities will allow me to do things with my tractor that my dad never thought possible with his old 8N.
So for me it is simple. When I need the added traction, I lock it in. When the need is over, I unlock it. I run in 2WD 85% of the time.

PineRidge · Mar 12, 2004

Mark it is a combination of the incline and the fact that most of my drive is gravel. If it were blacktop or cement I would never break traction unless of course ice was present.

frank_f15 · Mar 12, 2004

( My owner's manual states that the tractor should be in 4WD when sitting )

very interesting, i wonder what the difference could be for doing that? anyhow onto the original post. the only time i am not in 4wd is traveleing on dry pavement or or mowing on dry hard ground ,for most other chores, fel work, brush clearing, moving snow, bb work, mowing o soft wet ground i always use 4wd.

Ledgemere Farm · Mar 12, 2004

If it's that steep you need a CRAWLER!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif seriously, do you have any weight on those rears? You want to keep most of the tractor's weight on the back end or you'll be replacing the front end.

PineRidge · Mar 12, 2004

With wheel weights and a 3 point weight bar I am hauling an extra 950 pounds on the backside.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 13, 2004

My owner's manual states that the tractor should be in 4WD when sitting 

Mine goes to 4wd whenever it is off. That effectively gives brakes to all wheels.