4WD - is NOT using it destroying it?

[JasonMac]

I wouldn't ever worry about it. Use your MFWD when you need it. I wouldn't get too paranoid over not using it enough. You don't have to baby these machines. I don't use MFWD when traveling on pavement, or doing simple mowing. But I do use it of course for loader work, because the machine is almost useless without it. I also use it for bush hoggin' and Snow blowing, and rototilling. I really think you are looking into a problem that really isn't going to be a real problem at all. The chances are you aren't going to have a problem because you don't use it enough. I've owned a JD 855 for twelve years, (87-99), no problems. And now I have the JD 4200 from (99 to current) no problems. Don't worry about it. And my machines get a lot of hours put on them.

 

[yellowsocks93]

Yeah, I too would not worry about it. The only MFWD problem we have ever had on our 91 or 92 970 was some seal that dried out so it leaked a small amount of fluid. We don't use the MFWD on it so that could be the reason the seal dried up but it was cheap to replace. It was leaking in the front of the tube that covers the drive shaft to the front wheels to where it connects to the axle.

 

[rdam]

As I get more seat time, I'm amazed how much I USE 4WD. On level ground, It's near impossible to get a full bucket of dirt in 2WD. The rears start spinning pretty quick. However, in 4WD, it will drive right through the pile. My rears aren't loaded, but the 6 foot bush hog is hanging off the back.

I almost bought a larger 2WD machine thinking I would NEVER need 4WD. But the endless, constant, persistant nagging of the senior TBN'rs convinced me otherwise.

Sooooo, My 4WD is well lubed !!!!!!!

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Mine goes to 4wd whenever it is off. That effectively gives brakes to all wheels. )</font> Now that I have re-read the statement in my manual, I think they mean to put it in 4WD while you're not moving to avoid any sudden jolt. The wording first led me to believe it should be in 4WD any time it's not being used, but I now don't think that's the intention. This is the quote, can be taken different ways: "The front wheel drive should always be engaged when the tractor is stopped. Shift the lever to the "ON" position to engage the front wheel." ?? John

 

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue"> "The front wheel drive should always be engaged when the tractor is stopped. Shift the lever to the "ON" position to engage the front wheel." ?? John </font>

John I would interpret that statement to say if you want to use the 4 WD don't engage it on the fly, come to a full stop first. I don't think that it has anything at all to do with parking the rig in 4 WD. Thats just my interpretation though.

 

[Dirtnut]

john, are you sure they dont mean that when you need to put it in 4x4 you make sure the rear wheels are stopped so when you flip the switch there is no gear clash,just a thought.

as for not using the 4x4 to lubricate internal parts every so often how many of us turn the pto shafts on our implements every so often to lubricate gear boxes,i no i dont and never had any problems,(brush hogs,snow blowers that sit till the next season)so i dont think you have to worry about it to much.

 

[frank_f15]

now that makes more sense. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif always stop and engage the clutch before i change to 4 wd

 

[KiotiJohn]

Yes, as I stated in my last post, I think they did indeed mean to stop the tractor first. However, from reading the whole page, it was a little uncertain. I've heard of stranger things. Did you know that a lot of MFGs reccommend not leaving the clutch engaged for long periods? My Kioti comes with a hook to lock the clutch in disengaged position. I know that on an old tractor I had the clutch stick badly to the plate because it sat engaged for a long time. When I can remember it, I lock the clutch. John

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I never thought about the need to stop to engage 4WD. On mine, they make a big deal about shift on the fly 4WD, I never even thought that there are many that require being stopped. Not that it makes a whole lot of difference. But I routinely switch it on and off as I move...

 

[yellowsocks93]

Even on the advantage series Deere's like the 990 and 790 you have shift on the fly MFWD. John Deere is really on top of things! I usually shift/unshift into MFWD at a creep and sometimes to disengage or engage it you need to be stopped because it is not electronic like yours.