4wd on JD 2305

[stl]

Is there a reason to NOT use the 4wd on a JD 2305 all the time? Or is it worse to keep switching from 2wd to 4wd when I need to, the switch back to 2wd when I get better traction.
We just got a 2305 and are using it to bush hog a large area of overgrown brush and tiny trees. The land is deceptively rutted.

 

[dieselram]

It creates more wear and tear on the axle, makes it tougher to turn and so on. Kinda like not leaving your truck in 4x4 all the time. Won't hurt anything taking it in and out.

 

[Cidertom]

Greetings and welcome to TBN.
Don't use 4wd on pavement. When finish mowing I use 2wd as it scuffs less on turf. Otherwise mine is in 4wd all the time.

If you don't have a mower deck on the tractor you need to fab a fan shield for the bush hogging. Look through other posts on the issue.

 

[stl]

Sounds good.
I have a Bro-tek shield, and started to install it, but it looks like I need to put in 2 screws into a metal bar (does not look predrilled for that) so kind of stopped till I could do that.
I've never bush hogged before, but my gosh, it's incredible that it can cut down person height grass and small scrub and make it nearly look like a lawn.

 

[stlbill]

I use 4WD only when needed. It's probably in my head, but I think 2WD saves some fuel.

With Rim Guard in my tires I find 2WD with differential lock to be quite capable.

The fun begins when you're playing around going up or down a steep grassy hill and find out 2WD with differential lock is insufficient. Short version: in 2WD there are no front brakes. :shocked:

 

[RollTideRam]

If you are bush hogging you may need 4wd to help turn if your cutter is heavy enough to take weight off the front end. I have had that happen on my 3320 when I did not have the loader on. JC

 

[RalphVa]

I leave 4wd on with my 4010, very similar to the 23xx series, unless I go a long ways on pavement. 4wd is just straight mechanical on these tractors. In 4wd the fronts turn slightly faster than the rears; so, its a strain on the powertrain on pavement.

Otherwise, it's MUCH safer leaving it in 4wd because you have 4 wheel braking. You also have 4 wheel anti-skid. I forgot and left my 4010 in 2wd once when going down our back hill. Before I knew it, the rear wheels were just scooting and causing the tractor to slide slightly sideways down the hill (very much of this, and the tractor COULD have rolled sideways). In 4wd, I'd never experienced this. In mud down a steep slope, all 4 wheels would sometimes skid, but not just the rears when in 2wd. This skidding in 2wd happened on grass.

Ralph

 

[stl]

That without 4wd, there is no 4w braking is a good point - safety wise. I haven't noticed much of a problem yet using 2wd for braking, but then most of what I have been on is mostly level.

Just to hijack my own thread, how often should I be thinking to brush hogging the pastures? (I don't have a huge amount of time there at this time, and really have only gotten about 3/4 of it done after about 10 hours going slowly learning where the dips and hazards are driving in person high brush and bushes).

 

[whistlepig]

That without 4wd, there is no 4w braking is a good point - safety wise. I haven't noticed much of a problem yet using 2wd for braking, but then most of what I have been on is mostly level.

Just to hijack my own thread, how often should I be thinking to brush hogging the pastures? (I don't have a huge amount of time there at this time, and really have only gotten about 3/4 of it done after about 10 hours going slowly learning where the dips and hazards are driving in person high brush and bushes).

Brush hog the weeds before they get a chance to seed. I brush hog our pastures a minimum of three times a summer. Four times a summer is better when I have the time.

 

[RalphVa]

If you see weeds growing, you maybe have to bush hog a couple times/yr depending on the type of weeds. Watch for when they make seed. Most only make seed in the fall; so, bushhogging once before the seeds mature would be enough.

Once every couple of years is enough to control unwanted trees.

Ralph