4wd tractor vs 2wd

[Turbys_1700]

My experience with tractors covers 51 years. I was raised on the farm. My dad was an AC tractor salesman for over 30 years, and we currently have 7 tractors on the farm. Here is what I can tell you.

I only owned two wheel drive tractors until my last purchase, a NH 1720 that is 28 HP with front wheel assist. That little tractor weighs in around 3300# with loaded tires. Last year I had to use one of my dad's scrape blades to clean out a drainage ditch behind the house. That little NH with the front wheels engaged pulled that 8' heavy duty blade like it was nothing. For comparison, our 2 D'17's with 55 HP and 5500# loaded weight will not pull that blade as well. Once you get the blade loaded the rear wheels will spin out losing traction.

In ground engaging tasks a front wheel assist tractor will do better and you can get by with a smaller and lighter unit. Around here most farms still use 2 wheel drive tractors for most work but they are typically in the 50 to 100 HP range. Different applications for different types of work.

 

[Ruark]

Type in 2wd vs 4wd tractor on youtube in the search, it should be the first video, or second one, it also include the word "Zetor " this is a brand of tractor. I am not so sure 4wd is all that big of a difference in tractors. I am not saying your lying, but I am not so persuaded.

Same here. My 2wd Mahindra 4025 (41HP Cat 1) weighs close to 8,000 lbs with loader, filled rear tires and a box blade, and it handles everything I put it against just fine. There have been a couple of instances when the rear wheels spun, like snagging a big rock with the blade or trying to pull up a tree, but that's it.

I think a lot of people go with 4WD because they've been told so many times that they HAVE to have it, but they really don't need it. A couple of experienced tractor mechanics I've talked to agree 100%. A 4WD cost more to buy, cost more to fix, and that translates into a lighter tractor with less power than a 2WD for the same money.

I can see where a 4WD would be better in snow or maybe mud or sand, but for the average landowner a good, heavy 2WD can do just fine. I don't remember hearing farmers in the last generation complaining because they didn't have 4WD. They got out there and did everything they had to do with their old Ford 8Ns. I personally couldn't care less about a 4WD; I have utterly no need for one whatsoever.

 

[burzynsr]

I agree, my uncle has 7 green ones and 3 blue ones from 40 to 120 hp. None of them are 4wd and they run a full scale agricultural operation. I also unerdstand that a 4wd will have better ground engagement ability but a large 2wd can also get the job done. I personally would rather have a larger 2wd tractor but this is my opinion and I am certainly no expert. My vote goes with the 2wd.

 

[civesnedfield]

I have always looked at it this way. If you need 4wd in a hay field ---maybe you shouldn't be doing hay. :confused2:

 

[tractorboy5500]

Same here. My 2wd Mahindra 4025 (41HP Cat 1) weighs close to 8,000 lbs with loader, filled rear tires and a box blade, and it handles everything I put it against just fine. There have been a couple of instances when the rear wheels spun, like snagging a big rock with the blade or trying to pull up a tree, but that's it.

I think a lot of people go with 4WD because they've been told so many times that they HAVE to have it, but they really don't need it. A couple of experienced tractor mechanics I've talked to agree 100%. A 4WD cost more to buy, cost more to fix, and that translates into a lighter tractor with less power than a 2WD for the same money.

I can see where a 4WD would be better in snow or maybe mud or sand, but for the average landowner a good, heavy 2WD can do just fine. I don't remember hearing farmers in the last generation complaining because they didn't have 4WD. They got out there and did everything they had to do with their old Ford 8Ns. I personally couldn't care less about a 4WD; I have utterly no need for one whatsoever.

Unless you have extra weight on your tractor, it weighs about 6685lbs,
tractor - 4191
tires filled with water - 584lbs "thats 12.4x28 35 gal each at 292lbs x 2"
ML 232 Loader - 1410lbs
Box blade 500lbs if that much.
total about = 6685

The 4025 looks like a good tractor, and hope it does good for you, but the 5500 4x4 I have I use it alot. It really comes in handy with the front end loader and mowing on steep banks. I have been stuck 3 times out of the 6 years I had it, 2 of the times was just plan stupid. The other one happen when a steep bank sleed out from under me.

 

[RADIUM]

just my two cents ;-), growing up on a farm my entire life always had 2 WD tractors by the early 80s the first 4x4 hit the farm never looked back. There have been a lot of good points for either decision however I would lean towards having it you will never regret having a four-wheel drive tractor just common sense especially if it's your only tractor. One other quick question are you buying a cab Or open platform? one other quick point if you're using the loader I couldn't imagine a tractor without four-wheel drive ask my brother who curses every time he needs to head to the field in a wet spring like this year LOL stuck three times take care

 

[ShannonCole888]

The video was the closest comparison I have found. I can use experience with the comparison, because I have never owned a tractor. I believe, from what I have observed, the added weight of the 4wd axle on a tractor that is 4wd, seems to contribute to it getting stuck in muddy, or wet soil.. If you want to see a pretty good example of why 4wd doesn't seem to really help in sticky situations check this video out YouTube - ‪4x4 tractor stuck in mud‬‏. The bucket is obviously the added benifit here. Anyways, I haven't seen a 4wd tractor be able to track through anything a 2wd won't. I am not saying that a 4wd won't, but I seen to evidence to support that at this time. Wherever a 2wd gets stuck, a 4wd appears to as well. I would like to use the same tractor in the same conditions, one 2wd, and the other 4wd to compare the difference for myself, but from what I can tell, 4wd on most tractors isn't really an added benifit. If the 2 large rear ag tires won't push in through a situation, front wheel assist isn't likely to help, unless the front tires on the exact same size as the rear, with equal power to them. I appreciate the feedback.. I do agree I would not be offroading like the ZETOR tractor video, but they probably do logging work, noticed the log winch skids on the back, and don't have atv's, or the money for such..

 

[ShannonCole888]

The tractors I have looked at are, The Massey Ferguson 2605, 2615,2625,2635 2wd-4wd, 2650hd,2660hd 2wd, New Holland T4020,T4030 2wd, Case IH, Farmall 45A,55A,65A,75A,75c 2wd-4wd, International Farmall Super M, Allis Chalmers Diesel, D-14 2wd, John Deere 5045d, 5055d, 2wd, the one I have considered the strongest is the Massey Ferguson 2605 2wd, but I have considered the 4wd. I like Massey Ferguson, I sort of do kind of wish the 2605 had rear differential lock, the 2615 does though, but doesn't look as balanced as the 2605 though. I would like to also point out that, it is true, the old timers, didn't seem to complain about not having 4wd, or wishing they did. 4wd was available then as well. Nor did they complain about a rear differential lock either. They managed just fine, without the added conviences, so readily availabe to us today. I mean at least we aren't behind horses you know..? I have considered a belgian draft horse. They are a lot more cheaper, to buy upfront.

 

[SixHoeBob]

Unbelievable:confused2:

I would go with the Belgians. If you want prove the group wrong (4wd users), the Belgians would definitely make a statement. But then they are four hoof drive.

Read posts 57 and 58. The OP is looking at tractors ranging from 15 to 75 hp. The only thing he is set on is that he wants a 2wd.

I know where there are two nice 8N Fords for sale. 2wd, basic tractors, three point hitch, good running condition. Good sheet metal and general appearance, The pair of 8Ns could be had for less than a third of the price of a 4wd CUT. Just bring CASH.

 

[k0ua]

The tractors I have looked at are, The Massey Ferguson 2605, 2615,2625,2635 2wd-4wd, 2650hd,2660hd 2wd, New Holland T4020,T4030 2wd, Case IH, Farmall 45A,55A,65A,75A,75c 2wd-4wd, International Farmall Super M, Allis Chalmers Diesel, D-14 2wd, John Deere 5045d, 5055d, 2wd, the one I have considered the strongest is the Massey Ferguson 2605 2wd, but I have considered the 4wd. I like Massey Ferguson, I sort of do kind of wish the 2605 had rear differential lock, the 2615 does though, but doesn't look as balanced as the 2605 though. I would like to also point out that, it is true, the old timers, didn't seem to complain about not having 4wd, or wishing they did. 4wd was available then as well. Nor did they complain about a rear differential lock either. They managed just fine, without the added conviences, so readily availabe to us today. I mean at least we aren't behind horses you know..? I have considered a belgian draft horse. They are a lot more cheaper, to buy upfront.

I will make this short and sweet, as your have convinced yourself you need a 2WD tractor, But in a smaller tractor 4WD is invaluable, especially if you are going to do any loader work, or have slopes or muddy conditions. I have owned both, and without a doubt 4WD is quite a bit better. If your task's are mostly mowing on flat ground then by all means the 2WD will do you a fine job. We wish you luck in your endeavor.

James K0UA