Traction 4wd use

[TJP89]

In my case, 4WD only when needed, however, right now, with about 20" of snow on the ground, the tractor won't come out of 4WD until march at the earliest. In fall and spring, when everything's real muddy, I'm in 4WD all the time. anytime I'm in the woods or in a field, I'm in 4WD. Only on flat or paved surface with light loads am I in 2WD. So, like I said, I only use it when I need it, but I need it almost all the time:thumbsup:

There's a reason I bought a tractor with 4WD (MFWD, FWA, whatever it is)

 

[Tractor Tom]

4WD almost all the time. Breaking is the big factor for me, it's just to easy to forget to put her back in 4WD before you start down that knoll. Only to realize you don't have all wheels breaking..... Yes I know this from experience, and it's not a nice feeling at ALL.

 

[ritcheyvs]

My DK has an electrically controlled clutch to engage/disengage 4WD. So a it's very fast & easy to go between 2WD and 4WD (push a button). If getting into 4WD was iffy, my practices would be different.

My property is mostly flat so I use 2WD except rare cases when I need 4WD, like with a full loader bucket or deep mud. Even then, I go into and out of 4WD "on the fly". If you use 4WD routinely and get stuck (like in mud) you are really stuck with few options. When I get stuck on hard ground, differential lock is more effective than 4WD.

 

[murphy1244]

My DK has an electrically controlled clutch to engage/disengage 4WD. So a it's very fast & easy to go between 2WD and 4WD (push a button). If getting into 4WD was iffy, my practices would be different.

My property is mostly flat so I use 2WD except rare cases when I need 4WD, like with a full loader bucket or deep mud. Even then, I go into and out of 4WD "on the fly". If you use 4WD routinely and get stuck (like in mud) you are really stuck with few options. When I get stuck on hard ground, differential lock is more effective than 4WD.

Agree, my first move when spinning is to step on the pedal. If still spinning push the button, if still spinning go get a bigger tractor.

 

[All In A Days Work]

I have hill property so mine is in 4WD almost all the time. There are probably time I don't need it but I just leave it in. I take it as soon as I get on asphalt though.

To the OP, ron45, The big thing is if you take your tractor on asphalt take it out of 4WD. Other then that a lot of it is going to be personal preference I believe. The use of 4WD is one of those things that you will figure out with use.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

On my property, I've ample opportunity to get stuck. So much so that I've lined up people to call to get unstuck if ever needed (and I'll return the favor to them). Anyway, I'm in 2WD as a bit of the determination when i'm getting close to getting stuck. Rear wheel spins, and I hit the diff lock and flip the 4WD switch. As a soon as I'm clear, I stop and go back to a 2WD open differential.

 

[TJP89]

Agree, my first move when spinning is to step on the pedal. If still spinning push the button, if still spinning go get a bigger tractor.

Yes, bigger tractor. If my H can't pull it out, the only option is my local farmer's 200HP tractor, that can't get to most of my property. My theory is if I ever get the CK so stuck I can't pull it out on my own (don't see that happening), it's time for a new bigger tractor.

 

[cmore]

Only use mine when I think i will need it due to soft/wet ground or need the extra pulling power.

 

[Looking4new]

Yes, bigger tractor. If my H can't pull it out, the only option is my local farmer's 200HP tractor, that can't get to most of my property. My theory is if I ever get the CK so stuck I can't pull it out on my own (don't see that happening), it's time for a new bigger tractor.

Or time for a Jeep with a 8,000lb winch and a couple of snatch blocks.

 

[Msamt]

I've got a bit of a general slope on my land, so I'm in 4wd almost always, even when mowing (keeps me from tearing up the grass). Like previously noted, wont come out of 4wd till March at least too.