Traction 4wd use

[k0ua]

Most of my ground is very hilly. I need 4wd most of the time, going up and down the hills. But it is so easy to switch out, so anytime it hits asphalt, It comes out with the flick of a switch.

 

[RockyNY]

4wd stays on in the winter, as I have no chains. Summer, 4wd stays off unless I am doing heavy loader work. I have no rear ballast other than loaded tires, and sometimes lose traction if carrying over 1500lbs on the forks

 

[KiotiJason]

So what do you see when you look at these three things? Trying to do some learnen here.

Yeah I'm with you Murph, not sure what you would look for.
My tractor is now at 120 hours and all in 4WD and I'm surprised there still no evidence of wear.

 

[stephan]

I'm in 4WD all the time and only take it out by exception, mowing flat ground, road, etc. I got some hills and rough ground and I don't really want to wish I had engaged when finding myself in a sticky or life threatening situation. That sort of situation would nullify any savings in fuel or stress on the drive train. Better safe I reckon.

 

[kiotiken]

4wd stays on in the winter, as I have no chains. Summer, 4wd stays off unless I am doing heavy loader work. I have no rear ballast other than loaded tires, and sometimes lose traction if carrying over 1500lbs on the forks

That's really hard on the front axle and the front wheel assist. I can't say I've never picked up something heavy without the proper ballast (your owners manual will list how much you need), but it's very rare and never if I need to move something heavy very far.

 

[KiotiJason]

That's really hard on the front axle and the front wheel assist. I can't say I've never picked up something heavy without the proper ballast (your owners manual will list how much you need), but it's very rare and never if I need to move something heavy very far.

I'm the same, when I had my tractor delivered the rear weight was automaticly included. Might be a reg thing over here for new tractors with FEL. My tractor is only 35 hp I couldn't imagine not using a counter weight. Occasionally I'll run up the driveway in 2WD just to make sure the selector is working but as I said before I am always in 4WD and I haven't noticed any excessive tyre wear.

 

[RockyNY]

That's really hard on the front axle and the front wheel assist. I can't say I've never picked up something heavy without the proper ballast (your owners manual will list how much you need), but it's very rare and never if I need to move something heavy very far.

I know it is, but it's pretty rare that this happens, and I certainly don't drive any distance like that. It's not like I'm driving on just the front wheels, but the back is light enough that it will spin on a slick surface. I am planning to build some kind of ballast the 3 point.

 

[PILOON]

My 2 cents.
Never 4wd on pavement because the front lead will cost U tire wear.
No problem on snow and soil as there is slippage due to that 5% lead.

Exceptions are downhill especially with a bucket load as the rear is very light so braking will easily become a wild skid and can actually accelerate. In 4wd compression will regulate your decent rate.

 

[Kioti Lee]

I have over 400 hours on tractor, almost all with 4 wheel drive engaged. This due to a number of reasons. Very difficult to get in 4 wheel drive at times, this was a real problem on a muddy hill that was steeper than I thought. Most of the ground on farm is muddy and sloped. I have not noticed any extra wear. Tractor NEVER runs on pavement. I just feel safer and more in control with 4 wheels working.

 

[tpulley]

I leave mine out of 4 WD unless I am using the front bucket carrying a load or something similar. The main reason I disengage I hate to tear up the paths/yard etc as I am turning. My farm has moderate hills and slopes so I don't hesitate to engage as needed.