4x4 Question

[RobJ]

Actually, the 4wd L4400 has a tighter turning radius than the 2wd L4400 by nearly a foot according to specs. But, that is based on one rear wheel being locked.

Do you really believe this? How could this be true? Does the 4wd have a shorter wheelbase? I also noted in my post that that is with the brake locked. NOT a true turning radious IMO. These aren't really meant to be a skid steer.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Do you really believe this? How could this be true? Does the 4wd have a shorter wheelbase? I also noted in my post that that is with the brake locked. NOT a true turning radious IMO. These aren't really meant to be a skid steer.

Back in the 1980's, when John Deere first introduced "Caster Action MFWD" on their line of bigger AG tractors, (XX50 series) the improved steering capabilities they offered actually had a shorter turning radius than the plain 2WD models WITH THE SAME WHEELBASE. Plain and simple, the front wheels turned sharper.

Also, in most cases, tractors, be it 2WD or "4WD" will have turning radius specs that are determined with slight application of rear brake. It's just one more way that most all manufacturers "improve" their specs.

 

[RobJ]

Back in the 1980's, when John Deere first introduced "Caster Action MFWD" on their line of bigger AG tractors, (XX50 series) the improved steering capabilities they offered actually had a shorter turning radius than the plain 2WD models WITH THE SAME WHEELBASE. Plain and simple, the front wheels turned sharper.

Also, in most cases, tractors, be it 2WD or "4WD" will have turning radius specs that are determined with slight application of rear brake. It's just one more way that most all manufacturers "improve" their specs.

But we're talking about a couple L models. And on the same model using a locked rear wheel the only way I can see the radious being smaller is a shorter wheel base and/or narrow width. Maybe the L4400's have a shorter wb with the 4wd. Otherwise I think something got lost in translation.

 

[Soundguy]

Do you really believe this? How could this be true? Does the 4wd have a shorter wheelbase? I also noted in my post that that is with the brake locked. NOT a true turning radious IMO. These aren't really meant to be a skid steer.

Perhaps the 2wd axle at oem set length was wider than the 4wd axle? Or? could turn sharper.. or the wheel width based on rim dishing was different?

Soundguy

 

[neverenough]

Do you really believe this? How could this be true? Does the 4wd have a shorter wheelbase? I also noted in my post that that is with the brake locked. NOT a true turning radious IMO. These aren't really meant to be a skid steer.

Locking one wheel is all about the turning radius. Tractors have been designed to pivot on one rear wheel since they were invented. It's all about maneuverability. Plant with smaller grain drills or row planters, or maneuver a tractor and loader through cow pens, you'll find out real quick how important pivoting on one wheel is.

 

[neverenough]

Not sure why the manual would even post that scenario, it's talking about having the inside rear wheel locked using the brake. I would hope no one would do that with the MFWD engaged. But ya never know!!!

If the rear isn't locked, it should have no ill effects using one brake to turn. Though if you are in a situation where the terrain requires 4wd, it's not likely locking the rear wheel will do more than cause the wheel to slide.

 

[RobJ]

Perhaps the 2wd axle at oem set length was wider than the 4wd axle? Or? could turn sharper.. or the wheel width based on rim dishing was different?

Soundguy

Well we were typing at the same time... Here are some fun facts from Kubota.com

L4400 2wd 4wd
Overall lenght 122.6 118.3
Wheelbase 72.8 72.6
Radius 9.2 8.5
front treadwidth 50.4-62.2 45.5 fixed
rear treadwidth 46.5-51.7 same for both.

I think we can see that these numbers would probably get us close enough. But I still don't think using the brake is a fair way to measure.

I'm doing my own homework next time!!

 

[N80]

The minimum front tread width on the L4400 2wd model is 5 inches wider than the tfront tread width of the 4wd model. The wheel base on the 2wd model is 0.2 inches longer than the 4wd model.

There may be a typo in the turning radius specs for all I know, but it is repeated consistently in all the spec sheets and feature lists. The turning radius for the 2400 and 3400 is a tiny bit smaller with the 2wd as one would expect.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

But we're talking about a couple L models. And on the same model using a locked rear wheel the only way I can see the radious being smaller is a shorter wheel base and/or narrow width. Maybe the L4400's have a shorter wb with the 4wd. Otherwise I think something got lost in translation.

I realize which models you were talking specifically of. My point is, just because a certain tractor is 2WD or 4WD doesn't always mean 4WD will have wider turning radius. Not a given...........

 

[RobJ]

I realize which models you were talking specifically of. My point is, just because a certain tractor is 2WD or 4WD doesn't always mean 4WD will have wider turning radius. Not a given...........

I understand, on the L4400 I think we've sort of proved that using the brake. Still, I wonder what the numbers are without using the brake. I'm sure someone with a loader full or dirt or a 5x5 bale doesn't like to use the brake to turn. Especially on a driveway, concrete, lawn, etc...with ag tires on the front.