My 2 cents... leave it in 2wd until you need 4 wd, then engage it to get the job done. No harm on slippery surfaces any more than on a dry field. Pavement or concrete won't do it any favours, but you don't need 4wd on dry pavement, do you?
My 2 cents... leave it in 2wd until you need 4 wd, then engage it to get the job done. No harm on slippery surfaces any more than on a dry field. Pavement or concrete won't do it any favours, but you don't need 4wd on dry pavement, do you?
I also agree. I live in pretty heavy trees and have need to turn tightly. You can very much feel the difference in the front end. In 4 WD the wheels grab and hop, same as they do in my 4WD vehicle. That can't be that good for the front end. I was also told by a guy at the dealer that I really trust not to use 4WD all the time and not to chain the front tires. Both practices he felt led to more wear on the front end. Not sure you would notice much difference in a tractor, but I can tell you my mileage drops in my vehicle when in 4WD and not just when you would expect it like Mountain 4WD
I think it might depend on how aggressively your chains bite. There are several chain styles to choose from. I'm no chain expert, you may want to ask people a specific question, what chains work in the woods? I don't think it's the same style you would use on icy driveways.
I have very heavy chains on the rear with 3/8" studs on every link, lighter chains in front with much smaller studs. I run in 2wd all winter to bucket snow off my sloped gravel driveway. As somebody else said, the front chains get your tractor to follow the steering wheel and I wouldn't give them up for what I use my tractor for.
