Oil & Fuel Cost of operating in 4WD- just rubber and fuel?

[TractorDale]

Wondering how much time others spend in 4WD and if extended use will lead to problems.The job is to level 1 acre of sifted fill/topsoil with my TC29/6' BB (turf tires)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dale

 

[HomeBrew2]

Always in 4WD (except on rare occasion when on pavement).
When I buy a machine w/ gears in the front axle, I use it when off paved surface whether I need it or not. Let the games begin on this old subject

 

[john_bud]

I operate like Homebrew2, in 4wd most of the time.

There isn't any noticable wear differential front to back, nor is there much overall wear. The rear tires did have chains on for 5+ years (continuously).

jb

 

[jimainiac]

As long as you're not on pavement, it shouldn't hurt the machine to be in 4WD all the time, as far as I know. Sometimes, to experiment, I take it out of 4WD to see the difference. Pretty quick I'll start spinning the the rear tires, and back it goes to 4WD. You could try the same experiment to see if you need to be in 4WD.

 

[johnk]

I run mine in 2 WD. But if I am working in 1 area and I have slippage I put it in 4WD and keep it there until the job is done. Use common sense and all will work out. Happy tractoring...

 

[workinallthetime]

always in 4x4 mode here unless im on a long straight trip on the road or concrete. I use this as my gage on when to turn it OFF; if im turning and getting wheel hop then i may be hurting the front diff or drive line. i have actually broke the sheer pin in the front drive shaft before, funny thing was i was in mud and hauling wet clay the day it broke. 1.30 for new pin and about 15 minutes to put it in. I feel more safe in 4wheel mode since im living life on the side of a wet or hard as a rock hill.

2 pennies from me

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah, there are long discussions about this subject!!! Heheheheh. Everyone has their own ideas. Here's mine.

Use 4wd when needed. Disengage when not needed, regardless of type of terrain.

MFWD designed machines bind up when engaged either when running straight or when turning. This binding will cause wear. Examples of MFWD are our tractors with different sized tires front/rear and the mechanical ability to engage and disengage.

4WD designed machines do not bind. Examples of 4WD equipment are center pivot large AG tractors or loaders. 4WD equipment are generally engaged at all times with no ability to disengage.

I do a lot of work with my Kubota in 2WD. I notice a definite increase in drivetrain noise and a loss of turning radius when 4WD is engaged.

My final point. Do you engage 4WD in your pickup every time you leave pavement?? Treat your tractor similarly.

Now let the arguments begin!!!

 

[schmism]

im in 4wd virtually all the time, due to my frequent use of the FEL.

when i DONT use it is when im makeing really sharp turns as at full lock the front wheels will scrub the grass hard. (forgetting you have your foot mashed on the diff lock in the rear doesnt help either)

so for mowing usually not....

but i shift mine back and forth quite a bit....

 

[whodat90]

Argument against: It tears up the grass. I've got a tractor with ag tires, that tears up the grass. I have a mower with turf tires, it doesn't. Two different applications, two different machines. If you use 1500lb-3500lb machine to mow with, this may be more important to you than me.
My main argument for: My tractor (and most that I've seen) have no brakes on the front wheels. In 4wd, MFWD, MFWA, whatever you want to call it, braking force is transferred through the driveline to the front wheels. I'd rather have 4 wheel brakes than a pristine lawn.
whodat

 

[workinallthetime]

Yeah, there are long discussions about this subject!!! Heheheheh. Everyone has their own ideas. Here's mine.

Use 4wd when needed. Disengage when not needed, regardless of type of terrain.

MFWD designed machines bind up when engaged either when running straight or when turning. This binding will cause wear. Examples of MFWD are our tractors with different sized tires front/rear and the mechanical ability to engage and disengage.

4WD designed machines do not bind. Examples of 4WD equipment are center pivot large AG tractors or loaders. 4WD equipment are generally engaged at all times with no ability to disengage.

I do a lot of work with my Kubota in 2WD. I notice a definite increase in drivetrain noise and a loss of turning radius when 4WD is engaged.

My final point. Do you engage 4WD in your pickup every time you leave pavement?? Treat your tractor similarly.

Now let the arguments begin!!!

my denali is all wheel drive all the time and my 07 sierra has auto 4 wheel so i may not engage it all the time but when im off road and the situation calls for it im in auto.

but i do agree with most of your points. every situation is different