Does 4WD Make That Much Difference

[SPYDERLK]

There is a reason that most large Ag tractors now are 4 WD. Loss of Traction even 10% more than a comparable 4 WD tractor will cost you in fuel much more than the cost of the tractor when you consider the thousands of hours farmers put on tractor per year. 200 HP tractors might burn 200+ gallons of fuel per day so even saving 10% = 20 gallons at lets say $3 per gallon (fuel will eventually go back up from the $2.25 per gallon now), so $60 per day. Farm tractors will run at least 180 days per year or more if farmers double crop. So a 50% duty cycle so over $10,000 per year cost difference

True.

,,,I want to make a distinction between loss of traction and the wasted work of pushing soil that happens with running non drive wheels thru soft soil. ... By using a tractor to make its non driven tires "roll" over obstacles one can notice that larger/taller obstacles are obviously pushed, in contrast to being climbed over as a driven tire would do. This has to do with the relative speeds different parts of the tire have wrt earth. The bottom part of the tire has no motion wrt ground and will just glide over a low obstacle. Parts higher on the tire have a forward speed wrt ground and tend to push the obstacle ahead in an attempt to roll over. A driven tire OTOH will actively climb over as opposed to pushing.

Non driven vs driven tires that travel on soft surfaces sink in to a degree and present the same type of contrasting situation. The rolling wheel pushes some soil ahead, a total loss, while the driven wheel climbs up on it and shoves it rearward - much less loss. A 4wd discing a plowed field will go faster and will use less torque than if it is used in 2wd. A savings in fuel and tire and driveline wear.
,,,larry

 

[Garycw]

You don't need 4wd all the time. But... When you do, you need it! Every time you loose traction and can't do what your wanting or go where you want and get stuck... You'll be kicking yourself.

 

[BigTee]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge. It will be a 4WD.

I went to the Mahindra dealer today and I think I have narrowed it down to a 1538 or a 2540. Both look good but I can't find much info on the 2540, so right now I'm leaning toward the 1538.

Anybody know anything about the 2540?

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge. It will be a 4WD. I went to the Mahindra dealer today and I think I have narrowed it down to a 1538 or a 2540. Both look good but I can't find much info on the 2540, so right now I'm leaning toward the 1538. Anybody know anything about the 2540?

Wise decision! You may want to start a new thread with that title. Probably get many more comments.

 

[4570Man]

You don't need 4wd all the time. But... When you do, you need it! Every time you loose traction and can't do what your wanting or go where you want and get stuck... You'll be kicking yourself.

4wd is no cure for getting stuck or stop you from loosing traction. It just takes longer to happen.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Go to the Mahindra website and compare the specs. The 2540 is a lot more tractor.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I wish there was a way to capture and accumulate loose traction.

 

[Uncle Hulka]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge. It will be a 4WD.

I went to the Mahindra dealer today and I think I have narrowed it down to a 1538 or a 2540. Both look good but I can't find much info on the 2540, so right now I'm leaning toward the 1538.

Anybody know anything about the 2540?

It is a wise decision. I started out looking at the 1538, but for me, a 2555 ended up being the wiser choice. The 1500 series is made in Japan. The 2500 series is made in Korea and is considered an 'economy' series. There is VERY little info on the 2500 series, which I found/find to be really frustrating. The 5010 was the predecessor to my 2555 and there is more info for that model to be found.

In my opinion, the 2500 series offers more bang for your buck, but only you can decide what the best tractor for you is.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Navasot]

If price is a factor the 4540 4wd is right there with the price of a 1538...

 

[BigTee]

I'm giving the 2540 another look. The difference of 5 PTO HP might make a difference with some jobs.