Front-End Loader FEL's on 2wd tractors

beenthere · Nov 3, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

Pretty simple, things change as those years go by.
Used to plow with horses before tractors were available.
Used to walk to school, etc,. etc, and could still - but times change how we do things.

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MossRoad · Nov 3, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMCAK SMACK!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RobJ · Nov 3, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

Heck I bet most tractors today are 2wd with a FEL. Most of the very small B models (Kubotas and the like) have 4WD becuase they are so light they wouldn't have any push power without 4wd. That has carried overed to the CUT tracters that are a bit heavier than these models.

htiek126 · Nov 5, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

The real safety issue with a loader and 2WD is when the tractor is not balanced properly (full bucket) on a hill. You can end with most of the weight (traction) on the front axle, and the brakes are on the rear axle. Without the 4WD, the braking is not transferred to the front axle, and the tractor can take a brisk ride down the hill.

RoyJackson · Nov 5, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

( The real safety issue with a loader and 2WD is when the tractor is not balanced properly (full bucket) on a hill. You can end with most of the weight (traction) on the front axle, and the brakes are on the rear axle. Without the 4WD, the braking is not transferred to the front axle, and the tractor can take a brisk ride down the hill. )

Which is why you want adequate ballast on the 3PH.

As a new owner of a used Ballast Box, I'm a believer now.

777777 · Nov 5, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

Thanks all,

Ok, so the way I now understand it is that there really is no problem with an FEL on a 2wd tractor as long as it is balanced but weight on the opposite end. In other words, ballast on the rear and maybe loaded rear tires. Other than that, if you have PS to make it a little easier for steering, then there is no problem at all with it. Weigh is the biggest issue with the weigth being on the back end to compensate for the weight of the loader and load.

Great, thanks a bunch. Has really helped clear up a bunch of things in my own mind.

Have a great one.

Tom

Farmwithjunk · Nov 5, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

( The real safety issue with a loader and 2WD is when the tractor is not balanced properly (full bucket) on a hill. You can end with most of the weight (traction) on the front axle, and the brakes are on the rear axle. Without the 4WD, the braking is not transferred to the front axle, and the tractor can take a brisk ride down the hill. )

If you have that scenario in place EVEN WITH 4WD, you are placing yourself in harms way. Adaquate rear weight is every bit as much a saftey concern with 4WD as with 2WD.

I see far too many times, people attemting to over-extend the capabilities of small tractors. Trying to do more that they're truely capable of doing is a mistake. GET A BIGGER TRACTOR or MOVE A SMALLER LOAD.

Robert_in_NY · Nov 5, 2005

Re: FEL\'s on 2wd tractors

FWA is used by most farmers now. FWA tractors are more efficient in terms of work done per hour and fuel use for the amount of work done. The cost of FWA is paid back rather quickly if you do enough tillage work. So most farmers would not think you are nuts for wanting FWA on your machine. They would think you are nuts if you didn't want it (especially with a loader).