For those who do any logging with 4wd

Madman_Mark · Dec 5, 2003

When hauling logs do you always keep the tractor in 4wd or put it in 4wd only when you need it ?

Slamfire · Dec 5, 2003

Since I doubled the rear wheels and tires, I haven't needed 4wd, although I have stepped on the differential lock a few times.

AndyMA · Dec 6, 2003

I pretty much stay in 4WD all the time when I'm in the woods or fields with my Ford 2120. On the New Holland TN75, I sometimes flip in and out since it's only a switch on the dashboard. The TN also has a switch to lock the differentials which automatically unlock it is on longer needed. On the 2120 since it is kinda a pain to go in and out of 4WD, I probably could run in 2WD a fair amount, I just don't bother. I do know that anytime I get stuck, it's when I'm not in 4WD.

Andy

Old_Hickory · Dec 6, 2003

My tractor is never out of 4 wheel drive.I could not go anywhere or do anything out of 4 wheel drive out here on in the hills and hollows and mud.

JeffRey30747 · Dec 7, 2003

I don't really do what I would call "logging" but I do move a fair amount of brush and encounter some of the same conditions. On my Kubota, the tractor stays in 4WD almost all the time. The only time I shift it to 2WD is when I'm on asphalt or concrete.
The Yanmar stays in 2WD unless 4WD is needed because using 4WD causes the steering to be more difficult on it. Putting new tires on the front while keeping the set on the rear seemed to make this problem worse. I suspect that this increased the normal overdriven ratio for the front wheels and the lack of power steering makes the symptoms more apparent.

Jeff

Boondox · Dec 7, 2003

I put my Kubota in 2WD a couple of years ago when I had to drive thru the village, but have never done any work out of 4WD. I like the control it gives me whether or not I'm bringing logs home. Pete

mgrick · Dec 7, 2003

Always keep mine in 4WD I couldn't get around in the woods without it or my fields.

Docsknotinn · Dec 9, 2003

When ever I am moveing wood or tree tops I am in 4wd. In fact I'm always in 4x4 when I'm working in the woods. The only Time I am ever in 2wd is driveing down the raod. A fair amount of time I need the 4x4 and the Diff lock.

tdenny · Dec 9, 2003

Mark,

Like most of the others I never take mine out of 4WD unless I'm driving on asphalt or concrete. Doesn't make any sense to not keep it in 4WD with all the hills I've got. Besides my loader is the most used attachment I have is my FEL and it works far superior with 4WD.

Ledgemere Farm · Dec 9, 2003

OK, I will be the odd-man-out. I almost NEVER put my tractor in 4WD! When I am twitching out logs with the Farmi winch, the front end of the tractor is pretty light, so all of the tractive effort is on the rear wheels and I pretty much steer it with the brakes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I finally figured out the right amount of ballast to add and now my little Cub goes just about anywhere in 2WD. I only use 4WD for steering in snow and when pulling a rake.