Front Wheel Assist

[Task]

What is the proper way to use FWA, and is it hard on FWA when turning?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

What is the proper way to use FWA, and is it hard on FWA when turning?

Some people only use it when their stuck or when they feel that they need the extra traction. Others including me never take it out of 4x4 mode. Remember that when the tractor is in 4x4 mode, you then have all four wheels for braking, but in 4x2 mode, only the rears brake. About the only time that turning in 4x4 mode is really hard on the drive train is when all the tires are on a hard surface, such as asphalt.

 

[beenthere]

I engage it when it is needed, which is most of the time that I am working the tractor and not just cruising from place to place.

 

[mojoinco]

My tractor automatically engages FWA. I have found that when I am maneuvering in a tight spot it sometimes has a hard time figuring out when it is needed (the sensing is some kind of torque sensitive device, likely a torsion bar) and it can be out foxed. In those situations it can be hard to turn and really digs the ground up more, but that is rare, and I am learning when that occurs and shut it of, or accelerate after I have turned. If you have ever driven a conventional 4wd truck and tried to turn and accelerate you will know what I mean. And yes, it is harder to turn (more than a little bit) with it engaged. Especially with higher traction tires (like R1's).

With the auto engage, I think it is working as it should in a turn -- it senses a differential pressure between front and rear wheels and applies power to the front axle, which may not always be better.

Like most things, if you wind up the engine and drop the clutch, you will eventually break something.

 

[beenthere]

mojoinco
Which tractor do you have that has auto engage?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

His profile says that he has a TN55.

 

[willfick]

When mowing a pasture 2-wheel is enough and doesn't tear up the grass maneuvering around the sprinkler heads. When turning the compost pile with the front end loader I'd want all four wheel pushing.
Wm

 

[Opti-Mist]

With FWA the front drive is slightly positive vs the rear. That means that the front tires are trying to cover the ground a little faster than the rear, that is how they assist. The evidence is that, in softer soil, the fronts will exhibit a tendancy to move the soil a bit as compared to the rears. As noted above, try not to use FWA on hard surfaces as the driveline will "wind up" and will be evidenced by difficulty is disengaging the FWA without backing up a little. Otherwise, use it according to your sense of need, it won't hurt anything other than scuffing the turf in turns.

 

[RoyJackson]

Mostly a matter of common sense...

I use FWA whenever I'm using the loader and plowing snow. I rarely use it when I'm mowing except in one area too steep to mow across (small area, but sloped to 35° to 40°) when I'm backing up and down. Brushcutting is when I need it (not too often).
BTW, if you're using the loader, up the inflation pressure in those front tires. I take mine to the maximum pressure called out on the sidewall.

 

[whistlepig]

I only use 4WD doing loader work. You don't want to leave it engaged on hard pavement or running down the road. That's hard on them.

 

[Task]

Lots of good advise here. Thanks to all, and thanks for the bonus tips on the air pressure.

 

[whistlepig]

One more thing I left out of my last post. My Kubota is not hard to turn in 4WD. I have to look at the lever to tell if it's in 4WD. That is the only way I can tell the difference.

 

[Gary Fowler]

My Yanmar is also not HARD to turn but it does need a larger turning radius to avoid digging in with the front tires. I use 4 WD when I am in an area that needs it like hills and wet spots. Othewise I use 2 WD. Sometimes even when doing loader work, I leave it in 2WD if I am on level ground and unless I need the extra traction because I can turn sharper with 2 WD. I will use the momentum of the tractor to fill the loader when loading loose material so traction is not a problem. If I get into really heavy clay soils and get a full bucket, I sometimes need 4 WD as the rear gets a little light at those times.

 

[sld]

I have noticed that I can turn sharper with the fronts helping. Sometimes, especially with the rear locked, the fronts will really pull the front end around in loose dirt or mud. To me, they never hinder turning on the soft stuff, they help.

 

[bstrom]

I have noticed that I can turn sharper with the fronts helping. Sometimes, especially with the rear locked, the fronts will really pull the front end around in loose dirt or mud. To me, they never hinder turning on the soft stuff, they help.

I've had the same experience, especially on wet snow. They really seem to pull the front end through a tighter turn. Granted they probably do tear up turf doing that however.

 

[D7E]

It's always better to only use fwd when neccessary..Thats why modern ag tractors with "Headland management" knock the 4wd out automatically when you lift the 3pt to turn..? Gives a tighter lock and less wear and tear..

 

[RalphVa]

I only turn mine off when going long distances on dry pavement. When clearing snow from pavement, it's on, of course.

Too difficult to get it in and out of 4wd. Easier to leave it on rather than need it and can't get it into 4wd.

They should make it turn on/off with a solenoid or clutch, like the power takeoffs are on my JD. It seems to be gear engagement, but that doesn't explain why it's so tough to get it out of 4wd at times. Must be a deep detent.

Ralph

 

[action156]

So just what is the difference between "FWA" and "4WD"?

 

[texasjohn]

Try this link for a description.... welcome to TBN.... yep, your question has been a topic on numerous occasions on TBN...me, I often incorrectly use either term interchangeably, although not technically accurate.

Four-wheel drive - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia