GC2300 - Any Harm to Leaving it in 4x4?

[irwin]

Bad idea, I doubt highly there would be ANY mechanic, dealer or manufacturer that would suggest leaving it in 4 wheel drive all the time. It does cause excessive wear so why do it? Even if you could get away with just worn tires is it worth it?

Agreed. I'd just add this one word "Any COMPETENT mechanic, dealer or ..."

Now so I don't offend anyone there is a caveat... some people just live where it's too dangerous to use a 2wd tractor..ie: very hilly, muddy, icy ... but for the rest of us I recommend "use it when needed, disengage when not needed"
Just my .02

 

[irvingj]

Agree with others: only use 4wd when necessary.

I use mine even when mowing, but only because of, and when on, the steep slopes I have to negotiate. Keeps from spinning a tire. As soon as I'm back on flat ground, back to 2wd.

 

[20 20]

Agreed. I'd just add this one word "Any COMPETENT mechanic, dealer or ..."

When I wrote my post I figured if they're not competent then they really aren't mechanics :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Flat ground? what is flat ground? mine stays in 4 wheel, except if I am turning sharp on a hard surface. (road/driveway). so in 4 wheel 99% of the time. Also found out the hard way with a bucket full of gravel going down a hill, I had shifted to 2 wheel when I turned out on the road to make the turn with scubbing the tires, and was in 2nd gear going slow down the hill when the tires started to slip on the hill (it had some gravel on the surface) from the compression braking of the engine the rear tires were going slower than the tractor wanted to go with that load on. So they slipped and the tractor started to go faster and faster.. no use trying to use the brakes, that is the problem already. So just rode it out trying to keep it straight down the hill. Big drop off into creek at bottom hill. Stayed straight, and all ended well. But I should have shifted to 4 wheel, when I finished the turn. for better compression braking when in 4 wheel instead of 2 wheel. Same for actual braking, You have no front brakes period, BUT, when in 4 wheel you have the front tires slowing down and putting pressure on the road when you engage the rear brakes because they are solidly hooked to the rears by the driveline. If you dont believe it.just put a big load on and try braking going downhill in 2WD and then try 4WD. You will notice a big difference. I will take the wear and tear vs the safety of 4WD
my 2 cents
James
K0UA

 

[LD1]

If you dont believe it.just put a big load on and try braking going downhill in 2WD and then try 4WD. You will notice a big difference. I will take the wear and tear vs the safety of 4WD
my 2 cents
James
K0UA

I hope this is one of those rhetorical statements. I hope no one ACTUALLY goes out and trys this. VERY dangerous.

I know in the heat of the moment everythings happening so fast, and its easy to look back and say what you should have done, so don't take this the wrong way because I have been in situations like that before but.........did you even consider just dropping the loader to the ground???

It has helped me a few times. It will add weight back to the rears to help them brake, and just the resistance of it dragging the ground should be enough to stop/slow safely. Just dont curl down, leave curled up. Not only would you dump your load, but probabally break something on your loader.

 

[roamerr]

My kubota BX stays in 4wd most of the time. I have too many hills for 2wd. I hate mowing and slowing down due to a tire spinning. I also like the better hydrostatic braking when in 4wd. My view is damage to the tractor is not an issue as long as not on pavement.

 

[cdaigle430]

Is there any harm in leaving my tractor in 4x4 all of the time? Or should I reserve 4x4 for only when I absolutely need it?

Chris

If you don't need it, don't use it, if you think you might need it-use it and finally if you need it-use it.

 

[LBrown59]

1*Is there any harm in leaving my tractor in 4x4 all of the time?
2**Or should I reserve 4x4 for only when I absolutely need it?

Chris

1*No
2*I have a BX23 I got new in 2004 been in 4x4 since the day i got it And it hasn't hurt a thing .
If you can't do the same with the GC2300 perhaps you shoyld have went with a BX.
:laughing:

 

[k0ua]

...did you even consider just dropping the loader to the ground???

Yes about half way down, but by then I was just hanging on to the wheel with both hands and steering for all it was worth, as it was plenty "squirrely" with the rear tires grabbing/slipping at the pavement, and the very short wheelbase of a B7500. I had made that exact same run many times that day, but each time before (and after) I had shifted back to 4WD going down the hill, but for some reason I didn't that time!:confused2:
When things happen fast, sometimes you might not do the right thing, but, tractor and myself stayed intact that day:thumbsup:

 

[Axman]

4WD really eats up the turf more than 2WD so I never use it unless I need it. Usually in mud with heavy loads (like landscape rocks or fill dirt, etc).