Buying Advice How do you check to make sure 4WD works?

[Treemonkey1000]

If you just lift the front tires with the bucket while it is in 4WD the rears are going to be still pushing you and may push the bucket into the ground or damage something. When you make a sharp turn in 4WD you should feel resistance in the steering where as in 2WD it won't be as pronounced.

 

[RoyJackson]

When you make a sharp turn in 4WD you should feel resistance in the steering where as in 2WD it won't be as pronounced.

You'll feel the feedback in steering (not just resistance, it'll kickback quite a bit as those front wheels try to straighten)...pretty good indicator. This is how I test 4WD in a truck too, BTW (unless I can find a dirt road).

 

[JasG]

That is a perfect test. If one knows what 'feel' to check for, and checks the disturbance a tire makes, this test is valid. Additionally, for electric over hydraulic MFD clutches, switching off the MFD during a hard turn will make the tractor lunge when the MFD clutch disengages.

I should have explained better. The test tells you if it is on of off, but may not let you know of some other problem u-joints, bearings, clutch etc.

 

[mmurphy]

If you are a serious buyer, take it to an imovable object and make her spin. Take a log chain with you, or hope it has been rainy, head for the mud hole!

 

[RoyJackson]

If you are a serious buyer, take it to an imovable object and make her spin. Take a log chain with you, or hope it has been rainy, head for the mud hole!

Another guy wrote a similar response. Problem is, I don't think most folks are going to let you do that.
I wouldn't (not without the tractor's full price, in cash, in my hand). Then it'd be, you broke it, you bought it.

 

[mmurphy]

These salesmen can tell when they have to step up the game to make a sale. Just like the car salesmen who are driving the cars with it floored down the road past me like I am sitting still, they know a temporary petal to the metal is not going to hurt a thing. If they are scared to let you try it, they are scared it may not be as tough as it is sayed to be.

 

[RoyJackson]

These salesmen can tell when they have to step up the game to make a sale. Just like the car salesmen who are driving the cars with it floored down the road past me like I am sitting still, they know a temporary petal to the metal is not going to hurt a thing. If they are scared to let you try it, they are scared it may not be as tough as it is sayed to be.

Maybe, but I would be mostly concerned about that guy who has no knowledge or respect for equipment.
Like I wrote...put the cash in my hand and I'll let you try that test.

 

[JasG]

These salesmen can tell when they have to step up the game to make a sale. Just like the car salesmen who are driving the cars with it floored down the road past me like I am sitting still, they know a temporary petal to the metal is not going to hurt a thing. If they are scared to let you try it, they are scared it may not be as tough as it is sayed to be.

Were not talking about compact tractor here, were talking full size farm tractors. I wouldn't do that or let anyone do that with something I was selling. Who is to blame if the chain breaks and damages the tractor or the driver? Or if the tractor does break who pays for repairs? I personally have seen chains break and the damage that can be done. With our court system today someone will wind up in court if anyone is hurt.

 

[RickB]

I should have explained better. The test tells you if it is on of off, but may not let you know of some other problem u-joints, bearings, clutch etc.

You will hear or feel bad u-joints or bearings far more often than not. U-joints in the steering swivels can be visually inspected on most tractors as well. A multiple disc clutch, maybe you can't test their full lockup capabilities. It takes a little skill and understanding of what you are hearing, seeing and feeling. Unlike many posting in this thread, I have been repairing tractors and troubleshooting problems for years, and your testing suggestions are the best and safest for the equipment that have been posted. Expecting a seller to allow a prospective buyer to chain tractor to a fixed object for testing purposes is an unrealistic expectation, to be very polite.

 

[mmurphy]

When I was a kid back on the dairy farm, my dad would look into a tractor from time to time. The dealer he always relied on would bring a tractor out to him to try it out. He told dad if you cant hook on anything that the tractor should do to get job done, you do not want it. Work the **** out of it, and off he went.
Now far as hooking on to an inmovable object to see if front wheels will spin when losing traction, and yanking time after time dropping the clutch while doing this is another story.
O.K. Instructions for those who do not under stand. Hook on to inmovable object, if front wheels start to grab it is working. PLEASE STOP pulling and dropping the clutch!!!
If salesman wants to warrant the tractor, then nothing to worry about. Take tractor of your choice home, and if it does not work then it is covered.