Traction How often do you guys use the 4WD over 2WD hi and low range

[Gary Fowler]

I didn't realize that! I would have thought the brake system would be similar to a car. Why would being in 4WD make a diffence to a wet brake system. I'm not mechanical but I assumed it would be two separate systems one gears and one hydrolic. Thanks I didn't know that! I love this site, the owners hand books are really bad. It wouldn't take Kioti much to set up an online tutorial and online access to service manuals. They coul even have it set up so that you could look up he manual click on the parts you want and it bring up an order form for your closest dealer! Off topic but would be cool!

Your brakes do work like a cars BUT only on the rear wheels (on USA tractors that is, some European tractors have front brakes also) so when you disengage the 4 WD, you can only use the skid resistance of the rear wheels. By connecting the drive train via 4 WD then you add the front wheels to the skid resistance since if the rear are locked via the brakes, then the front cant turn either. This gives you much more stopping power especially when traversing hills with a loaded FEL because most of the weight is then on the front wheels.

 

[KiotiJason]

Your brakes do work like a cars BUT only on the rear wheels (on USA tractors that is, some European tractors have front brakes also) so when you disengage the 4 WD, you can only use the skid resistance of the rear wheels. By connecting the drive train via 4 WD then you add the front wheels to the skid resistance since if the rear are locked via the brakes, then the front cant turn either. This gives you much more stopping power especially when traversing hills with a loaded FEL because most of the weight is then on the front wheels.

Ok I think I get, I assumed that I had brakes on the front wheels... I'm understand about the engine braking etc like what you use in a car 4WD. Thanks for the heads up as TBH I really am happy in 4WD and only really plan on using 2WD on my driveway to keep the system working and lubed.

 

[MotorSeven]

4WD 95% of the time and even on short runs down the blacktop(lot's of "steep" here) & yes without the 4WD/engine braking my driveway is just plain dangerous. I really think the biggest down fall is not to the front axle/gears....but to the tires. At almost 1K hours miles my fronts are almost bald.........

 

[KiotiJason]

4WD 95% of the time and even on short runs down the blacktop(lot's of "steep" here) & yes without the 4WD/engine braking my driveway is just plain dangerous. I really think the biggest down fall is not to the front axle/gears....but to the tires. At almost 1K hours miles my fronts are almost bald.........

Do you have be industrial tyres or ag? I have the industrial tyres and was wondering if they hold up as long as the ag tyres. I guess the real question is the stopping power of the ag over the industrial. I really don't mind the industrial tyres for my place as they arn't ripping up the grass and he wider tread gives a bit more foot print so I would imagine more stable. iMO

 

[jeff9366]

On dry ground Industrial tires have greater ability to transfer wheel/tire braking to the ground, due to greater ground contact area/'sticktion'.

In mud, ag tires have greater ability to transfer wheel/tire braking to the ground, as the lugs grip.

I can't think when this would have a practical application, though.

How long R1's last, versus R4's is more a factor of how the tractor is operated and when the owner feels it is "time" for new tires.

Some authors on T-B-N claim to have one set of ag tires on their tractor over thirty years, while at the same time complaining of tire rot.

Too dangerous for me.

 

[KiotiJason]

On dry ground Industrial tires have greater ability to transfer wheel/tire braking to the ground, due to greater ground contact area.

In mud, ag tires have greater ability to transfer wheel/tire braking to the ground, as the lugs grip.

I can't think when this would have a practical application, though.

How long R1's last, versus R4's is more a factor of how the tractor is operated and when the owner feels it is "time" for new tires.

Some authors on T-B-N claim to have one set of ag tires on a tractor over thirty years, while at the same time complaining of tire rot.

Too dangerous for me.

I had to replace my rear tyres on my Fordson at $1000 each...ouch. But I have to say the difference in stability was outstanding. After many many years the side wall loose their strength. I opted for the very best quality and after three years have only just worn off the mold marks. I'm hoping that I'll get several years out of the Kioti however I haven't seen any feedback on here. I am mostly worried about a puncture with the industrials.

 

[MotorSeven]

Jason, I have Ag's on mine. The rears are in great shape & will go at least a couple thousand more hrs.

 

[WM75Guy]

4WD unless on pavement, which is rare. Mostly in low range, cruise set at 3 mph, anything faster and my back hurts the next day.

 

[RoMad]

I have industrial tires on the front of my L2900 and they are hard on the grass when I turn in 4WD. I usually keep mine in 4WD most of the time but if I am in an area where I like the grass to look nice I will put it in 2WD.

 

[Gittyup]

I too use 4WD all the time except on pavement. As for range, I often shift between 1L and 1H when doing loader work. 1L for digging into a pile and maneuvering up close to things, 1H for transport. With my gear tractor this has served me well and saves my clutch. I do have to stop, but I've gotten pretty good at doing it quickly.