Is Full Time Use of 4WD a Problem?

[savageactor7]

Back when we regularly used the 6' woods mower 2WD was used.

For the last 5 years or so it's been it 4WD because of fire wood gathering, snow plowing, off the beaten path type projects etc.

What the other posters said about staying off the hard surface roads and avoiding tight turns...good advice.

 

[DarkBlack]

Also ... Each and everyone of us has our preference and will continue to operate as we see fit ... Right or wrong that what we choose to do ... After all it's ours and we assume the do's and dont's... And the repair bills!!!

Yes. If you bought a 4wd machine don't be afraid to use it!

 

[blueriver]

Yes. If you bought a 4wd machine don't be afraid to use it!

Yes sir .. That's what it's for to use when it's needed

 

[sandyc]

Winter is full time fwd otherwise I use 2wd unless I need the extra traction.

 

[DK35vince]

On my machine if the loader is on the tractor is in 4 WD. Always.
If the loader is off I us 4 WD as needed.

 

[Chilly807]

My MX5100 has a huge power-to-weight ratio and the only way to get that power to the ground is in 4 wheel drive. In 2wd, in my heavy glacial till soil, it struggles with a two-bottom plow with lots of wheel slippage and operator cussing. Put it back in 4wd and it's almost like the plow isn't there anymore. It's literally close to twice the tractor in 4wd. My 4wd lever is there only to take it out when roading any distance. Just my $0.02.

I think this has the most relevance of any post yet. The L3800 is a lightweight tractor, same as my L3400. Lots of power, the limiting factor is almost always traction. Mine stays in 4wd unless I'm bush-hogging a flat area or travelling on a dry roadway. They're not useless in 2wd, although not far from it for any task that requires ground engagement.

Loader work, pulling a plow or harrow, steep slopes, slippery surfaces, deep snow or mud, rough or awkward terrain, all call for 4wd with a light machine like this.

The front wheels actually have a slightly higher drive speed than the rears with new tires, so the front is pulling the back to a certain extent. Mine does bind noticeably on dry surfaces, like a garage floor. Try rolling it by hand with 4wd engaged then try with only 2wd. Big difference, which is why you get that gear whine when traveling on a road in 4wd, and damage if you do it long enough.

Sean

 

[ovrszd]

I think this has the most relevance of any post yet. The L3800 is a lightweight tractor, same as my L3400. Lots of power, the limiting factor is almost always traction. Mine stays in 4wd unless I'm bush-hogging a flat area or travelling on a dry roadway. They're not useless in 2wd, although not far from it for any task that requires ground engagement.

Loader work, pulling a plow or harrow, steep slopes, slippery surfaces, deep snow or mud, rough or awkward terrain, all call for 4wd with a light machine like this.

The front wheels actually have a slightly higher drive speed than the rears with new tires, so the front is pulling the back to a certain extent. Mine does bind noticeably on dry surfaces, like a garage floor. Try rolling it by hand with 4wd engaged then try with only 2wd. Big difference, which is why you get that gear whine when traveling on a road in 4wd, and damage if you do it long enough.

Sean

So even though your last paragraph logically describes what the tractor is doing in 4wd when it's not necessary,,,, you still want to stick with your statement in the 1st paragraph.

 

[Bluegill2]

Quote Originally Posted by IgroRockwell
My MX5100 has a huge power-to-weight ratio and the only way to get that power to the ground is in 4 wheel drive. In 2wd, in my heavy glacial till soil, it struggles with a two-bottom plow with lots of wheel slippage and operator cussing. Put it back in 4wd and it's almost like the plow isn't there anymore. It's literally close to twice the tractor in 4wd. My 4wd lever is there only to take it out when roading any distance. Just my $0.02.

I think this has the most relevance of any post yet. The L3800 is a lightweight tractor, same as my L3400. Lots of power, the limiting factor is almost always traction. Mine stays in 4wd unless I'm bush-hogging a flat area or travelling on a dry roadway. They're not useless in 2wd, although not far from it for any task that requires ground engagement.

Loader work, pulling a plow or harrow, steep slopes, slippery surfaces, deep snow or mud, rough or awkward terrain, all call for 4wd with a light machine like this.

The front wheels actually have a slightly higher drive speed than the rears with new tires, so the front is pulling the back to a certain extent. Mine does bind noticeably on dry surfaces, like a garage floor. Try rolling it by hand with 4wd engaged then try with only 2wd. Big difference, which is why you get that gear whine when traveling on a road in 4wd, and damage if you do it long enough.

Sean

So even though your last paragraph logically describes what the tractor is doing in 4wd when it's not necessary,,,, you still want to stick with your statement in the 1st paragraph.

I keep telling you guys, add counter weight to the 3 pt, or take the loader off and these light weight tractors are a completely different animal...

 

[Chilly807]

So even though your last paragraph logically describes what the tractor is doing in 4wd when it's not necessary,,,, you still want to stick with your statement in the 1st paragraph.

Sure do.. it's the price you pay for compact size and price. It is necessary, since most jobs mine does are more easily and safely accomplished in 4wd. When using 4wd is truly not needed, or would be harmful to the machine, it goes in to 2wd. There ARE folks that think 2wd tractors are superior to 4wd, however most of them have never owned 4wd.

Sean

 

[Bluegill2]

I am 100% in favor of 4wd & would only own a 2wd if it was a heavy chassis bush hog mower only.

Another way to try a get my point across, if you do not have much traction in the rear, your front wheel drive is going to be doing most of the work. Thus not very good on the front end and not getting full use of your tractor's ability.