Is Full Time Use of 4WD a Problem?

[repete]

Lets assume that from the factory with new tires, both front and back are matched in rolling speed. The front tires are is in sync with the rear tires.

If we use the formula R (tire radius) times 3.14152 (Pi) then we get circumference. Lets say the tires when new, with no load in the bucket, have a radius of 15" on the tractor. That gives us a circumference of 47.178 inches. Remember that at this point the gearing is perfect to match the rolling speeds of both front and rear axles.

Now lets say we have used the tractor for a few years and the tires are down by maybe 3/4" in tread height on the front. Let's further assume you have 400 pounds in the bucket causing the tires to "squish" under the weight maybe 3/4". That gives a combined reduction in the radius of 1.5"

Again using the circumference formula but changing the radius to 13.5" we get a circumference of 42.410 inches.

There now exists a conflict in rolling axle speed between front and rear. This will be taken up by one or the other axle forcing the tires to skid on the ground surface (the ground covered must be the same). By shifting out of 4WD you eliminate the conflict and allow each axle to have independent rolling speeds.

I use 4WD only when I need it.

My two cents.

 

[k0ua]

I see you have a L3800. Not sure if this is a problem with all basic L's but my brother-in-law's L3000 didn't have grease fittings on the front axle trunions (front and rear pivot points). They wore severely resulting in drive shaft misalignment that wore out the splines on the shaft and couplings. Not really a 4wd problem - the misalignment wore the splines whether or not it was in 4wd but of course wore faster under load.

I can assure you all L3800's (and similar) they have grease fittings and the front one has a small threaded "port" you are supposed to open and pump grease until it oozes out the port and re close the port. The rear one you just give a couple of pumps as any excess falls inside the differential housing.

 

[k0ua]

Bottom line, Leave it into 2WD until you need it.. Thing is a lot of us "need it" just about 100% of the time except when we are on pavement, and some of us need it even then. Everyone's operating experience is different. Everyone's terrain is different, Everyone's loads and usage is different. As I pointed out leaving a tractor in 2WD would not be very useful, and even dangerous on my place, but be perfectly acceptable 90% of the time elsewhere. But in general terms, if the surface you are operating on, will allow you to feel the tire scrubbing or binding as noted by other posters, then it is time to switch to 2WD. If you never feel that because you operate on soft dirt or loose gravel or wet leaves,.. Well use your own discretion.

 

[idaho181]

I use my L4600 in 4x4 95 % of the time. I have over 160 acres of uneven ground and it's mostly bare ground or gravel roads. I have the Beet juice in the rear wheels and it is in our AG shop when not being used so freezing of the juice isn't a prob. I have noticed the front tires seem to wear more because of the continued 4x4 use.
Best Mike

 

[PitbullMidwest]

My '98 L2900 has 1400+ hrs and its been in 4wd for as long as I've owned it

 

[David Devuono]

My B4200 has been in 4x4 for 10 years and close to 800 hours. I have no pavement on or near my property. My B3200 also stays in 4x4 unless I go onto the gravel road (hi-range for speed) Guess my assumption is that they build these tractors to pull an implement all day in 4x4. If you did a lot of loader work with no counterweight, then I can see one shortening the life of the front gears.

 

[Dan W]

Lets assume that from the factory with new tires, both front and back are matched in rolling speed. The front tires are is in sync with the rear tires.

If we use the formula R (tire radius) times 3.14152 (Pi) then we get circumference. Lets say the tires when new, with no load in the bucket, have a radius of 15" on the tractor. That gives us a circumference of 47.178 inches. Remember that at this point the gearing is perfect to match the rolling speeds of both front and rear axles.

Now lets say we have used the tractor for a few years and the tires are down by maybe 3/4" in tread height on the front. Let's further assume you have 400 pounds in the bucket causing the tires to "squish" under the weight maybe 3/4". That gives a combined reduction in the radius of 1.5"

Again using the circumference formula but changing the radius to 13.5" we get a circumference of 42.410 inches.

There now exists a conflict in rolling axle speed between front and rear. This will be taken up by one or the other axle forcing the tires to skid on the ground surface (the ground covered must be the same). By shifting out of 4WD you eliminate the conflict and allow each axle to have independent rolling speeds.

I use 4WD only when I need it.

My two cents.

Right on the money Repete, now we have 4 cents worth...
Of course, notwithstanding doing what one must do (4x4 full time) to be safe...
Dan

 

[DT86]

If you get stuck in 2 WD you always have 4X4 to get out but if you get stuck in 4X4 plan on a long day.

When I was a bit younger and we used to go off roading I would leave my truck in 2x4 for this very reason. I would laugh at the guys who buried their trucks and had to be pulled out.

With my tractor however, it stays in 4x4 unless I'm on pavement. I don't have anywhere I would be stuck without it but the added traction is nice weather I'm feeding hay or making hay.

 

[buickanddeere]

I agree, use 4WD when needed it. Also save on fuel in 2WD drive. Maybe a lot of people don't care about that.

How many thousands of dollars a year does that save in fuel?

 

[dragoneggs]

I WAS shifting back and forth from 2WD to 4WD when 'needed' but I learned (took me two lessons) when I lost control going down a steep hill in 2WD. Really hard to shift 'on the fly'! The rears on my BX started hopping and there was no stopping. Scared the crap out of me. The first time it happened, I changed my underwear and I said to myself I will never forget to engage 4WD after I get off my paved pad in my driveway. The second time it happened, I changed my underwear, and said to myself I will never take it out of 4WD. I decided I am not going to waste any more underwear. Too difficult of terrain around my place to risk life and limb vs. premature tractor wear.

As James pointed out... the answer to whether full time 4WD is a problem, depends on your specific situation. I am rarely on pavement and only for short distances so it's an easy call for me. The only time I take it out of 4WD is to cycle the mechanism. I think all movable parts, switches, gizmos, etc. should be activated regularly to keep them in working order. Here I am talking not only your tractor but all of your tools and toys, and your own body parts for that matter!