Loader -- no 4WD

Woodbeef · Jun 4, 2004

What you are describing is simple operator error. Still do not see how you can draw a conclusion about the tractor overturning more easily with mfd. For any and all loader work mfd is much safer and more stable then a comparable twd tractor would be.

neilly2 · Jun 4, 2004

Well it's interesting reading all the opinions.

No one screamed about the Koyker so I just ordered their 155 loader, 5' bucket, joystick valve. I feel like a dog in heat waiting for it.

I do have filled ag tires and my property is flat as a pool table, so I'm not to worried. You know my Kubota 2wd gets me in and out of places my buddie's 4wd Yanmar has trouble with. (same HP) No shot here at the Yanny, its a great machine, but just differences in weight distribution of different tractors, center of gravity, and heights make huge differences in performance. I've got more weight over the rear axle -- gives me a good bite, but the Yanny doesn't need $$$ worth of front weights to use the 3pt. lift.

Now, about tapping the loader into the tractor hydraulics.....

Ole_Hickory · Jun 5, 2004

Why would you back up the hill with a loaded bucket ? I always drive forward up the hill with my bucket loaded ?
And I always keep the bucket low to the ground until I am ready to dump the bucket. I would NEVER have a 2wd drive tractor again. 4 WD with a loader on it will out perform a 2 wd of the same size tractor with a loader any time.

have_blue · Jun 5, 2004

4 WD with a loader on it will out perform a 2 wd of the same size tractor with a loader any time. 

Depends. I sometimes move a pile of topsoil and forget to engage 4WD. Sometimes I don't even notice it until I go to turn 4WD off!

4WD is a God send if:

*The ground is slick or muddy
*If you're trying to dig.
*If you don't have ag tires
*If you have a small tractor
*If your scoop is a little too wide for your tractor

Otherwise, 2WD works fine.

Ole_Hickory · Jun 5, 2004

Otherwise, 2WD works fine 

For my type of loader work a 2wd would not be feasible.

Cub5k · Jun 5, 2004

I bought a Cub Cadet 5000 series with 2WD and a loader and am very pleased with it. No traction problems at all. I have moved a lot of dirt and gravel and even dug a 22X38 inground pool down to a depth of 5ft. I have been very careful with the loader as I believe that balancing the load is more critical than 4wd. Now if I was on hillsides or mud or whatever it may be different. I agree with whoever said the loader is the best money spent.

Zoomie · Jun 5, 2004

Rear ballast is necessary regardless, no? If so, then the arguments about the rear hoe is pointless in a 2WD vs 4WD discussion.

The skinny front tire argument can be remedied easily by going to R4s on the front, and might be the wise choice, if you plan alot of loader work with your 2WD machine.

Terrain can make a big difference, but if you have challenging terrain, then even pulling a rotary cutter can be a problem with 2WD.

In my experiecne, 2WD tractors can do alot of good, fast, loader work... of course all things are relative, and ther are conditions where 4WD would be better... but certainly, 4WD is far from necessary all the time.

slowzuki · Jun 5, 2004

I can almost guarantee nobody balasts their tractor the same as a TLB hoe does. Many tractors 3 pt hitch couldn't lift the weight of a hoe. TO be fair, TLB loaders take advantage of this and have huge loader capacity.

( Rear ballast is necessary regardless, no? If so, then the arguments about the rear hoe is pointless in a 2WD vs 4WD discussion.
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