loader on 2wd?

[vallyfarm]

How strong are the front ends on these tractors? Will they hold up to a FEL? I've run FEL on many larger tractors, all 2wd, but w/o power steering. I see almost all smaller FEL tractors have 4wd...Iknow it helps greatly with traction, but how does a 4wd w/o power steering steer compared to a 2wd of the same model if they had loaders on? I know the 2wd is a real bear, so I guess what I'm asking is how well do the 4wd loaders steer? Does the powered front axle help with the steering effort? Look foward to hear from you guys with some experience on this. Mike

 

[roxynoodle]

I don't have power steering on my 1510D. I am a 5'4" woman and can drive it just fine. I do have to put a little muscle into it when the loader is full. I don't recommend 2wd with a loader though on these small tractors. Mine often gets stuck if I forget to put it in 4wd. I suppose filling the back tires and adding extra ballast could help with that though. However, in 4wd I have only gotten stuck once and I had backed up onto an ant hill. I just used the differential lock and that did the trick.

 

[LMTC]

How strong are the front ends on these tractors? Will they hold up to a FEL?

Yes. And no. The front axle on the 2wd units is nowhere near as heavy as on the 4wd units. So yes, it will function with a loader, and no it will not be as durable. We have landscapers and nurserymen using 2wd with loaders, but the majority of what they carry is mulch, sawdust, etc. They are not putting a lot of weight on the front end on a regular basis.

 

[phatgemi]

I have a YM2000 2WD with a BushHog QT1846. It works well but I agree that it probably isn't real good for heavy duty use. I have had mine on for 5 years and never a problem until this year. Light duty use for the most part, moving dirt/mulch/gravel etc. Then I had a full bucket of dirt and was moving across yard slowly. I hit a small hole with the front left tire and the whole axle snapped off on the spindle. Had to order a new spindle and replace. Not a bad job and parts was only about 50 dollars. But did teach me a lesson on the fragility of the system. All said though, the loader is a very handy tool.

 

[Thomas]

Evening vallyfarm.
My sub compact w/full bucket in 4WD traveling over rough surface one better have good grip on the steering wheel,for if the front drive tire catches rut...root...off balance...rock it can be more than handful...heck you can get your knuckles slap...I went w/turf tires on all four and it does help in handling.

 

[Marlowe]

I have a loader on a small two wheel drive tractor. I'd rather have a four wheel drive with power steering, but what I have works fine within its limitations. If the ground is soft and I load it heavy, it gets stuck. If it's loaded heavy on dry ground it's tougher to steer, but I get it done. All in all, my tractor is a great tool to have around and does a heck of a good job. My wife and daughter both drive it as well. My wife told a friend the other day how happy she was that we got the tractor!

 

[greatrandini]

4wd is better for FEL but 4wd cost more and is one more thing that can break. You have to weigh all this for your self....

 

[justanotherjoe]

Get the FEL, they are a great tool, but be respectful of the limitations, and expect trade-offs like more maintenance. Grab almost full loads, not heaping loads. Car tires instead of ribbed tires may help steering when loaded, but will not help on making tight turns other times. You are going to need some weight on the rear, either loaded tires, wheel weights, a heavy box blade, or counterweights, or something.