Mowing Mowing in 4x4

[JWR]

I'm in St Marys County on the edge of Chesapeake Bay water (a creek off the Patuxent River.) Yes, I have eaten at the Casselman several times. Yes, it is in Grantsville in Western MD which is on the way to/from my farm in Harrison County. Did not know there was Amish connection. Had heard that originally a family from Indiana came there and founded the place. They have an outstanding buffet but that might only be certain days.

 

[MHarryE]

Out of curiosity, is a 1400 pound BX23 in 4wd a lot worse on a lawn than my lawn specific 1000 pound GR2120 which is full time 4wd? Granted my larger tractors will rip up a lawn but I didn’t think there would be much diff between a GR2120 and BX23.

 

[diesel85]

I'm wondering the same thing about my little BX too, but in a slightly different context.

I'm wondering when I upgrade to a bigger (thus heavier) tractor, if it would destroy my lawn.

So going from a BX2200 or say a L3901/40. Granted, on the new tractor I'd likely be running turfs.

In comparison, my neighbor has a NH TC33 with loader and finishing mower with turfs and it doesn't mar up either of our lawns. So I don't think the weight matters, but it's a great question!

 

[atsah]

Out of curiosity, is a 1400 pound BX23 in 4wd a lot worse on a lawn than my lawn specific 1000 pound GR2120 which is full time 4wd? Granted my larger tractors will rip up a lawn but I didn’t think there would be much diff between a GR2120 and BX23.

There really woundn't be much difference, the width of the tires seems to distribute the weight really well, I don't mow with mine but I do drive on my lawn a lot and never see a mark on it..

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Out of curiosity, is a 1400 pound BX23 in 4wd a lot worse on a lawn than my lawn specific 1000 pound GR2120 which is full time 4wd? Granted my larger tractors will rip up a lawn but I didn’t think there would be much diff between a GR2120 and BX23.

There's a huge difference. The GR has glide steer. That de-clutches the inside rear tire on tight turns to prevent trashing the lawn.

My GR does a beautiful job, and keeps me out of trouble on a steep lawn. My BX would trash said lawn.

Z.

 

[Kubota Possum 2018]

Out of curiosity, is a 1400 pound BX23 in 4wd a lot worse on a lawn than my lawn specific 1000 pound GR2120 which is full time 4wd? Granted my larger tractors will rip up a lawn but I didn’t think there would be much diff between a GR2120 and BX23.

My BX has never been hard on my turf in 4 wheel drive

 

[4570Man]

I can feel a difference in the way the machine steers and it definitely rips the grass up worse in 4wd so I only use it when required. I don’t mow with a tractor because my Grasshopper is way better, but as long as it’s dry I’ve never had any problems driving tractors on the yard. I’ve even driven my 8+ton backhoe on the yard with no damage. That will wear a trail quick though. You have to drive in different places with it.

 

[JWR]

My BX has never been hard on my turf in 4 wheel drive

My BX2200 is not rough on the lawn whether 4wd is engaged or not EXCEPT when making tight turns. Tight turn spots are the ones that get skinned by the tires, esp if you cut around the same corners the same way every time you mow. In open areas and where there are no sharp turns I never see problems.

 

[Fallon]

I only put my machines in 4wd when needed on turf or pavement. This goes for my old 3,000lbs L3200 & newish 5,000lbs L4060. Both with loaded R4s. I could easily see tracks when turning in 4wd on either machine. Rarely much damage or tracks in 2wd.

Bigger machines than the Bs, but still somewhat relevant.

The L4060 is rock solid stable with moderate 3pt ballast no matter the load on the loader. The L3200 could get really light on back with a heavy loader load no matter the ballast. So you needed to be more diligent on the lighter machine engaging 4wd so you had brakes up front when using the loader.

 

[diesel85]

Thanks Fallon for the info.