New Tractor - Initial Impressions and Observations

[jgh]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

8/1

Wen, JimB & MJB, interesting thread if some is a bit off topic:

Wen if you make it and no one wants it, what have you got? Don't you want to ease up on the marketing folks (no dog in that fight, I'm a CPA /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif) because if they don't sell it, engrs won't eat? Some go over the top, but has that never happened to a PE? Let's check and see whose blood commonly makes up the fine red spray from the bleeding edge /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

And Wen, since my truck only crunches (really more of a shimmy) when the automatic 4WD is on, I don't think it will be the LSD, but I'll let you know what I'm told. The Benz SMgr has already diagnosed the need for a new transfer case there, but we are going for a second opinion b4 spending the 2-3 grand.

Sorry but I disagree on keeping the tractor in 4WD /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif. Traction conditions vary on our property, and turf damage is invariably greater in hardwired 4WD, based on my 12 years with the former machine, a Ford 1720. I personally am delighted not to have to watch and guess at the quality of grip in real time to switch into 4WD, something that commonly occupied me on the 1720. And let those wheels slip on the grass....not pretty /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif.

MJB, are you lumping the current GM system in with generic FT 4WD? I am really pleased with mine including the mileage. Since it only goes into 4WD when needed, isn't the mileage effect over regular 4x4 negligible? If not wouldn't the EPA have to test it separately?

What I have read in some of the auto specialty mags plays up the danger of flicking into 4WD on the fly if traction is already poor, as when you hit a patch of ice after dry pavement. It can cause loss of control, whereas even the less sophisticated GM system changes so fast that the physics are almost unaffected. And what if you don't see that ice /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif?

Car and Driver (?) really loved the new Silverado/Sierra in 99, and went on and on about the automatic TC /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif.

To bed to bed said Sleepyhead
Oh, no said Slow....

Goodnight, Gentlemen, I gotta go!

Jim

 

[MJB]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

JGH
I don't think the new GM system is actually full time 4x4. I believe the "on-demand" 4x4 just uses the same electric shift part-time transfer case and front central axle disconnect setup that the part-time 4x4s use, but adds speed sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine when wheel slippage is occuring and automatically engages the 4x4. Since the drive is only engaged "when needed" the fuel milage would be essentially the same as a part-time system. True full-time 4x4s use a center differential or viscous coupling in the transfer case which always sends some power to the front wheels even if it is not needed. These units usually also have a lock position for the center differential, which makes it just like a part-time system, for when it getts really slippery.

 

[W5FL]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

MJB,

My wife's Cherokee has full time 4WD and that is a really nice option. We get almost no snow, but get ICE. She can leave it in 4WD Full Time and not worry about it. With limited slip rear axle, the traction is very good. It also has anti-lock brakes that will stop STRAIGHT with one wheel on ice and the other on pavement. Every car should have this. It makes amateurs into professional drivers in an emergency.

Naah, Kubota tractors really don't need anti-lock brakes. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[jgh]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

8/1

Texas sun's gettn' a bit hot, I see. Wen's starting to think of his litt'l Kubota as a car /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif.

Jim

It's my birthday, so I'll see you tomorrow. Gotta go wax New Blue for the night out tonight....

/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[W5FL]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

Let's see now...

Texas set another record last month. 0.00 inches of rain in July. Guess the coastal has held out about as well as could be expected under those conditions.

Happy Birthday, Jim. I did wash my tractor before changing all of the fluids and filters. Makes it easier to find the drain plugs and dipsticks. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Rowski]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

Didn't quite know were to stick this reply. This info on the attached file is from GM. It comes from our service and repair sofware ALLDATA. I hope this will help and not start anything.

I know that some of the european manufacturer's use a full time setup. To acheive "part-time" they use the anti-lock braking system to slow (and even stop) a wheel or wheels that is spinning. Thay can even limit the power from the engine (regardless of throttle position)so the brakes don't overheat during needed traction.

Rowski

This was scanned in and then used with a text converter (to save space). It may not be perfect.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Rowski on 8/1/00 10:31 PM.</FONT></P>