New Tractor - Initial Impressions and Observations

[Anonymous Poster]

And Jim, one more thing, not having a loader will probably make it easier just because the tires can slip easier from the lack of weight on them.

If you're pulling an implement it lightens the front end even more.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Duh...

Mark already posted about the loader weight factor.

Rule 1...read all previous posts first then start blabbing...(broke my own rule)

del

 

[jyoutz]

Dave, thanks for your response, but I was just being tongue in cheek. I work for a federal land management agency and we have about 75 4wd trucks at my location (all makes). The Chevys just have a terrible habit of the front axles, ball joints, tie rods, and transfer cases going out. It's become a bad joke with us and we are definately going to see if we can avoid them in the future.

 

[jyoutz]

Rich, I plan to as soon as I get my pennies together. The boss says that I have spent enough for one year on tractor and toys (attachments). For some reason she thinks that going on a 10th anniversary trip is more important than buying a loader. Can't figure it out.

 

[jyoutz]

I stand corrected.

 

[JimBinMI]

richh,

I really wasn't trying to "pick on" the orange guys, it's just that they were the ones that initially posted the concerns/remedies. I've owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the present GMC Z-71 off-road and have never had a problem shifting to or from 4x4. MarkC did give a good explaination of the binding that can occur with more weight on the front end.

My main use of the TC18 is mowing and snow removal, however, I have moved 180 tons of fill sand, after being dumped, and removed sod and top soil from a 30' x 40' area...I'm convinced that I have a "real" tractor! /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

I also did not get the power steering option because I don't plan on using a loader. I have the poor man's loader, the rear scoop and can pick up more with it than a loader would, just a little more awkward to use looking backwards, but it does what I need it to do.

I do know that a loader would be a great tool, it's just not in my budget. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JimBinMI

We boys and our toys!

 

[W5FL]

JimBinMI

Take the Cherokee. Put it in Part Time 4WD on a concrete driveway. Drive forward and turn a little for about 100 feet. Reach down and pull it out of 4WD. If you really want some excitement, put it in low range.

Then take your rear scoop and put it under the front of the Cherokee and lift the wheels off the ground so you can get it out of gear. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[MChalkley]

It's ok, Del. I'm in worse shape than you are. I saw your post and said to myself: "Man, I meant to post that a long time ago!" /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Mark

 

[JimBinMI]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

Wen,

You crack me up...who would be idiot enough to be in four wheel drive on dry pavement? That's like 4WD 101! That's a good way to ruin some components!

Now for me cracking myself up...I sold the Grand Cherokee in 1995 when we got the GMC, I just remembered that it was Full-Time 4x4! Only had low range or high range, it was like an on-demand 4x4.

The GMC on the other hand is the floor shift for 4x4 low, 4x4 high, 2wd high and neutral. The only time it goes in 4x4 is on snow, dirt, sand, sod, and the like. I have never had a problem putting it into or out of 4x4.

JimBinMI

We boys and our toys!

 

[W5FL]

Re: 4 x 4 Binding

My wife's Cherokee Limited is made to run Full Time in 4WD. It does this by having 3 differentials. The part time option is also there for off pavement operation. All tractors and nearly all pickups are part time 4WD and are subject to driveshaft windup when operated on any surfact that there is not some slipage on.

Smart move on your part selling the Jeep.