I only put it in 4wd when I get close to a muddy area. To make a generalization Summer is 2wd all the time, winter is 4wd. If you have trouble getting through with the 5100 and Ags, that certainly calls for 4wd.
Salesman said to only to use 4wd....
- Thread starter Dirtslinger2
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savageactor7
Platinum Member
If I'm using the FEL I'll stay in 4WD cause it's usually muddy around here. One thing I do differently is to try and avoid are real sharp turns if I'm under load in a muddy area.
Tractor Factor
Gold Member
Wow, you mean my tractor's also got 2WD? 
N80
Super Member
This has been a subject of great debate. I don't really have a set rule for when its in 2wd vs 4wd, but the vast majority of the time it is in 4wd. I personally think the Kubota bevel gear system makes it uniquely suitable to stay in 4wd without significant wear to the front system. As mentioned, turning is when you get the most stress, however, it is an open differential after all....its made to handle turning without damage and with minimal wear.
I can feel it when I try to turn in 4wd, but not much. After a previous discussion along these lines I tested several things on my tractor and on anything other than pavement there is no binding or even any feedback through the steering when turning in 4wd. Also, turning radius in 4wd is identical to 2wd. Damage to turf is usually worse in 4wd, but not always. As someone else mentioned here, in wet conditions if you turn sharply in 2wd the fronts tend to slide (a ribbed front might minimize this). This sliding does two things, 1) it tears up the grass as bad or worse than the fronts digging and 2) it makes the turning radius larger in 2wd than 4wd. I tested this too and was surprised to find it to be true. So sometimes with 4wd the turning radius and lawn wear are less.
I think a good rule is to do what you want with 2wd/4wd selection. I do not believe that keeping it in 4wd (when off road) adds any significant wear to your machine but keeping it in 2wd might reduce some wear. I do think that only putting it in 2wd when you get in trouble is a poor choice....at least it always has been when I do it. Bottom line, do what you want, your tractor can handle it.
I can feel it when I try to turn in 4wd, but not much. After a previous discussion along these lines I tested several things on my tractor and on anything other than pavement there is no binding or even any feedback through the steering when turning in 4wd. Also, turning radius in 4wd is identical to 2wd. Damage to turf is usually worse in 4wd, but not always. As someone else mentioned here, in wet conditions if you turn sharply in 2wd the fronts tend to slide (a ribbed front might minimize this). This sliding does two things, 1) it tears up the grass as bad or worse than the fronts digging and 2) it makes the turning radius larger in 2wd than 4wd. I tested this too and was surprised to find it to be true. So sometimes with 4wd the turning radius and lawn wear are less.
I think a good rule is to do what you want with 2wd/4wd selection. I do not believe that keeping it in 4wd (when off road) adds any significant wear to your machine but keeping it in 2wd might reduce some wear. I do think that only putting it in 2wd when you get in trouble is a poor choice....at least it always has been when I do it. Bottom line, do what you want, your tractor can handle it.
SCtractorguy
Silver Member
My old Ford was 2WD only so I just got used to what I could do with out the 4X4.
Now with the 3240 I leave it in 2WD as I am usually moving around the yard and don't want to tear up the lawn. I had a few logs to move last weekend and was spinning until I remembered there is 4 wd on this thing!! Woo hoo rev her up step on the rear dif and lock in the 4x4 and pull the logs no sweat!
I have left it in 4X now and just take it easy on the lawn, the R4's can chew stuff up a bit!
Now with the 3240 I leave it in 2WD as I am usually moving around the yard and don't want to tear up the lawn. I had a few logs to move last weekend and was spinning until I remembered there is 4 wd on this thing!! Woo hoo rev her up step on the rear dif and lock in the 4x4 and pull the logs no sweat!
I have left it in 4X now and just take it easy on the lawn, the R4's can chew stuff up a bit!
KeithInSpace
Veteran Member
Mine is a bit louder in 4WD. Extra whine comes from they HST. Don't know why. Plus, I'm always making sharp turns and going from grass to asphalt (driveway). And I park in my concrete garage.
So mine stays in 2WD unless I need 4WD, which is usually only when I'm doing heavy loader work.
So mine stays in 2WD unless I need 4WD, which is usually only when I'm doing heavy loader work.
kdm0811
Bronze Member
It is not that each tire must be able to rotate at different speeds. The problem with negotiating a turn in 4WD is that both the front and back axles are geared to travel the same distance. Of course, the front axle is traveling in a larger radius than the back. Therefore, it is traveling further, (while rolling the same distance) as the back. Something has to give, and it is usually the reason for the scrubbing of the turf.
LBrown59
Super Star Member
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- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
One thing that scares me about this is no front brakes going down hill If you happen to forget to put it in
4 wd first.
Tearing down hill with no brakes is a to late reminder i don't want to experience.
KeithInSpace
Veteran Member
This only happened to me ONCE. Since then, I've been amazingly good at recognizing a situation that even begins to approach precarious. I put it in 4WD if there is even a HINT at something being 'less than fun'.
PINGG2BLUE
Member
I agree with Mr Brown on this one. Had this happen to me once and i'd prefer it not happen again.
