Buying Advice Should A Front Loader Be 4WD?

[Loren49]

Advantage of 2wd - less expensive to own and operate - if loads are light or ground is firm and level - a 2wd is more maneuverable.
- I have a 4wd and have no desire to go back,

Loren

 

[Dargo]

Advantage of 2wd - less expensive to own and operate - if loads are light or ground is firm and level - a 2wd is more maneuverable.
- I have a 4wd and have no desire to go back,

Loren

I'm not quite so sure if a 2wd is less expensive to own because it will have considerably less resale in the FEL tractor market, but I do believe you are correct that they are less expensive to operate. LOL, right now my area is officially in a "severe drought". In my high clay soil it takes more than one smack with a hammer just to drive a nail in the ground!

I was pushing a pile of dirt yesterday and, for the first time ever for me, I literally heard my tires screeching like they were on concrete and would smoke rather quickly. Seriously. This was on dirt, not concrete! Since our lake/pond (I intermingle the words) is so low I'm digging out a new beach area since I can drive a loaded dump truck full of sand across my yard without leaving any tracks. The tires on my tractor right now are still the R4 tires I run in the summer. Still, has anyone else literally seen smoke coming off their tires on dirt? Yes, there was some dust, but the white tire smoke and the smell of burnt rubber is distinguishable.

 

[Dargo]

The guy loading mulch down at our landscape supply place doesn't need his 4WD much... beyond that, well... :thumbsup:

To be perfectly honest, I run my tractor in 2wd unless I need 4wd. My tractor is no beast by any means, but it too would load mulch in 2wd so, I'd have to say I'd use my FEL in 2wd in that application as well. I guess I just do need 4wd quite often when using my loader and my tractor wouldn't be the same without it. With my 3/4 yard bucket heaped, I get about exactly a full yard per scoop. When my soil had a moisture content, that was about 3500 pounds worth. The rears don't come off the ground with that load, but it sure won't back up worth a hoot in 2wd.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you go 2wd with a loader I would think the weight of the tractor will play a big roll on your successes. In other words, get a heavy (2,500lbs.+) 2wd tractor if that is your desire.

My 4x4 tractor is only 28HP and weights 5,200#. There is no way I could even peel the top layer of soil off in my lot with the tractor in 2 wheel drive and I have R1's that are filled. Nothing better than 4x4 and weight.

Chris

 

[SPYDERLK]

Advantage of 2wd - less expensive to own and operate - if loads are light or ground is firm and level - a 2wd is more maneuverable.
- I have a 4wd and have no desire to go back,

Loren

This is true. In very special cases 2wd will give no net penalty or even an advantage over selectable 4wd. There is almost always a form factor difference in 2 vs 4wd tractors -- the 4wd being shorter in proportion to its weight. This accentuates load bearing moving to the front wheels when using the loader. The rear wheels are unloaded very quickly and rear traction is lost..the tractor becomes tippy, etc. The 2wd is a little longer, moderating the effect. The 4wd needs the counterweight more to avoid tipping. The 2wd needs it very much for traction when the loader is being used ... esp backing up. Both of course need it to moderate front axle loading. The 4wd has a further advantage of being able the climb over objects with the driven fronts. Its much harder to push a wheel over any sizeable object and you lose valuable control of the steering action.
larry

 

[Grandad4]

Right now I'll be doing some dirt moving/leveling and driveway/turnaround building. Later on after the driveway is set, it'll just be typical driveway maintenance (750' driveway). I'll also be bush hogging (10 acres), moving round hay bales, fencing, and occasionally disking the field (growth maintenance).

I should also add that I'm not in a real hurry to purchase, I can borrow a tractor. But I don't want to be without my own tractor for an extended period, either. And I don't want to spend much; $8k is just about my limit. I hate to borrow money.

Thanks for all the replies, this is good.

- djb

If you can find an older loader equipped utility tractor in good shape, it will probably do the job for you and fit your budget. Something from the 60's or 70's, probably. Ford, IH, Massey, JD, etc., all had gas model utilty tractors. Some things to think about: 1) The loaders on those earlier model tractors were frequently over-built for the tractor they went on, so you could easily overload the front axle. Busted or worn front ends were not unusual... something to watch out for when shopping and when using one. 2) Even if you find a really good one, expect to spend some time and $$$ keeping it running. A 40 year old tractor, especially with a loader, has probably seen quite a bit of use, and stuff wears out. 3) Unless you want arms like a gorilla, try to find one with power steering. 4) Those older tractors typically did not have the easy-to-remove loaders of the modern equipment, which will be a disadvantage for mowing and field work. 5) You'll definitely need weights and/or fluid in your rear tires, so you will have one heavy machine, pretty much all the time. You'd need to be careful mowing, etc., in soft or wet conditions.

Just for a point of reference, go take a test drive of a new 35-50 hp tractor/loader from one of the major manufacturers, if you haven't been on one recently. That will give you something to compare against as you shop.

Good luck finding the right machine!

 

[Jay4200]

Still, has anyone else literally seen smoke coming off their tires on dirt? Yes, there was some dust, but the white tire smoke and the smell of burnt rubber is distinguishable.

My turfs spin all the time...slowly. Literally smoking the tires is a new one on me. OTOH, I know what I'm trying this weekend!! .

JayC

 

[catskinner]

The tractor pictured would do a good job, make sure it has a shuttle shift, or you'll be rowing the shifter.

 

[Ray_Fort_White]

I've noticed that when using my FEL in 4WD on my lawn, I chew up the grass when turning sharply. In 2WD I get less in the bucket but don't have to concern myself with making slow lazy turns. Overall, 4WD speeds things up for me.

 

[magicheater]

My 4x4 tractor is only 28HP and weights 5,200#. There is no way I could even peel the top layer of soil off in my lot with the tractor in 2 wheel drive and I have R1's that are filled. Nothing better than 4x4 and weight.Chris

What do you have? That seems pretty heavy for that HP. I have a B7800/30HP and not nearly that heavy. 2600 lbs. w/ loader and bucket figured in, add max calcium in rears for only an additional 225#. Still less than 3000# My L4350 would be near the weight you stated and she is 45 HP.