Testing 4x4 operation

par4n1 · Jan 1, 2011

I wish to confirm proper 4x4 operation on a soon to be mine X575. Can I use a floor jack and raise the front or rear end to wittness spin? I was unable to take a hill or see any tire spinnig durning any normal test runs. I shifted from 2to 4 wheel on the fly but felt no difference. I thought it might feel like my truck in 4 wheel drive when you make a sharp turn and you get a grabbing action but again I felt no difference. Could it be that I can wittness the hubs turning like a truck when its fronts are engauged?

Is it best to try and floor the tractor while in 2 wheel drive, check for tire spin and compair to 4x4 hook up?

smstonypoint · Jan 1, 2011

I know nothing about your machine, but here's a recent thread (post #3) that gives some general advice for testing a 4X4.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/191598-gator-xuv-reverse-4-wheel.html

I hope this helps.

Steve

k0ua · Jan 1, 2011

Cross a shallow ditch very slowly at an angle in 2WD so that one rear wheel "unloads" and is in thin air. then hit the 4wd lever, and pull out of the ditch and you have proven 4WD. If you do it just right then you can have 1 rear on the ground, one in thin air and one front on the ground and 1 front in the air also. the result you go no where. Because 4WD is really just 2WD if traction is unequal. One on the rears turns and one on the front. 2WD is just really 1 Wheel drive if traction is unequal. So press the differential lock and move, or tap the split brake on the rear tire in the air and move. Just dont do anything unsafe
James K0UA

arsenix2001 · Jan 1, 2011

I have an x595... And yes it is like a truck, if you were to put it on pavement in 4wd thr front will be hard to steer and hop. The lever should be tough to engage with the wheels turned.

par4n1 · Jan 2, 2011

Thank you I will look into all the these means. I terms of front wheel grabbing I tested mine in gravel not on a pavement so perhapse it would feel no different then 2wd and I shifted on the fly while going straight at a very low speed ( 1 or 2 mph )

arsenix2001 · Jan 2, 2011

If that were the case you probably wouldnt have felt any resistance in the lever and the gravel would give. Try engaging disengaging the 4wd with the wheels turned going up or down an incline... But do it at slow speed... It doesnt like it for a reason lol.

Dutch445 · Jan 3, 2011

there should be a noticable difference in turning radius from
2wd to 4wd, the spec JD gives is 28" in 2wd, 48.5 in 4wd.
from their spec page:

Turning Radius:
Inside rear wheel:
2WD mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-in. (711 mm)
4WD mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48.5-in (1232mm)

even on gravel you should be able to notice it, on
hard pavement you should get some binding also (not recommended)

with a snowblower/loader on the machine, it's easy cuz you
can use the hydraulics to lift the front end and watch the front
wheels turn along with the rears.

par4n1 · Jan 12, 2011

All aspects of the tractor tested fine. Wow even the big Deeres have quite a tight turning radius and the power steering makes it all the easier. Having needed 3 hands to turn my Sears GT the Deere is like a Cadi.