I know that the 4wd cost more money. When I bought my tractor (YMG2000D) I had to decide sould I go for 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. Some of the people that I work with kept on insisting that I buy 4 wd. I did not think that I would need it. My place is flat and mowed. I gave in and got the 4wd. The first time that I discovered how handy it really was when I was mowing. I was mowing up to the side of my barn, as I had done many times. It was a little damp I cut the wheel and the tractor kept on going towards the barn. It plowed up a rut. The problem was that I had kicked (big feet) 4wd out of gear. I run 4wd at all times. Some saw this causes undue wear on front end. I am a old 4wd guy, and unless you have lockouts you ain't saving nothing. I have had tractor 4 years and I swore that I would never have a front end loader. Bought one last week. You never know what the future will bring. big dan