When to use four wheel drive?

[DieselBound]

If there's no concern on tearing up turf/ground (and you're not on a hard surface) then there's no issue with running in 4wd all the time. As can be seen here in this thread, there are MANY reasons why 4wd is beneficial. That said, I look to use 4wd only when I feel that I need it. Used to be said that 4wd is for use when 2wd can't do the job- when you find you're stuck or losing traction then go 4wd and get the heck out of where you are! But, as noted here, there are several cases in which you ought to be in 4wd BEFORE any signs of trouble: hills and such. I run 4wd when doing heavy loader work (scooping; if I need to turn with a heavy load I'll pop out of 4wd- if, that is, it doesn't compromise traction or safety); also when doing heavy ground engagement activities.

I have a good sized, car swallowing county ditch that is on the edge of my property. I'll look to be in 4wd when mowing along the edge so that should I feel any slight give I can turn the wheel and throttle away from the ditch: the extra pull up front can be the difference between a long day of pulling a tractor out of the ditch and one of a sore rear end (from puckering real hard).

If my ground is a little wet and I'm going straight I'll look to run in 4wd to reduce the chance of rears breaking loose (and messing up the ground).

 

[cphilip]

I don't even know if mine will come OUT of 4 wheel drive. Nor do I care. I operate in 4X4 all the time. Its why I traded for 4 wheel drive.

 

[Omega Woods]

Last Fall I bought a JD 3038e I really like, but how/when do you use 4x4?

When you're only partially stuck and want to make sure to bury both axles instead of just the rear!

 

[dragoneggs]

I don't even know if mine will come OUT of 4 wheel drive. Nor do I care. I operate in 4X4 all the time. Its why I traded for 4 wheel drive.

With you, brother!

 

[Fuddy1952]

Ok...this has got to stop! You guys always catch me off guard. Every time a big mouthful of Pepsi...snorted through my sinuses, yet another ruined Samsung phone!

When you're only partially stuck and want to make sure to bury both axles instead of just the rear!

 

[dragoneggs]

Ok...this has got to stop! You guys always catch me off guard. Every time a big mouthful of Pepsi...snorted through my sinuses, yet another ruined Samsung phone!

Yeah I’ve snorted a few unintended liquids due to wisecracks on TBN. I guess partly the reason I keep tuning in!

 

[ovrszd]

I enjoy these threads as well. It's an educational look into the poster's experiences. Might learn something here that's useful in future threads.

My only question might be, do you leave your 4wd truck engaged all the time?? Do you engage it as soon as you leave pavement? Do you engage it when driving across grass? Do you only engage it when 2wd fails??? Inquiring minds want to know???

 

[DK35vince]

If my loader is on the tractor the tractor stays in 4WD. (I remove it to mow)
If I'm working on hills the tractor stays in 4WD.
As far as my truck, its snowing or snow on the road my truck stays in 4WD.

 

[Omega Woods]

Ok...this has got to stop! You guys always catch me off guard. Every time a big mouthful of Pepsi...snorted through my sinuses, yet another ruined Samsung phone!

Always glad to be of service!

 

[wagne223]

I enjoy these threads as well. It's an educational look into the poster's experiences. Might learn something here that's useful in future threads.

My only question might be, do you leave your 4wd truck engaged all the time?? Do you engage it as soon as you leave pavement? Do you engage it when driving across grass? Do you only engage it when 2wd fails??? Inquiring minds want to know???

With my truck, 2wd on pavement, I engage 4wd as soon as I leave the hard road going to camp. 2wd on my lawn unless I'm moving a trailer, and 4wd in any other grass. LOL!

Reasoning.....FL dirt roads are usually soft sandy surface. The truck tracks better in 4wd.
Heavy daily afternoon rains sometimes leave washouts and soft spots in the road.

I prefer to be prepared and keep momentum up then to start getting stuck then try to get out of it.

I also feel that it is better to cycle the tcase and front diff actuators regularly rather then let them sit in one position.