Yet another newbie question

CAD2210 · Apr 20, 2004

Good Morning All,

I have been reading this forum for the past 4 or 5 months now and have used the information provided here to help me make my decision on what tractor was right for me. This past friday I received delivery of my new JD 2210, FEL, 62" MMM, and 47" FMB.
While playing with my new toy driving up and down my driveway getting used to all the control I had the tractor in 4WD and noticed that there was a moaning type of noise when on the asphalt in 4WD. My only thought of this noise was possibly the front wheel speed differs from the rear? Has anyone else noticed this? I do not think anything is wrong, but I will be using my tractor on the driveway in the winter for snow, though the traction will most probably be lessened by the snow I wonder if this is the case and will this noise continue thoughout the winter?

Thanks for any replies and for the previous 4-5 month of invaluable information

timb · Apr 20, 2004

Do NOT use MFWD on high-traction conditions such as your asphalt. Just like most 4wd road vehicles the system is not designed for that use. There are small differences in distances traveled by the front and rear tires and there is no where for it to go. Same thing happens left-to-right, that's why you have a differential - to handle the differential in rotation of the left and right tires. Just as with most cars and trucks with 'regular' 4wd, using that type of system where the tires themselves can't slip/squirm to adjust for the front-to-rear differences will eventually snap something. And probably something expensive. In the winter with snow/ice there won't be a problem on your driveway, and off-payment in the grass or dirt is also fine.

Tim

Soundguy · Apr 20, 2004

Driveline run up... and it is expensive to fix... on dry asphalt.. go 2wd.. 4wd is for limited traction / slippery surfaces only..

Soundguy

cadblaster · Apr 20, 2004

yeh, what they said! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
To answer your question to the fullest... You will absolutely want to use the MFWD on snow and there is no problem in doing so. The moaning will disappear under these conditions.

Don't forget about using the differential lock too.
The other day I was helping a friend move 3 truckloads of topsoil (with twin 2210's). I kept switching in an out of MFWD to pull away from the mound of dirt and then drive on pavement. Rear wheels kept slipping. It didn't occur to me until much later that I could've just used the diff lock instead. Doh! I guess I was out of practice.

beenthere · Apr 20, 2004

One of the beauties of this forum is getting information from those who participate. For that reason, and with due respect for those who have offerred information to you, I would like to add information I have about the question you asked.

At a round table discussion with over a dozen Deere design engineers at the Augusta, GA CUT plant of Deere a couple years ago, the question was asked about damage to the drive train if left in 4wd while on pavement (as you questioned). The answer was that no damage can occur, as the drive train is designed to take that load and the wrap-up that happens.

Now, I take that information with a grain of salt, as I do not like to hear the moan and always put the tractor into 2wd (unless I am loaded in the bucket and need the traction offered by 4wd). However, I do not worry about doing damage to the drive train, based on the Deere engineers' comments. Maybe other brands are different, but Deere says they have the drive train designed to handle the load. One reason I like Deere.

If in doubt, write to the company and ask the question. I'd be interested in the answer returned.

I don't mean to impune the comments offerred, but felt responsible to the forum to pass on what I know and was told. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bird · Apr 20, 2004

I'm curious as to whether the John Deere owner's manuals say to not use 4WD on hard dry surfaces. I'd almost bet they do. And I believe the Kubota manuals do, also. However, in 1995, I was looking at a used B7100 on the dealer's lot. It was one of their rental units that they were ready to sell, and I noticed that it was in 4WD sitting there on the asphalt lot and mentioned it to the salesman. He told me they put all their rental units in 4WD and leave them there. Now I can't say whether that was just salesman talk or whether it was true, but I'd still use 2WD unless I was on a surface that allowed for some wheel slippage.

zuiko · Apr 20, 2004

If nothing else you'd go through tires really fast with 4WD on pavement... so that in itself would be reason to take it out of 4WD in my opinion.

cadblaster · Apr 20, 2004

( If nothing else you'd go through tires really fast with 4WD on pavement... so that in itself would be reason to take it out of 4WD in my opinion. )

Actually, the 2210 manual does warn that you will have undue tire wear as a result of using MFWD on hard dry surfaces. Or something to that effect.

mhalla · Apr 20, 2004

Straight from the 2210 operator's manual, page 20:

"IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Always disengage MFWD when driving on a paved surface, or when moving machine without engine running.

To prevent premature front tire wear, disengage MFWD when not needed."

Mike

Soundguy · Apr 21, 2004

I agree.. there would have to be scuffing.. as the fronts are probably leading the rears... Even if the driveline takes it.. ( which even if it can.. why put it to the test? ).. the rubber can't take it..

Soundguy