4wd tractor vs 2wd

[nod]

I am looking at new tractors, probably a mahindra. Do the 4wd models give any problems compared to a 2wd? Is there more up keep to them. I have never had a 4wd, always got by with 2wd. Thanks for any info.

 

[Patiofarmer]

I just got a little 2015 HST 4wd... and I love it. If you get a 2wd you may not like the loss of traction (traction needed to do some things).

I've used full size skip loader tractors for years at work that were 2wd so I have something to base my statement on. They work-just not nearly as well in my opinion.

 

[mbohuntr]

I agree, easily twice the traction. I wouldn't use 4wd on dry pavement, just like a truck. Had larger and older farm tractors, and my 2615 has nearly the same power in 4wd.

 

[manganos]

Yes there is more to break but I wouldn't own a compact tractor that is 2wd.

 

[nod]

Looking at the 8560, probably gonna do it. I want to get a bucket for it too.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

nod, you will be very happy with the 8560, very nice tractor. Assuming that you will get 4x4 version. What type of work are you going to be doing with it?

 

[nod]

Bushoging, digging out beaver dams, pushing trees, moving dirt, grading dirt, nothing major. just a 50 acres to keep up. I have looked at different brands and keep coming back to mahindra.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

When I was looking back in 2004, I could not find any tractor in the same class as the 7520 4x4 Mahindra that had better all around specs. I believe that the 7520's replacement, the 8560 is in the same class. To get a better all around machine, you would have to jump up 1 or even 2 horse power sizes. This is not to say that the others are not good if not great machines, just that none that I know of match up when you consider all of the different specifications.

 

[RobertHorn]

I have 3 tractors, 2 are 2wd, one 4wd. I do not like the loss of turning radius. My last tractor I bought about a year ago is a M7040 Kubota, 2WD. Bought it just to pull a 10ft mower. Love it.

I find the 4wd frustrating in that you cannot leave it in 4WD. It is 4 Wheel assist. I find it very time consuming to keep shifting. The only complaint I have is with my 2Wd with a front loader on it. At times it would be nice to have more traction. However, I have gotten around this by putting a backhoe attachment on the rear. The extra weight is excellent and the backhoe is very handy. Expecially since I am usually working alone and need extra help moving/lifting stuff. Not to mention the ability to dig.

You can always add a 3 pt carry all with a barrel of water for weight if you need more weight on the rear end.

I have 2 Kubotas. I love them both. One has hydrastatic Transmission, use it to pull a finishing mower. I was looking at Mahindra when I bought my last Kubota. Kubota has some well designed tractors. Mahindra is heavier but more basic. Also, My kubota dealer was willing to find exactly what I wanted and go get it. I bought a brand new 7040 in December 08, it was an 07 model and they had rebates on it because it was over a year old. Fantastic price.

 

[DK35vince]

I find the 4wd frustrating in that you cannot leave it in 4WD. It is 4 Wheel assist. I find it very time consuming to keep shifting.

Why can't you leave it in 4wd ??

 

[MtnViewRanch]

With well over 400 hours, I have taken my 7520 out of 4x4 mode maybe a handful of times totaling less than one hour of use in 2WD.

Robert, why is your tractor so hard to shift in & out of 4x4? I push in the clutch and move the 4x4 lever on both of my Mahindras, no problems.

 

[Patiofarmer]

NOD

If you never bought a tractor before, I'd like to make you aware of what I just learned a few months ago.

There are tractors for sale called Grey Market tractors, they're from other countries and sometimes they aren't put together very well, and the also sometimes don't have parts available here in US. A low price tag sometimes is an indicator.

The others can tell you more if you're interested, but I just made sure that the tractor I bought was not Grey Market.

Patiofarmer

 

[manganos]

I'm not aware of grey market Mahindras

 

[yanmars]

My farm is in a hilly area. I seldom use the 2wd feature, normally the MFWD/4wd feature. For my uses a 2wd is not good, on flat ground that may be another thing.

 

[EFC]

I'm not aware of grey market Mahindras

If you sold your Mahindra to a guy in Panama it would then be a grey market tractor. Or if you bought a model that was never sold new in the US. It is just an importation tag not a symbol of poor construction.

Buck

 

[nod]

I don't think the mahindras are grey market tractors, I can buy parts from the town down the road. It has been a toss up between kubota and mahindra. I don't know. I think the 8560 might be considered a big tractor compared to the 7700 ford I have. Weighs about the same with more features!!! Shorter to the ground is better for my work anyway.

 

[bindian]

Why can't you leave it in 4wd ??

Because it is an Orange tractor!
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

I have 3 tractors, 2 are 2wd, one 4wd. I do not like the loss of turning radius. My last tractor I bought about a year ago is a M7040 Kubota, 2WD. Bought it just to pull a 10ft mower. Love it.

I find the 4wd frustrating in that you cannot leave it in 4WD. It is 4 Wheel assist. I find it very time consuming to keep shifting. The only complaint I have is with my 2Wd with a front loader on it. At times it would be nice to have more traction. However, I have gotten around this by putting a backhoe attachment on the rear. The extra weight is excellent and the backhoe is very handy. Expecially since I am usually working alone and need extra help moving/lifting stuff. Not to mention the ability to dig.

You can always add a 3 pt carry all with a barrel of water for weight if you need more weight on the rear end.

I have 2 Kubotas. I love them both. One has hydrastatic Transmission, use it to pull a finishing mower. I was looking at Mahindra when I bought my last Kubota. Kubota has some well designed tractors. Mahindra is heavier but more basic. Also, My kubota dealer was willing to find exactly what I wanted and go get it. I bought a brand new 7040 in December 08, it was an 07 model and they had rebates on it because it was over a year old. Fantastic price.

Mahindra is more basic? You didn't check out a 20 series on the new 60 series, did you?
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

With well over 400 hours, I have taken my 7520 out of 4x4 mode maybe a handful of times totaling less than one hour of use in 2WD.

Robert, why is your tractor so hard to shift in & out of 4x4? I push in the clutch and move the 4x4 lever on both of my Mahindras, no problems.

Brian,
On one of these forums is was stated to be a good idea to shift 4wd to 2wd every now and then. I shift mine back to 2wd then back to 4wd about every other time I am working her.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Sam V]

I grew up on the seat of an old "A" John Deere and we got along fine with two wheel drive. Now I have a 3525 two wheel drive and get along fine with it. And the thing runs all day long on 5 gallons of diesel. I may take just a little longer to do the tough jobs but it's sooooo much fun. :thumbsup: