I did it. New XR4046H in the garage.

[RKJeepXJ]

Double post.

 

[k0ua]

There's tons of tractors with no 4wd indicator light. I'd hazard a guess that pretty much any machine that uses a lever for engagement will not have a light. If the 4wd is controlled by a switch then there will be a light of some sort.

I see no reason why or how it would be a safety issue not having a light on a lever activated machine.
A: look at the position of the lever
B: tell by the feel of the steering
C: tell by the sound of the machine

Even at that, so what it your tractor is in 2 or 4wd? How is that a hazard to you?

He is probably thinking about going down a steep slope, with a loaded bucket, and being in 2WD runs a risk of the light rear tires losing their grip on the roadway and sliding down the hill picking up speed out of control... It has happened to me. But as you said, you can glance down at the lever, feel the difference in steering, or just keep good situational awareness at all times.. Another option is do a mod... Put a microswitch on the 4WD lever, and put your own LED on the instrument panel.

My latest tractor is the only one of many that has had a 4WD indicator light. Actually two of them. One in the dash panel, and one built in to the rocker switch itself. But is is electricall/hydraulic operated so it was easy for them to do.

 

[RKJeepXJ]

There is a lever on the left side next to your diff lock. Pull up for 4 WD down for 2WD. Your attachment is invalid.

Pretty sure mine is opposite of that.... Did they change with the XR series?

 

[George2615]

Are the XR's different? I'm pretty positive my R4047 is down for engaged, up for 2wd.

Yes, on the XR you pull up to engage 4WD. (see pic).
Also a pic showing the diff lock next to the 4WD lever on HST. Its on the right side on gear models.

 

[George2615]

I found it right after I posted. One thing I don't like is no 4wd indicator light. No way of being sure it's in. Definitely a safety issue.

If one has any mechanical and electronic ability it wouldn't be hard to add a switch to the 4WD lever and wire it to a light on the dash to indicate whether its on or not.

 

[JBob]

He is probably thinking about going down a steep slope, with a loaded bucket, and being in 2WD runs a risk of the light rear tires losing their grip on the roadway and sliding down the hill picking up speed out of control... It has happened to me. But as you said, you can glance down at the lever, feel the difference in steering, or just keep good situational awareness at all times.. Another option is do a mod... Put a microswitch on the 4WD lever, and put your own LED on the instrument panel.

My latest tractor is the only one of many that has had a 4WD indicator light. Actually two of them. One in the dash panel, and one built in to the rocker switch itself. But is is electricall/hydraulic operated so it was easy for them to do.

This is a common situation for me. I have to cross a road to reach part of my property. It's on a graveled hill. Often times my tractor will "scoot" when the bucket is loaded. 4WD prevents this. Brakes don't work well either when rear tires are kinda in the air. Don't get me wrong, I love the tractor so far. I'm sure I'll get used to the location of the lever.

 

[George2615]

This is a common situation for me. I have to cross a road to reach part of my property. It's on a graveled hill. Often times my tractor will "scoot" when the bucket is loaded. 4WD prevents this. Brakes don't work well either when rear tires are kinda in the air. Don't get me wrong, I love the tractor so far. I'm sure I'll get used to the location of the lever.

Sounds like you need to load the rear tires or put more weight on the 3 pt.

 

[JBob]

Sounds like you need to load the rear tires or put more weight on the 3 pt.

Rears are loaded and I usually pack a tiller or box blade. It's just a combination of gravel and slope.

 

[Bluesteel]

Yes, on the XR you pull up to engage 4WD. (see pic).
Also a pic showing the diff lock next to the 4WD lever on HST. Its on the right side on gear models.

On my 4046 you pull up on the lever for 2wd. Lever down is in 4wd. That's what book says and the sticker behind the lever shows. I'm guessing the 4000 series is opposite of the 3000 series then?

 

[George2615]

On my 4046 you pull up on the lever for 2wd. Lever down is in 4wd. That's what book says and the sticker behind the lever shows. I'm guessing the 4000 series is opposite of the 3000 series then?

I didn't know the 4000 series was opposite. Post 14 shows my 4WD is to pull the handle up. Dont know why LS wouldn't make it the same on all models.