2WD or 4WD??

[xlr82v2]

But, just keep in mind...

4WD is NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT GET STUCK!!!

Many times, it can be a guarantee that you will get stuck EVEN WORSE, because it will take you in deeper into a situation that you shouldn't have gotten yourself into in the first place. That false confidence has humbled many... whether they will admit to it or not.

 

[GA WTDeer]

Yeah, Chip I've read many of your recent posts and have thought about trying to contact you to discuss it further. I posted a thread "To Load or not to Load"
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-buying-pricing/107452-load-not-load-fel-question.html
and described my property. Mainly I'll be mowing roads on a 160 acre hunting tract that is 150 acres of trees and 10 +/- acres of food plots. I have about 2 or 3 miles of roads and fire breaks. I have a hilly terrain and have fire breaks that go around young planted pines. I could see 4WD coming in handy but I also have a man with a 4525 4WD who I can hire for $55 an hour to mow fire breaks and save the $$ a 4WD would cost me. I live two hours from the property and don't make it down there often. My family suggests keeping "the tractor man" on call, save the $$ on the tractor investment, and just drive down and enjoy the property without all the extra work. My feeling is riding that tractor IS ENJOYING the property in itself!!

Just looking for feedback about the 2wd vs. 4wd debate and hope I don't with buyers remorse.

I use my tractor for the same needs, manage 340ac in GA. I looked at the 5103 and the MX5000su, but not knowing what weather I would be planting in ie rain before planting fall plots, I went with an L4400dt. Our roads are hilly and get washed out every year and went with a smaller tractor with 4wd than larger without, maybe look at a 990 if it will fit your equipment. IMO Like others have said remorse stinks, and it's alot of $$. Clay

 

[wolc123]

I went a lot longer than I should have without 4wd. Finally ended up with a 4120 4wd a couple years ago. I used to get suck around 2 times each year and had to wait until my low flat, mucky, bottomland soil was good and dry before spring plowing. With 4wd I have not come close to getting stuck and am no longer at the mercy of the weather. I still have several 2wd tractors and they have thier place, but would never again be without a 4wd. As far as loader work, there is a huge advantage to the 4wd as it allows you to fill the bucket with the smooth application of force, unlike a 2wd which forces you to use monmentum to get a full bucket in hard conditions. For any work in soft soil, 4wd saves a lot of fuel as no energy is wasted pushing the "dead" axle. If you have any mud to deal with, or will do significant ammounts of tillage, then I strongly suggest going with the 4120 or 4wd version of the 5103. In my opinion, 4wd is the only reason to buy a NEW tractor as there are tons of good condition used 2wd's out there for pennies on the dollar compared to 4wd's.

 

[LBrown59]

To me, a tractor comes in 4 functional parts
engine/transmission
3ph
FEL
4WD

To me no FEL no 4WD = No Tractor

 

[LBrown59]

If you don't get 4WD you will forever regret it. Always sticking there in the back of your mind will be the thought "I would have been able to get out of this jam if I'd gotten 4WD". If you're dropping that much money on a tractor, I'd say the 4WD is the only serious option.

Get what ya wan't or you may not want what ya get.

 

[LBrown59]

If you've read posts on this subject, you've probably seen me rant about 2WD. Here's my opinion.

If you get a 5x03 2WD, get the WIDEST back tires available. Don't even ask the price, get 'em.

If you're doing more than mowing, get 4WD.

I'm currently selling my 5103 to get a 5203 4WD. It's cheaper to get it right the first time.

More fun too~

 

[mstewart44]

Called the dealer today (Greensouth in Thomasville, GA) and the pricing / financing combo just doesn't fit the wallet to get the 4wd tractor. Just can't pass up the 0% for 60 months on the 2007 5103. I tried to talk to him about a different tire since I have read several posts about the skinny tires being a potential problem. I can't say I got a clean answer so I will discuss with him again tomorrow when we finalize the paperwork. Should take delivery Saturday on the following package

JD 5103 (the 50hp 2007 model) $12,999
arm rests $104
canopy $275
downward exhaust $75
512 FEL $4500
TW72 Rhino mower $1850
Brown 6'disc harrow $1850
5 years of JD insurance that covers theft!! $320
Plus a couple of bucks for the loan fee
No charge for delivery
roughly $22,000 and some change (I can edit when I have the numbers firmed up tomorrow)
with 10% down that's about $330 per month at 0% interest.
No too shabby IMO.

By the way, for those of you anywhere near South GA, N Florida, SE Alabama, Clint at Greensouth Equipment in Thomasville has really been a pleasure to work with.

Marc

 

[RobJ]

But, just keep in mind...

4WD is NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT GET STUCK!!!

Many times, it can be a guarantee that you will get stuck EVEN WORSE, because it will take you in deeper into a situation that you shouldn't have gotten yourself into in the first place. That false confidence has humbled many... whether they will admit to it or not.

Another good comment. I never got my 2wd truck stuck. Got my 4wd truck several times.

Either one you have to know your limitations. Plus a tractor isn't an ATV for mud.

 

[LBrown59]

Another good comment. I never got my 2wd truck stuck. Got my 4wd truck several times.

In 1971 I bought a new Ford PU.
I really wanted a 4x4 but settled for a 4x2 because it was cheaper.
It was the most helpless truck I ever owned and was always getting hung up. I kicked myself every time for not getting 4x4.

 

[unreconstructed]

Everyone has different tolerances for the 2wd vs 4wd option. I went 2WD on my last F 250--have stuck it 5 times in 5 years. Just ordered a XL350 the other day and went 2WD again. I know I will stick it again. I use the pickup mainly for hauling my 5203 from place to place and have unloaded the 5203 each time I got stuck and pulled the pickup and trailer out. Loaded up the tractor and went on my way. This sounds nuts to some of you, but in my mind the pickup drives better without 4WD and gets a little better mileage. Not worth it to some, but is worth it to me. It limits what I can do with my truck, but we don't go camping/driving up in the Northwest anymore and I am close by to help if I needed it. The guy that rents my farm stuck his 4WD in the same place I stuck my F250 and shelled his tranny trying to get out.

If I still explored in the wilds far from help, I would have 4WD no doubt.

So.....its what floats your boat. To me its that simple.

 

[VABlue]

My F150 was 2WD because it was ~5" lower than the 4WD model. That made it easier for my geriatric retriever to get into the kennel box in the bed. I never had any problems needing 4 wheels to get clear. Even on wet, slippery grass going up hill - I just started rolling in low gear. Never once spun the tires and never had issues gaining speed. That goes a long way toward keeping landowners happy when you're driving through their fields and not tearing things up!

 

[VABlue]

BTW, mstewart, congrats on the purchase! And good job in getting the FEL!!!

 

[RobJ]

In 1971 I bought a new Ford PU.
I really wanted a 4x4 but settled for a 4x2 because it was cheaper.
It was the most helpless truck I ever owned and was always getting hung up. I kicked myself every time for not getting 4x4.

Just to clarify my stance on other 4x4's. About 3 weeks after I got that 2wd pick up (my first truck), I vowed to never get another 2wd pickup. But I drove that truck for 4 years with no problems. Been 4x4 ever since (started in 1989, only on my second truck since). Same deal with my Atv's. Wouldn't own a 4x4 atv. Saved and got a 4x4. Then got a second 4x4. But I use those much differently. they weigh 550-625#, wide mud tires. With my truck I could get stuck in my front yard at the weekend place pulling a trailer if I wasn't careful in 2wd(it's a Ford SD CC LB 4x4).

Someone above mentioned 4x4 being the second thing to get on a tractor. Personally I go with a FEL over 4x4 but that's me. And believe it or not my tractor is also VERY useful without a FEL. Amazing I can do anything without 4x4 and a fel.

Also since we're talking about a 50hp tractor, personally I feel less 4x4 is needed. Get a 50hp tractor stuck and it's 4x4 and a pickup might be able to get you out.

Congrats on your purchase. But we need some pics asap!!

Rob

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. I've heard that one... "4wd just lets you get stuck farther from your house"..

That's how it worked the 1 time i got stuck on my NH1920/4wd.. I got stuck in a mud bog. When I drove in to cross that dry pond it was a little slipepry.. so i went to 4wd.. got another 10' and sunk tot he axles. .. had i just had a 2wd tractor i'd surely have went around!!

Soundguy

But, just keep in mind...

4WD is NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT GET STUCK!!!

Many times, it can be a guarantee that you will get stuck EVEN WORSE, because it will take you in deeper into a situation that you shouldn't have gotten yourself into in the first place. That false confidence has humbled many... whether they will admit to it or not.

 

[the_sandman_454]

You have to use 4wd in a smart fashion. Just charging into a situation in 4wd leaves you no extra option to get out. However, if you get stuck in 2wd and recognize the solution to the problem is using 4wd to back out of it, then it helps. Otherwise it just gets you stuck worse.

My truck and tractor are both 4wd (well MFWD on the tractor). My policy is to go as far as possible in 2wd, and then use 4wd to get back out. Except a few times when I've had to walk the tractor backwards out with the loader.

 

[LBrown59]

Buying a gear drive is like going back to the hand cranked telephone.

 

[Soundguy]

Not even close...

If my tranny drain plug drops out and i loose all my tranny oil in my gear drive tractor.. i can still back off a railroad track. lets see a hydro with no oil do that? ( Hope you can push real good! ) (wink)

Soundguy

 

[LBrown59]

Not even close...

If my tranny drain plug drops out and i loose all my tranny oil in my gear drive tractor.. i can still back off a railroad track. lets see a hydro with no oil do that? ( Hope you can push real good! ) (wink)

Soundguy

Since I don't operate mine on railroad tracks I guess I don't need a stick shift tractor then:

 

[RobJ]

Buying a gear drive is like going back to the hand cranked telephone.

Yeah but you can repair a hand crank telephone and use it forever. The new phones you just throw away.

Hydros are nice....until they break and you are out of warranty.

 

[Soundguy]

Since I don't operate mine on railroad tracks I guess I don't need a stick shift tractor then:

I don't operate mine on RR tracks either.. but i sure do have to CROSS a couple...

Every application is different.. some applications lend to hst some to shuttles, and some to gear. To make a blanket statement like your previous one that the 'old' technology of gear tractors is essentially obsolete is ..well.. just plain incorrect.. at least in this stage of the game.

Soundguy