4 wheel drive usage

[sandman2234]

Uncurling and dropping it. Just dropping won't work. Too much to do when you're hurtling down the hill and wondering why your brakes aren't working.

Ralph

Actually, I would think that just dropping it (all the way to the ground, not just "some") would in fact be enough, because it removes the weight from the front end that is typically the reason that the rear brakes aren't working. Plus even if it just slides along in the dirt, it does create friction, for quite an amount because even if the bucket is tilted all the way back, there is still a bunch of steel going to hit the ground. However, y'all do have to factor in the minor technicality that I live in FLORIDA where the hills really aren't hills. However, the pond I mow does have some interesting banks that require a lot of attention.
David from jax

 

[Egon]

Uncurling and dropping it. Just dropping won't work. Too much to do when you're hurtling down the hill and wondering why your brakes aren't working.

Ralph

It just takes one push.

 

[fried1765]

If it cant get it done in in 2wd use 4wd. On the activities you mentioned, 4wd shouldn't be a problem.
I assume you have the required weights on the rear end to help take pressure off the front drive train when torquing it.

FELs don't dig well, but that is what many are used for without bad thing happening. Everyone needs holes dug once in a while.

For sure have it in 4wn when on grades with the bucket full, otherwise you will go flying down the hill with no brakes.

When in 4wd, nice lawns will get tore up faster if you have aggressive tires. Don't run 4wd on long stretches of blacktop ore tires will wear out faster than normal.

Just my take on it.

"Everyone needs holes dug once in a while"
Yup ..... so true!
That's what the backhoe is for.
Does a great job...and no stress on me, or the loader!