4 wheel drive

[coffeeman]

Hi all

I was wondering if I should use 4 wheel drive always while in field. I guess pulling a disk or a big brush hog in not so smooth soil would be a good idea to use. How about when pulling finish mower on level ground? Would it be less wear and tear to take out of 4 wheel drive position? Maybe a little less fuel usage? I looked in manual and I don't see anything about using 4110 4 wheel either way.

Cheers....Coffeeman

 

[beenthere]

Good question.
I don't put in 4wd unless I need it. Your proposal for field work is probably a good one to get more traction.
For rotary cutting, if I am in the woods, I use it as I back up hills and also drive up hills. On a flat field, I likely would not have it engaged.

 

[thatguy]

Some of the literature I have read said that you use less fuel in 4x4 since you get less slippage and the power is used more efficiently... You dont want to use it when using a finish mower since in a turn the front wheels can 'churn' up the ground..

good luck

brian

 

[skipmarcy]

I'm not sure which is really better but I have always left my 4110 in 4 wheel except when on pavement or travelling in high range- no matter what the surface. I have cut many, many hours of "yard" type grass and my tractor has never damaged any of the turf from turning- and with the grass here in Florida growing in pretty much soft sand, it would sure do it if it was a problem. Your front differential keeps it from doing it. I have the industrial tires on mine, maybe ag tires could give more of a problem, but I think that would come more from the lugs than the front assist. To me, it's more of a pain to put it in & out of 4x4 when you need it, have always had to rock mine back & forth between forward & reverse to shift it and if you're slightly stuck in a low spot or whatever, you're going to cause more damage than if you had it in 4x in the first place. Just my opinion but it's always worked for me.

 

[demote]

I often leave my front wheels locked in but not when mowing as in making tight turns. As Brian mention about churning the ground, that may be somewhat similar as when I make a tight turn in my pickup when the front wheels are locked which seems to make it bind. When not on pavement I sometimes forget to take the truck out of 4X4 but when I make a tight turn it gets my attention. Danny