4 Wheel Steering on Hilly Terrain?
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texasjohn
Super Member
I'm assuming you mean "is using 4 wheel drive/assist on hills better than 2 wheel drive?"
To me, under any kind of uncertain conditions I prefer (for both safety and effectiveness reasons) to use 4 wheel drive. This certainly applies to hilly/rocky conditions in my neck of the woods.
For me 4WD improves the effectiveness of a tractor immesurably when you really need it.... tough conditions and bad terrain.
To me, under any kind of uncertain conditions I prefer (for both safety and effectiveness reasons) to use 4 wheel drive. This certainly applies to hilly/rocky conditions in my neck of the woods.
For me 4WD improves the effectiveness of a tractor immesurably when you really need it.... tough conditions and bad terrain.
3RRL
Super Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2005
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- 6,931
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- 55HP 4WD KAMA 554 and 4 x 4 Jinma 284
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm assuming you mean "is using 4 wheel drive/assist on hills better than 2 wheel drive?")</font>
I don't think so? I think he's talking about 4 wheel steering?
I don't think so? I think he's talking about 4 wheel steering?
davidseaquist
Silver Member
I own a tractor with four wheel steering and 4 wheel drive. It is awsome it handles a lot better than my little kubota bx22 that I sold. 4wheel steering does'nt require as much room to manuver and you can set it so that it creeps foreward and side ways at the same time. Four wheel steering has all four wheels the same size as opposed to large in back and smaller up in front. I haven't noticed any more stabilty issues on a hill than my little bx. when I used to roll over a small rock the old tractor felt like it wanted to tip over. My tractor is also continuous four wheel drive. David
coasterez
Banned
I have a JD425 AWS that is just awesome. BTW, my back wheels are larger than my front ones. I mow a 20 degree incline sideways without any fear of tipping. I would say that when coupled with a hydrostatic tranny, that AWS can't be beat for traction, stability, and certainly manueverability.
And for snow removal, AWS with my power front mount dozer blade will run circles around most other snow machines, even those much larger. I can plow sides even on narrow driveways, or straight ahead, and when close around cars, and buildings with incredible efficiency. I have a friend who has the same model tractor as mine but without AWS. He says his won't push more than about 8" of heavy snow very effectively. In contrast, I've pushed snows as deep as 25" without any problem at all, even uphill. I think at least part of that is due to the AWS.
The only negatives with AWS:
Can tear your grass if tractor is heavy - always turn while in motion, avoid turning while stationary.
Generally less ground clearance. My tractor is heavy and powerful enough to pull implements. But, the ground clearance limits what I can do, especially in broken soil. On my particular tractor the ground clearance on a non-AWS is more than double the AWS model.
There are some new models out that offer nearly the same turning radius' without being AWS. These might be worth a look. But, there is little not to like about AWS.
And for snow removal, AWS with my power front mount dozer blade will run circles around most other snow machines, even those much larger. I can plow sides even on narrow driveways, or straight ahead, and when close around cars, and buildings with incredible efficiency. I have a friend who has the same model tractor as mine but without AWS. He says his won't push more than about 8" of heavy snow very effectively. In contrast, I've pushed snows as deep as 25" without any problem at all, even uphill. I think at least part of that is due to the AWS.
The only negatives with AWS:
Can tear your grass if tractor is heavy - always turn while in motion, avoid turning while stationary.
Generally less ground clearance. My tractor is heavy and powerful enough to pull implements. But, the ground clearance limits what I can do, especially in broken soil. On my particular tractor the ground clearance on a non-AWS is more than double the AWS model.
There are some new models out that offer nearly the same turning radius' without being AWS. These might be worth a look. But, there is little not to like about AWS.
coasterez
Banned
Mine is going on its 13th season. Absolutely no problems with tranny.
capt_met
Silver Member
4 wheel steering is the way to go. the only time i would prefer 2 wheel steering is when loading on a trailer. but with a little practice even that is not a problem.
good luck,
metin
good luck,
metin
beenthere
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2001
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- Southern Wisconsin, USA
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- JD_4x2_Gator, JD_4300, JD_425, JD_455 AWS, added JD_455, JD_110, JD_X485(sold)
I wouldn't be without AWS (4 wheel steering) and have had that feature since 1996 on a Deere 425, 445, and now X485. No way to explain it other than "awesome". Traction that won't quit. Ruggedly built. Stability on hills. Quick turn-abouts that cut down drastically on reversing directions and mowing times.
Well.. I had made a deal on the Cub....Even brought it home. But it turns out that the Cub on hills was MUCH to unstable. Why you ask? Center of gravity. Operator sits to high in the air. The Cub dealer took the mower back as I did not even cut a bade of grass with it. A VERY good dealer I might add! The Cub looked great on paper but the x304 Deere AWS was the ticket for my situation. Much lower to the ground. Also a little wider. Don't get me wrong you get a good bang for the buck with the cub (and built like a tank) but the Deere was the right tool for the job! As other people have stated, TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!! Lesson learned...
coasterez
Banned
It is good you recognized your "mistake" before it cost you $$$. You made the right choice in AWS. I just cut my grass on 13 year old 425AWS and it's still pleasure to do so, even after all these years. Performs like the day I bought her. Just an awesome, awesome, cutting machine!
coasterez
Banned
It is good you recognized your "mistake" before it cost you $$$. You made the right choice in AWS. I just cut my grass on 13 year old 425AWS and it's still pleasure to do so, even after all these years. Performs like the day I bought her. Just an awesome, awesome, cutting machine!
