4WD benefits seen first-hand

[beppington]

Was pulling out trees of various sizes this past Saturday. Needed 4WD on almost all, sometimes even differential lock. Pulling one tree, it just wouldn't go; I realized oops I had put the tractor back in 2WD; when I put it back in 4WD again, the tree came right out :thumbsup:

Just saying, for those who aren't sure whether or not 4WD is useful, it has been for me. Not only for the tree yankin', but I was also discing some pretty muddy ground, & 4WD kept me moving thru it ... whereas in 2WD I would get stalled & had to lift the disc to get moving again.

 

[TripleR]

A similar thing happened to me yesterday as I was bush hogging as well as pushing trees over and uprooting them. On flat ground, I bush hog in 2WD and a couple of times neglected to engage 4WD when pushing the trees.

I used a 2WD up here in the hills for a few years, but went over to 4WD some time ago and my 2WD lives on our flat land farm now.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I head off into the woods fairly often. I'm sure I'd be walking back half the time if I only had 2WD...or else I'd just have to avoid undertaking some jobs. On the other hand, having 4WD means that when you are stuck, you are really STUCK!
BOB

 

[scoutcub]

4wd is a huge benefit. I recently dug out a hillside for my new garage, and the tractor stayed in 4wd after 2 minutes of attempted digging in 2wd. What a difference!

 

[MBDiagMan]

How heavy is your tractor? I pulled several pretty good size trees out of the ground this weekend with my 2WD 5045D JD. I had to use the differential lock on one of them but they popped right out of the ground. With FEL this tractor weighs over 6,000 pounds. With the smaller machines with less weight, the 4Wd is indeed mandatory.

 

[beppington]

How heavy is your tractor? I pulled several pretty good size trees out of the ground this weekend with my 2WD 5045D JD. I had to use the differential lock on one of them but they popped right out of the ground. With FEL this tractor weighs over 6,000 pounds. With the smaller machines with less weight, the 4Wd is indeed mandatory.

If you're asking me, mine's about 6,156 total (tractor + FEL + bucket + filled tires) without a rear implement.

My area is somewhat sandy here & there.

 

[Car Doc]

I agree 4wd is a must I wont ever go back same as pickups.

 

[Dargo]

I agree 4wd is a must I wont ever go back same as pickups.

Yup, agreed. The only reason I'd buy either in 2wd is if it were just plain dirt cheap. I've been that way since about 1977 or 1978. A lot of guys say that there is more to wear out with a 4X4. Unless I was playing and being just plain abusive, I've never had to replace anything in the 4X4 portion of either truck nor tractor. I've never regretted having 4X4 either. Even when selling, I get my money back every time. It's sort of like A/C. I've never regretted buying a tractor or vehicle with A/C; especially when selling!

 

[rekees4300]

Just saying, for those who aren't sure whether or not 4WD is useful, it has been for me.

Ditto ... without 4WD my tractor would be basically a big lawn mower.

 

[k0ua]

Yep 2WD tractor here in hilly Branson, would be worthless. I used one for several years further north in rolling hill country with pretty good success, but it was a very heavy tractor. I think that is one of the keys when guys say they are using 2WD tractors with great success, get a BIG one!. But our little SCUTS and CUTS really need 4WD most of the time, unless the ground is dry and flat. Of course proper ballasting helps a bunch. But why not "paw" with 4 instead of 2? Except maybe lawn mowing on mostly flat ground.
James K0UA