4WD v. FWD

Riddler · Aug 11, 2004

While I obsess over the green, orange or blue decision, perhaps a few good folks on TBN can help me keep my sanity by clarifying the functional difference, if any, between the 4WD available on the Deere and Kubota CUTs and the FWD available on the TCxxDAs. With lots of terrain and wet winters, I need all of the traction I can get. Will I notice less traction with the NH because it is "just" front wheel drive? Or am I dense as a stone to assume that there is any functional difference between the two set-ups to begin with?

DieselnHooters · Aug 11, 2004

its not FWD but MFWD =mechanical front wheel drive , its still 4x4

OrangeGuy · Aug 11, 2004

Different nomenclature; same results. Big rear wheels, small front wheeled tractors have essentially the same four-wheel drive systems.

OrangeGuy

_RaT_ · Aug 11, 2004

Much like the French, JD has a different name for everything but essentially its very similar or the same. Shuttle shift = Power reverser, MFWD is basically 4WD with some symantic differences not between Deere and others but between the accuracy of naming the two drives. Some will argue MFWD is more accurate except that every other person has to ask what it is. I suggest keeping it simple, 4WD works well for most of us. Lots of traction, consider some Michelin radial tires and be sure you get a tractor that has the power to turn them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Woodbeef · Aug 12, 2004

Technically speaking a 4wd tractor is always in 4wd. A 2wd tractor with a driven front axle added that can be turned on or off is called by many names,but is mainly known by the type of drive, mfwd(mecahanical front wheel drive) hfwa (hydraulic front wheel assist). Different companies over the years have called driven front axle set-ups by many names for marketing purposes.

Robert_in_NY · Aug 12, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I suggest keeping it simple, 4WD works well for most of us. )</font>

That is the main reason JD and Kubota use the 4wd designation instead of the FWA designation. It is so homeowners can better understand what it is without having to ask the salesman. The larger JD tractors do use the FWA designation. NH knows its buyers are educated about tractors which is why it uses FWA /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

DISCLAIMER: That last sentence was a joke. I do not mean to imply John Deere or Kubota compact owners are any less educated then New Holland compact owners. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

hillslider · Aug 12, 2004

No disclaimer was needed....we just consider the source!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

cowboydoc · Aug 12, 2004

In our area a 4wd tractor is one that had all four wheels the same size. MFWD or FWA refers to a tractor that has smaller front wheels than the back wheels.

Robert_in_NY · Aug 12, 2004

That is true which is why trucks are considered 4wd even though they are not locked in all the time. What gets me is Ford/NH and JD make tractors for vegetable farms and to get clearance they put the same size tires on the front that they use on the back. They are called mudders and are usually around 70-100 hp but are they 4wd's or FWA as they are not full 4wd? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif