FEL 4X4 or not

[harkur1]

I currently own a MF35. I use the tractor to blow snow and cut grass with a finishing mower as well as a miriad of other chores, grading driveway etc.

I have been exploring the idea of getting a new tractor with a FEL. I am targeting something in the 50 HP range.

I was at a dealer recently and he tried to steer me towards a 4 wheel drive tractor. He stated that the loader would be useless on a 2 wheel drive tractor.

My main use for the loader would be to lift things rather than to dig with. I have a saw mill and would want to unload logs off a trailer and lift onto the mill. with a set of fork attachments.

I have had a few tractors over the years, mostly older heavier equipment, never anything 4 wheel drive, my current unit goes everywhere I need it and it does not even have a differential lock.

Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Lou_B]

I have used my tractor with a saw mill just like you describe. 4WD makes loading and handling logs, slabs and milled lumber much easier and safer.

Lifting heavy weights is not is issue. Moving with the forks loaded is the problem. 4WD makes this much easier since the front wheels get great traction when the forks are loaded heavily.

Lou Braun

 

[Diamondpilot]

I currently own a MF35. I use the tractor to blow snow and cut grass with a finishing mower as well as a miriad of other chores, grading driveway etc.

I have been exploring the idea of getting a new tractor with a FEL. I am targeting something in the 50 HP range.

I was at a dealer recently and he tried to steer me towards a 4 wheel drive tractor. He stated that the loader would be useless on a 2 wheel drive tractor.

My main use for the loader would be to lift things rather than to dig with. I have a saw mill and would want to unload logs off a trailer and lift onto the mill. with a set of fork attachments.

I have had a few tractors over the years, mostly older heavier equipment, never anything 4 wheel drive, my current unit goes everywhere I need it and it does not even have a differential lock.

Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance for your input.

I would go for 4x4 if it was me. You will find with a FEL you will do many things you have not done in the past. That being said if are happy with your current tractor why not add a FEL? Will be much cheaper. Those 135's are good old tractors and should bring you some good money on trade if you decide to go that way.

Chris

 

[Builder]

I currently own a MF35. I use the tractor to blow snow and cut grass with a finishing mower as well as a miriad of other chores, grading driveway etc.

I have been exploring the idea of getting a new tractor with a FEL. I am targeting something in the 50 HP range.

I was at a dealer recently and he tried to steer me towards a 4 wheel drive tractor. He stated that the loader would be useless on a 2 wheel drive tractor.

My main use for the loader would be to lift things rather than to dig with. I have a saw mill and would want to unload logs off a trailer and lift onto the mill. with a set of fork attachments.

I have had a few tractors over the years, mostly older heavier equipment, never anything 4 wheel drive, my current unit goes everywhere I need it and it does not even have a differential lock.

Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance for your input.

A loader would not be "useless" and forks would certainly still be useable. If you can do all your chores without 4WD now and the ones you plan to do with your sawmill are on ground with decent traffic, then there's no need to get 4WD on your next tractor. Personally, I wouldn't own a tractor without 4WD because of what I do, but from what it sounds like you'll be doing, all you'll probably need is filled rear tires or rear wheel weights.

 

[crbr]

4 wheel, never regret. 2 wheel, wish for 4. Been there.

 

[whistlepig]

When you go 4WD with a FEL you will wonder how you ever lived with out it. A standard 2500# tractor with 4WD will out work a standard 5000# 2WD tractor with a FEL.

 

[Builder]

You guys are absolutely right, and I will not even think of a urinating match over what you say.

Even with that in mind, if the OP has no use for 4WD (at least going off his opening post I'm convinced he has no need for 4WD) then why should he get it?

I think he'll find a lot more uses for his tractor if he does decide to get it, though.

 

[whistlepig]

You guys are absolutely right, and I will not even think of a urinating match over what you say.

Even with that in mind, if the OP has no use for 4WD (at least going off his opening post I'm convinced he has no need for 4WD) then why should he get it?

I think he'll find a lot more uses for his tractor if he does decide to get it, though.

The 4WD option is not all that expensive these days. A bit more maintenance. Well worth the trouble.

 

[Thomas]

Great advice given so far,just because one has 4wd doesn't mean they have to use it,but if the time should come you won't regret it...now where did I read 4wd frontend are stronger than 2wd frontend.

 

[Lyrch75]

50 hp CUT tractor with FEL? 4wd would probably be a good idea, little tractors really seem to make full use of 4wd in most applications.

50 hp Agri class tractor with FEL? If your working area has a solid working surface with some room, 2wd would probably work ok for you.

One thing to consider with the 2 or 4 wd is resale. If you run your machines for decades, not a big issue, but if you do not the 4wd's tend to have much better trade in than a 2wd. At least in my area.