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.

 

[Builder]

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.

They're not. In fact, I'd bet a 2WD front end is stronger from a reliability, cost to repair and durability standpoint.

Usually compact 4WDs will lose front end seals. They are expensive to fix. Tires are more expensive, too.

I have little use for a 2WD, but the guys that know their limitations definately save money at purchase and in maintenance.

 

[WilliamBos]

Are you looking at an equal size replacement?? Utility like your 35, not a compact.

 

[wolc123]

Durability of the front end, loader frame, etc, is actually a bigger issue with a 2wd than a 4wd. One might think that a 4wd would cause higher stress on these components, but, because a 2wd operator often has to use momentum to assist in getting a full bucket, while a 4wd operator can just power into a pile smoothly and without loosing traction, the reverse is true. Even a novice has to try real hard to damage a 4wd loader, while a pro can wreck a 2wd in short order if he is under the gun to get a job done. Broken welds, etc are much more common on 2wd loader frames for this reason. The only way a 2wd tractor is effective on a loader is if it carries a very heavy load on the rear axle, and that will cause issues with trailerability, soil compaction, tire longevity, fuel consumption, and overall stress on the machine. Also, as already mentioned, 4wd will cost you some more up front but you will make that up and then some on resale of any loader tractor. If you are one of the few who can get away with a 2wd loader tractor then I would strongly reccommend going with a used machine so you dont get hit with the massive depreciation that you would absorb if you buy a new one. Used 2wd loader tractors are selling today for pennies on the dollar, while you got to look real hard to find a "bargain" 4wd.

 

[whistlepig]

They're not. In fact, I'd bet a 2WD front end is stronger from a reliability, cost to repair and durability standpoint.

Usually compact 4WDs will lose front end seals. They are expensive to fix. Tires are more expensive, too.

I have little use for a 2WD, but the guys that know their limitations definately save money at purchase and in maintenance.

When I bought my Kubota I was concerned about the strength of the front 4WD differential. This is my first 4WD tractor. But after two years and 400 hours of trouble free with the 4WD I would never do it any other way. I have zero seal problems. The front tires are an issue. I have R4's all the way around. The rears are still like brand new but the fronts are wearing quickly. The wear on the front R4's is the only disappointment I have in this tractor. They will be expensive to replace. I only use 4WD when doing loader work.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

From a safety standpoint, when you are locked in 4wd you also have braking power to the front wheels. A big plus when carrying a heavy load and reduced traction on the rear wheels.

 

[RPW]

From a technical aspect 4x4 is probably better "if" you do a lot of loader work. For myself 2wd works very well. I use my FEL about 25 to 50 percent of the time. And that's only because I've been moving alot of round bales lately. Someone mentioned the stress of having to use forward momentum to scoop a bucket full of dirt with a 2wd and just power in with 4x4 on the front axle. I don't see it as the stress is in the bucket not on the axle during the scoop portion of the load. Also selecting the right gear (if that's what you have) helps. When moving dirt I generally use the "A" range and using the shuttle to change directions I've never had to use the momentum of the tractor to scoop full loads.

I don't know and I could be totally wrong but if your Job is loader work then yes an industrial loader would be ideal but if you're a weekend tractor operator then I feel knowlege of your equipment and knowledge of the job will work more for you.

 

[kenstrac]

You said you have a MF 35 do you have PS on it if not when it is loaded you will have a hard time steering it.

 

[soulasphil]

4WD and power steering as I now have on my JD 3520 sure make things easier and much more comfortable, but I used my MF 35 and her FEL for 14 years to carry dirt, stones, tree trunks, pull out stumps or do a bit of grading and found them very efficient too.

 

[Duffster]

Used 2wd loader tractors are selling today for pennies on the dollar.

Let me know where these are at. I am always in the market for tractors on sale.

 

[studor]

This debate is often had on here but to me , living in a place that has snow, ice, and mud four wheel drive is a necessity. Funny thing is I never was convinced of that until I got a four wheel drive tractor.
You can always "get by" with two wheel drive, but if you are buying new, try 4wd -- you will like it!