JDKu
Bronze Member
Is there any harm in leaving my tractor in 4x4 all of the time? Or should I reserve 4x4 for only when I absolutely need it?
Chris
Chris
GC2300 - Any Harm to Leaving it in 4x4?
- Thread starter JDKu
- Start date
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amkfken
Silver Member
No harm other than fuel mileage, more front tire wear, faster on gravel roads, slightly easier steering.--530 hrs and still going!
whistlepig
Elite Member
Leaving it 4WD all of the time would be a terrible mistake in my opinion. These are "hard geared" 4WD systems. The front works against the rear in 4WD all of the time. There are some "On Demand" 4WD drive systems. I have this on my Polaris ATV and 2007 Z-71. Even with the "On Demand" I don't leave it in 4WD all the time. If you don't think the gears are working hard against each other on your tractor try running it on the road in 4WD in high gear. You will hear the gears growling.
bp fick
Super Member
I just don't like the sense of wear and tear. I reserve the 4 wheel for plowing snow. That's just me. Don't miss it otherwise. I have actually used it when plowing in loose dirt, but that's the only other time I can think of.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Just kinda a general rule of thumb,
keep 4wd engaged whenever:
1. Uneven ground
2. Heavy offroad work ie: plowing, tilling, blading, etc.
3. FEL work, no matter how light
4. towing trailers (this gives you 4-wheel braking)
5. snowy/icy conditions
Leave in 2wd whenever:
1. hard surface
2. tight manuvering with no loads
3. mowing (unless weight of mower make turning dificult)
Like others mentioned, 4wd IS harder on things. Like tires, front axle, gears, etc. Why cause excessive wear when you dont need to??
If you live in hilly terrain, always have FEL on, never drive on concrete or the road, then you really arent causing any harm by leaving in 4wd.
keep 4wd engaged whenever:
1. Uneven ground
2. Heavy offroad work ie: plowing, tilling, blading, etc.
3. FEL work, no matter how light
4. towing trailers (this gives you 4-wheel braking)
5. snowy/icy conditions
Leave in 2wd whenever:
1. hard surface
2. tight manuvering with no loads
3. mowing (unless weight of mower make turning dificult)
Like others mentioned, 4wd IS harder on things. Like tires, front axle, gears, etc. Why cause excessive wear when you dont need to??
If you live in hilly terrain, always have FEL on, never drive on concrete or the road, then you really arent causing any harm by leaving in 4wd.
My dad has a Honda he has always left in 4wd, he has warn the front tires off it.
The book of MF says "Operating, {4wd}, on hard surfaces can lead to drive line damage". This is because the front wheels rotate faster than the rears, and need to slip.
Some people do leave it in 4wd, some feel they need it all the time. I hardly ever use my 4wd, my tractor does fine on my property without it. Mine does have a nice heavy ballast on the back, that doubles as a backhoe. :thumbsup:
The book of MF says "Operating, {4wd}, on hard surfaces can lead to drive line damage". This is because the front wheels rotate faster than the rears, and need to slip.
Some people do leave it in 4wd, some feel they need it all the time. I hardly ever use my 4wd, my tractor does fine on my property without it. Mine does have a nice heavy ballast on the back, that doubles as a backhoe. :thumbsup:
massey driver
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2009
- Messages
- 452
- Location
- north of winnipeg canada
- Tractor
- massey 175,1655 BX 2370-1
As other's have mentioned,driveline wear,u-joint wear,gear wear,tire wear.If thats what you want to do then leave it in 4x4:laughing:.As for me I only use the 4x4 when the back tire's start to slip,as soon as I'am back on firm grd it's back into 2 wheel drive.:thumbsup: Larry
rjmack
Platinum Member
i agree, i slip it into 4wd to load the bucket, slip it back out before i move the load. after all, its very simple and easy to do. i also slip it into low range to load the bucket, and then back into high range if i have to carry the load over distance. they make these things easy to shift, why not take advantage of it?
also, the salesman that sold me mine gave me the heads up not to run on grass in 4wd with the ag tires, as well i have noticed that when carrying a load in the bucket and travelling, say on a gravel roadway, i can notice vibration that doesn't feel very good... shift out of 4wd and it goes away.
i have also learned to recognize the squealing noise made by travelling with the ebrake on.
LD1
Epic Contributor
i agree, i slip it into 4wd to load the bucket, slip it back out before i move the load. after all, its very simple and easy to do. i also slip it into low range to load the bucket, and then back into high range if i have to carry the load over distance. they make these things easy to shift, why not take advantage of it?
also, the salesman that sold me mine gave me the heads up not to run on grass in 4wd with the ag tires, as well i have noticed that when carrying a load in the bucket and travelling, say on a gravel roadway, i can notice vibration that doesn't feel very good... shift out of 4wd and it goes away.
i have also learned to recognize the squealing noise made by travelling with the ebrake on.
Just keep in mind that a load in the bucket reduces the amount of weight on the back tires. This makes traction, to stay going AND braking, worse. Unless on pavement, or extremely hard surfaces, or have a backhoe (or similar weight) for ballast, I recomend leaving in 4wd with a load in the bucket.
20 20
Elite Member
Bad idea, I doubt highly there would be ANY mechanic, dealer or manufacturer that would suggest leaving it in 4 wheel drive all the time. It does cause excessive wear so why do it? Even if you could get away with just worn tires is it worth it?