What do these mean

[geekfarmer]

I think I have been able to figure out what some of the terms mean.

CUT - Compact Utility Tractor
HP - Horse Power
FEL - Front End Loader

what do these stand fore

MFD/FWA
MFWD

Better yet, is there a magic decoder some place

 

[john_bud]

I know, I know, I know!

(I got my magic decoder ring out of a vintage 1958 box of Cracker Jack!)

FWA is Front Wheel Assist
MFWD is Mechanical Four Wheel Drive

 

[geekfarmer]

I know, I know, I know!

(I got my magic decoder ring out of a vintage 1958 box of Cracker Jack!)

FWA is Front Wheel Assist
MFWD is Mechanical Four Wheel Drive

And the difference between 4WD, FWA and MFWD is?

 

[dbear]

And the difference between 4WD, FWA and MFWD is?

They are frequently used interchangeably, but in actuality, 4WD refers to the full-time, articulated tractors. Front Wheel Assist (FWA) and Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD), at this time, are pretty much the same thing.

At one time, FWA was accomplished via hydraulic wheel motors instead of thru a mechanical drive shaft (MFWD). Both systems are 2-wheel or 4-wheel selectable.

 

[milkman]

At one time, FWA was accomplished via hydraulic wheel motors instead of thru a mechanical drive shaft (MFWD). Both systems are 2-wheel or 4-wheel selectable.

Are they 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel 3-wheel drive?

 

[dbear]

Are they 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel 3-wheel drive?

Not sure I completely understand your question, especially the "3-wheel" part, but here goes:

I believe a 2-wheel drive tractor does supply driving force to both its rear wheels (I could be wrong about that); while the front wheels merely provide directional control. Most larger CUTS, utility, and farm tractors have a manually operated differential lock that will force both drive wheels to spin at the same rate. Great when wanting to move in a straight line thru a difficult patch of soil, but not so good if needing to turn. That said, a diff lock is something I wouldn't want to be without.

MFWD tractors function the same as a 2-wheel drive tractor, but also allow the operator to engage driving force to the front wheels via a lever, switch, pedal, or knob (depending upon make and model) at will, or when conditions dictate. Said lever, switch, knob,...will usually disengage (or is it engage, I always get it backward) a hydraulic clutch, thereby coupling the front driveshaft drivetrain with the transmission thru means of a tranfer case. With the front wheels engaged, the tractor does have 4-wheel drive, in that both wheels are supplied with force (again, I could be mistaken). However, one is still able to turn quite easily because the front differential allows each to spin at a different rate if needed. Some manufacturers offer a front diff lock, either as standard or as an option, that functions the same as the rear diff lock, and that when used in conjunction with the rear diff lock would make one's tractor almost unstoppable, I would think.

Is this what you were looking for?

 

[dirtworksequip]

hmmmmmmm, I think 4 wheel drive is only two wheel drive unless you use the differential lock, then that would only give you 3 wheels driving. Two rear wheels and one front. You never actually have all 4 wheels driving unless there where lockers installed. Now I bet you are really confussed.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Harry c]

hmmmmmmm, I think 4 wheel drive is only two wheel drive unless you use the differential lock, then that would only give you 3 wheels driving. Two rear wheels and one front. You never actually have all 4 wheels driving unless there where lockers installed. Now I bet you are really confussed.

Sincerely, Dirt

Pretty common thought but technically not quite correct. The differential applies exactly the same amount of torque to each wheel on the axle. If one wheel can spin more easily than the other, it will spin while the other wheel APPEARS to be supplying no force. In reality it is providing the same force as the one that is spinning. Try this if you have a BH and FEL (it can be done with jacks but this requires no real work). Lift the rear wheels off the ground with the outriggers. Raise the front wheels with the FEL. Have a helper put the machine in 4 wd and put it in gear so the wheels spin. Helper will need to press the pedal if you have a hydrostatic. Use very low RPM. Stop one front wheel from turning with a gloved hand. The other wheel will turn. Apply some resistance to the wheel that is now turning and you will feel the wheel you're holding start to try to turn. The torque will be the same on each wheel but the one that can spin the most easily will spin while the other sits still. The only time both wheels will spin is when the traction is approximately the same for both wheels. If one wheel is on ice and the other is on dry pavement, it may take only 50 ft lbs of torque to spin the ice bound wheel. The wheel on the dry pavement would be supplied the same 50 ft lbs but would not spin.

A diff lock makes both wheels spin at the same speed regardless of the traction. With the diff lock engaged both wheels will spin even if the traction is not equal. In the ice illustration, the wheel on the ice will be supplying very little push while the wheel on dry pavement will probably shove you right along.


This illustration works on the rear as well. It's just usually easier to stop and hold the front wheels due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

If you try this, don't do anything dumb like get under the tractor or get yourself in a position to get run over! Don't grab a fast spinning wheel...etc.

 

[3RRL]

I think I have been able to figure out what some of the terms mean.

CUT - Compact Utility Tractor
HP - Horse Power
FEL - Front End Loader

what do these stand fore

MFD/FWA
MFWD

Better yet, is there a magic decoder some place

There was a thread in Owning and Operating a while back with lots of input on tractor acronyms. It might help?
Click on this...Tracto Acronym Thread

 

[Soundguy]

If one wheel can spin more easily than the other, it will spin while the other wheel APPEARS to be supplying no force. In reality it is providing the same force as the one that is spinning. .

Technically not correct either.. if we are in to nitpicking..

Jack up 1 rear wheel on a 2wd tractor.. put it in gear and go.. try all the gears.. let me know when you get it to move.. that wheel on the ground will set there and stare at you while the other wheel is doing doubletime along with the spiders... That's just how the diffy works...

Ya got to have -some- resistance on the 'free' wheel.

This is why using the 'steering' brakes (on some tractors that have them) can get you out of a mud hole where one wheel has no resistance..


soundguy