2wd vs 4wd

[ufcxl]

Help

Thought I knew what I wanted/needed. Looking for a 45+ hp to do shredding and some disking on 75 ac. Some say lower hp and 4wd some say more hp and 2 wd.

Thoughts? I want to pull up to an 8' shredder. Concerned that a L4400HST 4wd that I'm studying may not be enough tractor. Also want to be able to load round bales up to 1,000 lbs on a lowboy.

 

[TripleR]

I have a L5030 HSTC and pull a six foot shredder with max according to my manual of seven foot, so I don't think I would go with a L4400 for use on an eight foot shredder.

We farmed with two wheel drive tractors on the flat lands without any trouble, but now have hill farms too and the 2WD don't work worth a darn, so they stay out in the flats.

We had a 2WD with a FEL and traded it back in really quick.

 

[eserv]

Help

Thought I knew what I wanted/needed. Looking for a 45+ hp to do shredding and some disking on 75 ac. Some say lower hp and 4wd some say more hp and 2 wd.

Thoughts? I want to pull up to an 8' shredder. Concerned that a L4400HST 4wd that I'm studying may not be enough tractor. Also want to be able to load round bales up to 1,000 lbs on a lowboy.

I'd go minimum MX5100. L4400 is pretty light lifting round bales onto a lowboy.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Maybe look into a small M sized tractor like an M4700. Maybe Bulldog will be along shortly, he has both an L3000 and an M9000

 

[Bluegill]

I've had both and 2wd Kubotas are way too light in the front end for my needs.

4wd is a game changer!

Sounds like a L4400 isn't large enough for the 8' shredder, but I bet it could handle the hay bales.

 

[osut362]

4wd is your friend when using ground engaging tools. it will lower the h.p. required to pull the implement (more draw bar h.p.). you need pto h.p. to run a big mower, 4wd is not needed for mowing. i had a 50 h.p. tractor and it pulled a 6 ft mower fine. bought a 10 ft mower to use with the same tractor and it was a no-go.....al

 

[bcbull378]

buy all means buy a 4WD youll never regret it , if ya buy a 2WD you kick yourself many times its always best to have it and not use it rather than need it and not have it . its not much more to maintain and it will help when you go to sale it .....Dan

 

[ipz2222]

I would not buy another tractor without 4wd. Yes, it's more expensive but worth it. I keep mine in 2wd to save wear on th 4wd componants but can shift to 4wd while moveing.
Say you have a fel with dirt in it and you start down a slight grade and hit the brakes, the rear tires sstart slideing and you pick up speed toward the building or fence. The only choice you have is drop the fel. That could break something. With 4wd, brakes on the rear transfer to the front and help to slow you down. If you are on flat ground, pulling would be your onlly concern.

 

[Bulldog]

Like the others said, 4wd is the only way to go. Tires are way to expensive to be spinning in the field. Save fuel and your tires, 4wd put the power to the ground no matter what HP tractor you have.

The 4400 will load round bales fine but I think you will regret a L series in the long run. It's really going to hurt you with ground engaging implements from the lighter weight. I would suggest a small to mid size M series tractor. You'll get a bigger, heavier framed tractor as well as a loader with higher capacity and capability.

My opinion in the long run the M series will be cheaper to operate just due to a higher work volume. You will be able to justify a bigger tractor with the time and fuel savings. I have about 80 acres in pasture and it was way more than I could keep up with my 3000. The 4400 would be a great 2nd tractor but if you're only wanting one I would go with a M series for sure.

 

[Gundoctor]

I would never go back to 2wd. 4WD is the way to go. You will get more for it when you trade next time. I got two this year and looking at a third one now.