Front wheel assist, when to use or when not to use it?

[Benhameen]

Should I only use it when absolutely needed?

Does it hurt it to use it all the time?

Turn it off only when driving on pavement?

Thanks Ben

 

[GWD]

An old off-roader once told me that 4WD should be used to get you out of the mess that 2WD got you into.

I run my tractors in 2WD until 4WD is necessary. There are several and varied times when 4WD is an advantage.

Also, 2WD puts less stress on drive line components.

 

[satchelh]

An old off-roader once told me that 4WD should be used to get you out of the mess that 2WD got you into.

Yep, I had a tow truck driver in Maine tell me that 4WD will get you stuck where only 4WD can go.

 

[MagKarl]

I never take mine out of 4wd, but I don't have any pavement at my place. It's safer and more productive to have the front end engaged for loader work and when the ground isn't flat.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I can tell you this much from what I've seen from my own two eyes. Once upon a time I used to drive trucks hauling new tractors of the blue variety. I was in the shop one rainy day and a customer dropped off about a 25hp Ford tractor with a front axle problem. It was owned by a turf and landscape company that used the tractor to pull and aerator. Well they were doing so in 4wd all the time and trashed the front axle. Brought it to us and it would cost them about 7 THOUSAND dollars to replace the axle.

4wd on your tractor is no different then your 4x4 truck or suv. You wouldn't want to run your truck in 4wd all the time so its not a good idea to do it with a tractor.

 

[Benhameen]

Right on guys, thanks for the replys...