2WD or 4WD on your tractor?

[Otter 1200]

I have a Kubota L3130 tractor, 4WD, Hydrostatic. I almost always run it in 4WD mode, a friend recently told me I shouldn’t run it In 4WD except as necessary and that has me thinking. He mentioned more wear and tear on parts, added fuel consumption, etc. I honestly never thought that much about it. All of you with 4WD tractors, how do you normally operate yours?

[GreenHeadRocker]

All depends. If you have weight behind the tractor that has drag then obviously 4wd. If you have a planter or bush hog behind the travtor then 4wd isn't necessary. I will say that it tracks better in 4wd(planting straight rows). My little 25hp Kubota usually stays in 4wd(tiller, bush hog, disk, box blade, finishing mower). I normally don't ever think about taking it out of 4wd for the lighter stuff.

[Huntinjunkie]

I only put mine in 4wd when I'm using the bucket.

[thunderchicken]

Same as my truck. I run them in 2wd until I need 4wd. One issue is if you get stuck in 2wd, you usually can put it in 4wd and get out. If you get stuck in 4wd you’re pretty much out of options.

[DJP]

I plow in 4x4.

[highball]

I run mine only when I have to.

[JABIII]

If you get stuck in 4wd you’re pretty much out of options.

.

[Drylok]

I use the 4x4 when I need it. Mostly when I am using the front end loader.

[Catdaddy]

If you get stuck in 4wd you’re pretty much out of options.

That's what the 8000 lb Warren winch is for.


I run in 2wd except when plowing or in areal wet area.

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[Drylok]

Course, if you have a bucket, you can use that to help get yourself out as well.

[Smilee]

Plowing in 4wd means it’s too wet or the tractor doesn’t have enough ass to do the job.

[aroyal7]

My Kubota stays in 4WD more than 2WD. I find myself using the rear diff locker tab more than anything. Mine is tough to get a boot on sometimes but lown products makes an add on thats great.


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[Palmetto Bug]

I only shift to 2wd when I drive on the paved road between fields and that's to reduce tire wear.

[StrutnBPS]

I have a 2wd 50hp Deere that I haven't gotten stuck yet. I came close once, but when the tires sank about a foot I backed out and went home.

[camotoon60]

I wouldn’t worry about it to much. Most of the 4wd parts will be in motion in 2wd as well. Mine usually stays in 4wd operation is better for loader work etc and can’t tell a difference between 2wd. I will make sure I put in 2wd if I’m gonna be long traveling in high range or something. Most of us weekenders will likely never wear a tractor out in a lifetime if it’s maintained properly and taken care of.

[DJP]

Sometimes it is too wet, sometimes I wish I had more ass. We plant 40 plus food plots per year plus dove fields. Gotta be able to move the tractor on a flatbed and got to get them all plowed despite the weather. 4wd is an easy solution, especially considering the upstate has hills to plow.

[Smilee]

Plow it wet and have clods for months. That got to mentality doesn’t always work. Ever look at a field and wonder why it just didn’t turn out like you wanted?

[BOOMSTICK069]

Ours stays in 4wd 98% of the time and we've had zero issues. When doing little jobs around the house I'll take it out of 4wd but pops likes to keep in while he's using it. I also agree maintaining one properly is more important.

[DJP]

Plow it wet and have clods for months. That got to mentality doesn’t always work. Ever look at a field and wonder why it just didn’t turn out like you wanted?

No.

[smallwater]

DJP's plots look good.