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2-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive Tractors are primarily off road vehicles. In years gone by a 2 wheel drive tractor was the only option. We used tractors on farms pulling plows, baling hay, and other fair weather activities. When the fields were wet we waited for a better day. Today the majority of our customers are commercial operators and homeowners. They are concerned with loader operation and traction. Their tractors may see a fair amount of winter work loading sanders or moving snow. They may also be used to get trees out of the woods. All of these applications are easier with 4 wheel drive. 4 wheel drive tractors can be less heavy than a 2 wheel drive tractor because they have more traction. A lighter weight tractor will do less damage to the roads, fields and lawn. A lighter tractor is also more economical because the engine does not have to work as hard to move the tractor. If you are planning to tow the tractor on a trailer, a lighter tractor is easier to pull. When a loader is installed, the four wheel drive tractor has many advantages. The loader puts much more weight on the front axle. Having power to the front wheels is the difference between working and being stuck. The front axle on a 4 wheel drive tractor is also stronger than a 2 wheel drive Most of the tractors we sell have loaders. Some years we do not sell a new 2 wheel drive tractor. The difference in performance is more than worth the difference in purchase price. When someone is planning to keep a tractor for many years it is not worth saving a few dollars up front. When the going gets tough four wheel drive gives you a plan B. |