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oakcreekfarm

Posted 11/19/2012 12:26 (#2705888)
Subject: How important is 4wd on a combine?

We are looking at buying a new to us combine. How important is a 4wd option. We are straight no till, 500 acres, and have one pivot. Most of our ground is flat with very little slope. Neither of the two we are looking at have duals. one is 4wd with 2600 sep hours, and the other is 2wd 1800 sep hours and in better over all condition. The 2wd combine is $5000 less than the other.

From KS, combines are TR98's, 30ft flex and 8 row corn header. Soils are sandy loam to silty clay loam

Edited by oakcreekfarm 11/19/2012 13:24

DixieDeere

Posted 11/19/2012 12:35 (#2705895 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Jackson County, AL

With no-till it can be valuable in those in-between times. It can keep the combine on top of the ground rather than cutting down or tracking up. Also, if you only have one combine 4wd is more of an insurance policy than a necessity. We also went away from rice and cane tires to R1s to reduce tracking ground and have not gotten stuck since. Our no-till is very mellow but still holds us up very well when it gets wet.

GDAD

Posted 11/19/2012 23:04 (#2706909 - in reply to #2705895)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

N.E. MO

We started getting rwa clear back on the new 6600's and 7700's. Wouldn't even consider it as "optional" equipment back where I'm from. I'm kind of surprised it's not standard on newer machines, but it sounds like there are a lot of guys out there that make due without it just fine.

caseihfarmer

Posted 11/19/2012 12:48 (#2705906 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

East Central, Nebraska

i don't know where your at but around here 4wd is almost non-existant in combines and we get along just fine.

Wayne NC IL

Posted 11/20/2012 00:12 (#2707012 - in reply to #2705906)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

I don't see any around here either.

benc

Posted 11/19/2012 12:54 (#2705915 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

SE Michigan

You did not indicate on the two wheel drive if it is a hydrostatic transmission or not. If it is a hydro unit then 4 wheel drive can be added at any time. Back in the 80's I purchased a used combine that had 4 wheel drive and the dealer told me that he would take the 4 wheel drive off and replace it with a 2 wheel drive steering axle. I can not remember the price now, but I had them take it off. I had another 2 wheel drive after that one and now have one with 4 wheel drive. Not sure if I need it or not. I often use it because of the difference in the speed using 4 wheel drive compared to using 2 wheel drive. I feel that if you really need 4 wheel drive on a combine that the ground is too wet to be out in the field.

On a two wheel drive if you have traction tires on the steer axle it will do a better job of turning when it is a little greasy than the smoother tires that a lot of combines have.

Edited by benc 11/19/2012 12:57

Thud

Posted 11/19/2012 18:33 (#2706258 - in reply to #2705915)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Near-north Ontario, French River

FWIW we have never had a combine equipped with 4wd. Last year was one of the wettest falls on record, did we get stuck, yep had to pull the combine out 5 or 6 times but it popped out easy. I think having only 2wd prevented us from doing something really stupid and getting it STUCK STUCK. For those that will argue that 4wd would have kept us going, perhaps, but then again the guys were with 4wd were getting stuck also. Thing is they got much worse, so much harder to pull out. One guy cracked a frame on a big Deere combine trying to pull it out with an excavator.

EbertFarms

Posted 11/19/2012 13:00 (#2705919 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Never had any major issues and all we've had are 2wd combines.

Used to run 30.5's on the 9x00 series JD walkers, went to 66x44 floaters on the 50sts with the skinny rear tire, and now are on 20.8 duals with an oversize rear tire. I think a big rear tire is key, the front of the machine never really digs down as much as the rear. Have gotten stuck a few times in 2009 when the cornbelt had a miserable harvest and we broke through 6" of frost in quicksand, but thats a rare and odd combination.

oakcreekfarm

Posted 11/19/2012 13:07 (#2705930 - in reply to #2705919)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

I live in Kansas, some sandy loams and silty clay loams. There are a lot bigger farmers than I that run 2wd in this area. The combines are TR98's with Hydro's, 30ft flex header, and 8 row corn header

farmer45

Posted 11/19/2012 13:13 (#2705934 - in reply to #2705919)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Washington Co Ks

I have 4wd on my combine but have only used it once when the field was wet . I tried it a few times in a water hole that I could have gone around but wanted to try the 4wd. I buy used and it was on the machine but it wouldn't be a big priority if I were to trade again. One thing I don't like is that it doesn't turn as short.

tn1086

Posted 11/19/2012 18:19 (#2706234 - in reply to #2705919)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

4 wheel drive is a definite need. When muddy it will help more than you think.. Ive seen wet falls where 2 wheel drive was sitting up and 4 wheel drive were only machines running... We will have another wet wet fall

deere6810

Posted 11/19/2012 13:17 (#2705940 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

where are you from? sure would help in advising you. Here a 2 wheel drive is rare

oakcreekfarm

Posted 11/19/2012 13:23 (#2705952 - in reply to #2705940)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

check a couple posts up. I am from central Kansas

Lookingglass

Posted 11/19/2012 13:19 (#2705947 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Southwest Illinois

Depends on the area. In sw IL RWA is probably on 80 -90 percent of al machines. I would never have one without.

Nemo farms

Posted 11/19/2012 13:24 (#2705953 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Wouldn't be without it. We use it every year. You'd really be hard pressed to find one with out 4wd here.

mschultz

Posted 11/19/2012 13:25 (#2705959 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Oregon

If you have to ask, you don't need it. Simple as that. -Mike

Jack_wabbit

Posted 11/19/2012 13:36 (#2705969 - in reply to #2705959)
Subject: +1

tims9220

Posted 11/19/2012 13:41 (#2705974 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

east central wi

We had to use our 9220 to pull our 640 wagons in the field this year and got along fine with 2wd combine

Oilfarmer

Posted 11/19/2012 14:00 (#2705996 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Ravenna Ohio

We live by 4x4 around here. Your deal description makes me think the 2wd is way better deal.

NoTill1825

Posted 11/19/2012 14:59 (#2706042 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

NC Indiana

I'd take duals over 4x4. I'd think you could pick a 4x4 unit up cheaper than $5k if you change yr mind. Lots of them setting out there hoping for someone to want one.

gndfarms

Posted 11/19/2012 15:51 (#2706081 - in reply to #2706042)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

mid minnesota

In ground like we have here on wet years 4wd is a must, owned 2 combines before a 1460 and a 1660 got stuck many times and have to leave crop out in the feild sucks, First 4wd was a 2388 still got that stuck in 2009 only thing bad about 4wd is you get stuck deeper and farther, now we have a 2588 straddle duels and 4wd dont ever want to get that thing stuck One thing on turning if you have the 4wd on they will turn shorter

Willay

Posted 11/19/2012 16:09 (#2706095 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

North-Central Oklahoma

4wd here in NC Oklahoma. Will never have another combine without 4wd. I rarely ever get stuck with it but when I have, I need a long chain! The back tires pushing make steering much, much easier when the ground is soft. Having power on the back tires keeps the fronts from getting sucked down when steering.

KSUFarmer

Posted 11/19/2012 16:12 (#2706100 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

We're on our second machine with 4 wheel drive. Never thought we needed it. Both bought used. When we traded for the second one we looked for one with 4wd (and it had duals). We run it turned on all the time in the field- wet or dry. We were told it takes some pressure off the hydro therefore prolonging the hydro's life. The hydro sure whines less with it on. We are also in central Kansas and the black dirt gets real greasy when it's wet. If needed, we can cut in muddy conditions and keep the combine moving in a straight line without using brakes like we used to have to do. It don't take much rain here to keep 2wd machines in the yard. If you run a 4wd very long you won't want to go back to 2wd.

Edited by KSUFarmer 11/19/2012 16:13

SFO

Posted 11/19/2012 16:33 (#2706123 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Findlay, Ohio

Wouldn't have one with out it.

J,ReinkeFarms

Posted 11/19/2012 17:33 (#2706176 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Around here I wouldn't want one without it. Even when it's dry I use mine like a 2 speed hi/low. Some years the frame of the combine was dragging in the wet spots and you can get through. Also like said above it helps with turning and if it's wet it will help hold you on the row.

redneckfarmer

Posted 11/19/2012 18:02 (#2706217 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

missouri

i would say 99 percent around hear have it and need it a few old combines around with out it stil like 4400 s and there is years they hire 4x4 to cut there crops but then there is also years its dry as can be but we would not consider a 2x4 unless we was planning on adding 4x4

Farmer Dale

Posted 11/19/2012 18:34 (#2706259 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Casey Illinois

Would not even think of not having 4 wheel drive

DB Tracks

Posted 11/19/2012 18:37 (#2706265 - in reply to #2706259)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Camp Douglas Wi. 40miles nw of wi. dells

If you have 4wd & don,t need it, shut it off = if you have 2wd & need 4wd your stuck.

Edited by DB Tracks 11/19/2012 18:38

Barker

Posted 11/19/2012 18:40 (#2706269 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Depends on your drainage

WC Indiana

I have all of my ground tiled and am also no-till. I haven't cut a track in years so 4wd would not benefit me at all. Your no-till helps a lot.

Cross Country

Posted 11/19/2012 19:03 (#2706298 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Ottawa, Ontario

I run a 2wd TR with a wide tire on the rears...looks like a 4wd and no one has ever seen me stuck...must have them fooled.

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funfarmr

Posted 11/19/2012 19:13 (#2706318 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Ohio

We've never had one with 4wd. I feel its not something we need. Our corn ground is all strip till and the beans and wheat are no till. Our combine does have duals on it which we really like from a stability standpoint. If you need 4wd its too wet to be in the fields. Guys that mud their fields up are frowned upon around here.

Shinynewfarmer

Posted 11/19/2012 19:35 (#2706349 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

NW North Dakota

I bought a used combine that had 4wd. In our area it's almost never too wet for too long during harvest. However, we have hills and I used the 4wd quite often going uphill loaded so that I didn't have to stop and shift down. This was on a 580R Lexion. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money when buying new, but I'd sure consider it just for the added convenience. By the time I have to get rid of this machine, I might be wanting to keep the 4wd even more!

johndeere430u

Posted 11/19/2012 19:58 (#2706403 - in reply to #2706349)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Central, mn

We have tile and drainage. Have never had 4wd. Was out 3 days total the wet fall of 2009. I can wait that long.

Blackpipe

Posted 11/19/2012 20:37 (#2706513 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: RE: How important is 4wd on a combine?

We always figure we could probably get by without it but figure it's easier on the frame and hydro in even marginal conditions. Also have some rolling ground that gets pretty nasty if the duals pack solid, one wet year and it pays for itself in productivity. Without duals and 4wd you will have nothing to keep you tracking straight. I'd say keep looking for a combine in the condition you want with 4wd, used combines are in a buyers market right now and probably more so into the next year.

redgreenandrust

Posted 11/19/2012 20:56 (#2706567 - in reply to #2706513)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

thumb of michigan

No till/Strip till here. Duals and rwa on a 9600. One word other than mud comes to mind. Snow. Get Caught short once with 10 inches of snow and you will be amazed how much better it steers.

bpreuss

Posted 11/19/2012 21:50 (#2706718 - in reply to #2705888)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

have 710 duals on the front and big rears with 4wd and have almost had it stuck a couple falls ago. we also have most of our ground pattern tiled and the stuff that isnt patterned is still drained well. we dont like to go in the mud if we dont have to but you only have so much time to get the crop out in mn.

johndeere430u

Posted 11/19/2012 23:07 (#2706915 - in reply to #2706718)
Subject: Re: How important is 4wd on a combine?

Central, mn

Must be that western ground that gets saturated. Lol

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