If you’re shopping for a tractor, you’ve probably spent a lot of time comparing the specifications of different models. You’ve analyzed your needs and determined how much horsepower is necessary for cultivating fields and baling hale.
You’ve decided whether you need to invest in a front-end loader, or if you can get by without one.
But there’s another important question you’ll need to ponder: Do you need a four-wheel drive (4WD) tractor, or will two-wheel drive (2WD) be sufficient for your needs?
In many cases, 4WD is a big positive. But 2WD has its own upsides and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Let’s analyze the pros and cons of 4WD vs. 2WD and figure out which you need:
4WD
Pros
The biggest advantage of 4WD is increased traction. You wouldn’t drive a truck through deep snow without four-wheel drive, and much the same applies to tractors. When operating in mud or snow, 4WD offers better performance than 2WD.
The superior traction also comes in handy when using large implements for serious field cultivation. 4WD can decrease wheel slippage, saving wear and tear on the tires while simultaneously improving fuel economy. Tractors with 4WD also offer superior performance on sloping ground.
Cons
The benefits of 4WD come at a price. Generally, a 4WD tractor will be more expensive than a similar 2WD tractor.
There’s also a maneuverability aspect to consider. 4WD tractors excel on open fields where they can put their superior traction to use translating engine power into pulling power. They can’t turn as tight as 2WD tractors, so they’re less suited for working in tight quarters.
Read more: Compact? Subcompact? Utility? Here’s what different tractor types mean (and what you might need).
2WD
Pros
Cost savings are the big upside of 2WD tractors, since they tend to be less expensive than 4WD options. The money saved by choosing 2WD can instead be invested in other areas of the tractor, or in better implements and attachments.
Plus, 2WD tractors tend to be more maneuverable than those operating in 4WD. So if you’re going to be operating around the farmyard—in the garden, around trees and buildings, etc.—this can be a subtle but meaningful advantage.
Cons
You can pretty much take the pros offered by 4WD, inverse them, and list them as the cons of 2WD. Traction and fuel efficiency are reduced, especially in challenging conditions like mud or snow. And performance on sloping ground isn’t as good as with 4WD.
Read more: Do you need a front-end loader? The attachment is handy, but you can certainly farm withone one.
So Which Do You Need?
If maneuverability and cost aren’t major concerns, a 4WD tractor is going to offer premium performance, particularly in wet conditions. And if you’re a heavy tractor user performing lots of field work, the increased fuel efficiency can even offset the higher initial cost.
On the other hand, 2WD tractors have done good work for many years, especially when operating on flat, dry ground. Their tighter turning radius is useful when working in cramped conditions (or when mowing around trees in your yard). For light work on a hobby farm, a 2WD tractor might be all you need.
Have fun shopping!
