What's the difference (pros/cons) between 4wd and MFWD (mechanical front wheel drive) on a tractor. Also, any input on "shuttle shift" and "glide shift?" I know hydrostat trans is pretty desirable vs. the two mentioned above.

I have a push mower. I pull the cord and go.

Do you need 4x4? If you are going to plow it sure helps. But if you are going to cut and bale hay not so much. I didn't get 4x4 I got a loader attachment and front bale spike. It makes life easy stacking round bales.

Ping Beyder28

#3...need 4x4? Maybe not. Want 4x4? Absolutely. The land is pretty darn hilly.

I see listing for tractors labeled as 4wd and MFWD, and I'm not sure what the difference is. As far as I can tell on the "shuttle shift," it appears to be a manual tranny with no clutch? Hydrostat would be preferred...as well as 40hp+ (35-40hp minimum) to pull a bigger bushhog (6'). We'd probably keep the tractor a looong time, and I wouldn't want to have buyer's remorse in a year or two. We probably would plow up some of the land, but not much right now. Also, looking at tractors with a loader.

Uncle sam will buy you a new tractor for you every 4 to 5 years.

Do tell...

Its a farm.. Buy some cows and stuff. Go all green acres. Then find a good farm tax man. There are a lot of things the farm extension service will do too. They payed to section off my land into 4 pastures for extensive grazing. They will also drill a well or build a pond for cows. One other thing they do is if you have a drought they ask how many cows you have and cut a check for the cost of feed. Look into it for sure.

Hmmm...good info. We already classified it "agricultural" to save on property taxes...now we just need a goat or something...no, not the cbid Goat. LOL

Dave, 4wd is 4wd and MFWD is when the front rearend is all gear drives (last prettnear forever if well maintained and not overloaded to much).

i have always had 4wds except this tn 55-big frame-i bought to move hay with. now i don't have cows and i will sell it and move down to 30hp 4wd again. never get stuck (almost) and 30hp will pull that 55hp monster i got going backwards. you got some hilly stuff if i remember and the 4wd will work better for you. shuttle shift is great and i like it better than hydro-with a 2 speed axle you will get a great range and less engine drag. if you get a bucket, make sure it has it's own pump as not to starve your hydraulics if you have to manuever.