i—Lancaster F»i MFD tractors RACINE, Wise. The earliest tractors, just like the first cars, had traditional two-wheel-dnve, with power transmitted through the rear wheels. Gradually, it became common for large farm tractors to come equipped with four-wheel-dnve capability. Like their counterparts who drive 4WD cars and pick-up trucks on the roadways, farmers have learned to appreciate - the go-anywhere performance on versatility of all wheel-drive. Today the popularity of 4WD power has been extended to smaller tractors in the 40- to 90- horsepower range equipped with mechanical front-wheel-drive (MFD). Using smaller, maneuverable MFD-equipped tractors, farmers can enjoy better performance in soft and wet fields, snow or sand, with a mechanical front-wheel-drive which can be operated in two-wheel or four wheel-drive modes. Today’s MFD tractors are more efficient and productive than traditional two-wheel-dnve models, according to researchers at the University of Nebraska, who tested a 70 PTO horsepower J I Case tractor equipped with MFD For years, MFD tractors dominated the market in Europe, where small farms often use only one or two tractors for all chores. In North America, standard two wheel-dnve tractors have been popular for basic farm and utility work As American farm sizes HAVING SOIL Here’s A Ti Be sure you a| The new higher powered more lime each applicatu soil that tests to pH7 Ma LIMES Blue Ball. Pa (717)354-41 Gap, Pa. (717)442-4148 Lockwood’s got a system that’ll fit your field We know every field’s special. A little bit different And that's why we want you to know that when you talk to your Lockwood dealer, you re talking to I'd like to custom tailor an irrigation system for you. LEE RAIN IRRIGATION Over 35 Years of Service Wheat Rd Vineland, NJ 08360 (609)691-4030 'day, increase ag options increased, big four-wheel-drive tractors became increasingly important so farmers could reduce labor costs and process more acres with more power and traction while using larger implements. Now the MFD tractor is also increasing in popularity on both big and small farms in the U.S. and Canada. North American operators are enjoying the best of both worlds the maneuverability of two-wheel-drive and the tractive efficiency of four-wheel-drive. A mechanical front-wheel-drive tractor has greater traction than an ordinary two-wheel-dnve tractor, especially in mud, soft soil, uneven ground and other poor operatmg conditions that are common during some planting and harvesting seasons, according to the University of Nebraska researchers. Not only can an MFD tractor go where conventional two-wheel dnve tractors often cannot, but its compact size also allows an operator to maneuver in tight areas such as storage sheds and barns. An MFD-equipped tractor moves in the direction it is pointed, with the powered front wheels pulling instead of bulldozing. The reduced rolling resistance of the front tires gives more complete steering control for turns, braking and power-take-off. Another advantage of MFD is in tractor/loader applications. When a front-end loader is attached to the tractor and a loader bucket is a trained irrigation professional. A man who can customize an irriga tion system to fit your field He'll give you the best advice on how to achieve the water applica tion level you need at the lowest possible energy cost * . raised, the weight of the load is transferred to the front drive wheels for added traction. When using materials buckets, manure forks, pallet forks, or grapple over-buckets, the drive power stays on all four wheels for loading and unloading in forward and reverse. Typical applications for engaging front-wheel drive on an MFD tractor include operating on rolling slopes for better climbing ability and increased stability; where dual wheels of big tractors would damage crops or compact soil; when good turning power is needed in soft or wet fields; when increased travel speed for cultivating is needed; in narrow row applications; and m snow and mud for winter livestock feeding. Although MFD offers many benefits for a variety of ap plications, the Nebraska research findings suggest that proper ballasting of an MFD tractor is the key to its overall effectiveness. When pulling mounted or towed implements using MFD, weight should be placed on the front axle for the best traction. 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The initial wheels and 55 to 60 percent on the cost of an MFD tractor is slightly rear wheels. The user can count on higher than a standard two-wheel an extra seven percent of tractive drive model. However, the efficiency with a properly weather-beating productivity of ballasted MFD tractor. the mechanical front-wheel-drive Increased productivity, greater mode, plus the added traction and better maneuverability for basic farm maneuverability make the MFD utility chores can offset the ad tractor a wise economic choice for ditional cost when the farmer farmers who need to make ef- effectively uses the MFD tractor’s ficient and effective use of their versatility. At Chippewa® we know the kind of punishment farmers and ranchers give boots. That’s why we use oil tanned leathers that resist damage from water and bar nyard acids, brass hardware that doesn’t rust, nylon stitching that doesn’t rot and special compound soles that are oil and abrasion resistant. 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