What Is an MFWD Drive?

MFWD stands for mechanical front-wheel drive.

Tractors require four-wheel drive, but standard four-by-four systems don't work when front wheels are smaller than rear wheels. The solution lies with a special four-by-four system known as MFWD.

Definition

MFWD stands for mechanical front-wheel drive. Mechanical front-wheel drive provides four-by-four capabilities to tractors with different-sized front and rear wheels.

Reasons for MFWD

Standard four-wheel drive assumes four equally sized wheels. Tractors with different sized wheels cannot use standard four-wheel drive, as the smaller front wheels would turn faster than the rear wheels.

Mechanics

A mechanical front-wheel drive tractor has two axles -- one for the rear wheels and one for the front. The rear axle provides power for most jobs. A button in the cab engages the front axle when extra traction or power is needed.

References

• The Small Tractor FAQ: Burner, K. (2010)
• TractorByNet: Difference between 4WD and MFWD
• Yesterdays Tractor Co.: Difference between MFWD and 4x4

Resources

• Tractor Data