All front wheel assist tractors have a front and rear differential, this allows 1 wheel to spin on the front and 1 on the rear. Without the differential it would be almost impossible to turn the tractor. Most 4wd tractors have what is called a differential lock, this is a manual operated locking device that makes both rear wheels turn when engaged. I have never heard of that device for the front axle. Clem

Tks for your input re my traction question. I think though there is a way to engage the all wheel drive feature, but I haven't figured it out yet. I think it has something to do with the throttle and/or the foot peddle. if you let off the throttle or foot peddle, it allows the full time 4x4 feature to kick in. then it reverts back to part time. That's why you can turn under normal conditions, and use the full time feature only when your stuck in deep doggie do do. Any other hints out there? tks. tobyson

Got this from a Dealer site:
The new 4-wheel drive feature on the Prestige garden tractor stays engaged at all times. All 4 wheels are driving, at the same time, all the time. In addition to the 4-wheel drive, power steering makes for easy turns and excellent traction for a variety of chores. The Prestige is available with a 27-hp. Kohler Command engine and a 50- or 54-inch Free Floating mower with full-width rollers for a quality cut. A hydraulic attachment lift, electric PTO and tilt steering provide fingertip control.

So it looks like if you have that model, it should be all wheels pulling all the time, but no idea how they work when turning and outer wheel is going faster than the inner wheel. Unless they use a lock/unlock feature in the differential, or maybe a clutch pack in it.

thread from Garden Web about these

Here is a link that might be useful: simplicity thread