Do I need to lock in the front hubs?

[terravistawombat]

Hi all
To head off my property, after I load 2 horses in the float
(2 tonne), the 2.8TD auto MU struggles up a short but reasonably steep slope in drive, so I have been using low range to use the higher power at lower speed, so the horsies don't get upset and cry.
I have no problems there with traction, and being a lazy bastard, am getting sick of locking the front hubs in for low range for a 50 metre drive onto the road.
Is it feasible to use low range without locking in the hubs, or can this somehow damage the componentry?
Many thanks for any responses.
Cheers
Ian

[geeves]

Probably do less damage with them unlocked. The transfer case is just a gear that connects to the main drive to connect the front wheels and is a hard lock so no harm there. The biggest problems useing 4wd on hard surfaces with good traction is that if you have uneven tyres or corners they will cause the front and rear tyres to go differet distances causeing transmision wind up which can break things. I frequently use low range for manovering in tight spaces

[terravistawombat]

Thanks Geeves, that sort of reinforced my thoughts.
There's no chance of windup though, the driveway is dead straight.
Thanks
Ian

[isuzumudman]

You couldn't get windup anyway if your front hubs are manual and are unlocked.

[geeves]

Thats what I was saying ie if hubs locked windup becomes an issue.