Wheel repair

[Jeff F.]

I purchased new front tires for my B3200 and waited to have them installed on the rims due to snow and needing the tractor for snow removal. Last Monday I had it done thinking we were done with anymore large snowfalls. When I was installing the new wheels, I stripped a stud. I removed the stripped stud and ordered a new stud from the Kubota dealer on Tuesday morning. He thought it would be in stock by this past Friday. It wasn't and he assured me it would be in on this coming Monday.

Now to my problem. We received about 7 inches of heavy snow on Saturday and I plowed the bare minimum with the skid steer. It took forever and I damaged my lawn. It's now Sunday and it's like a blizzard outside. The weatherman is calling for another 7 inches.

Can I mount the wheel with the 5 studs and use my front mount blower or will I damage the wheel or hub?

 

[davedj1]

I would think you'll be fine with 5 of the 6 studs in place. I know cars do it all the time. You aren't doing high speeds so I say go for it.

 

[Jeff F.]

Thanks for the prompt reply. My other option is to use the 3 point blade on the tractor but then I will need to use the 4 wheel drive.

Would it be better to use the snowblower adding weight to the front tires or the rear blade and 4 wheel drive adding torque to the front tires?

 

[rScotty]

Thanks for the prompt reply. My other option is to use the 3 point blade on the tractor but then I will need to use the 4 wheel drive.

Would it be better to use the snowblower adding weight to the front tires or the rear blade and 4 wheel drive adding torque to the front tires?

I'm with Dave. 5 of 6 will hold it just fine with the snowblower. Don't over torque the remaining studs, just make sure that they are properly snugged down and use it. Don't worry about it.

for your question, 4x4 torque can put a a lot more load on the studs than an increase in weight does. However, the 4x4 torque is theoretically constant during each wheel revolution whereas load due to the weight not only varies but reverses with each wheel revolution.
Interesting mechanical problem. I wouldn't worry about either.
rScotty

 

[diesel85]

I've driven with 1 lost lug on my vehicles before. Do I recommend it? No. But to get around you gotta do what you gotta do. As long as it's torqued, temporarily losing 1 isn't too big a of deal. On a tractor, you'll be fine.

 

[LD48750]

I wouldn't hesitate for a second, snow blower or back blade, 4x4 or 2 wheel drive.
You'll be fine.

 

[ovrszd]

I agree with everyone. The wheel is designed to be hub centric. That means the hub has a raised edge that the wheel tightly fits over. The bolts mostly hold the wheel from spinning on the hub. If the design was bolt centric, then I'd worry.

 

[Jeff F.]

The forecast is now another 5-9 inches on top of all we already accumulated. We will be approaching 20 inches by the time the storm ends at least. It's almost whiteout conditions now.

I'm heading out to my shop to install the wheel on 5 studs. Then I will drop the loader and put the blower on.

Thanks for the advice.
Jeff

 

[ovrszd]

The forecast is now another 5-9 inches on top of all we already accumulated. We will be approaching 20 inches by the time the storm ends at least. It's almost whiteout conditions now.

I'm heading out to my shop to install the wheel on 5 studs. Then I will drop the loader and put the blower on.

Thanks for the advice.
Jeff

Be safe out there Jeff!!!!

 

[PILOON]

Another possibility might be to use a bolt as long as you can match the treading and add washers to fill the remaining space.
Might make you feel better.

Otherwise I agree with others, use it minus that missing stud.
Since you use a front blower you won't be excessive side loading.
\Were U pushing with an angled plow I'd be concerned but this is not your case.