2320 Front Wheel Spacers

[Gizmo2]

Anyone out there actually using the front wheel spacers from John Deere on the 2320, 2520 or 2720 tractors. Holy Crap $100.00 each from JD.

 

[beenthere]

Not a bad price. What do you expect for steel?

 

[thatguy]

what benefit do they give, except a wider stance? who much wider does it make it?

b

 

[JD755]

Anyone out there actually using the front wheel spacers from John Deere on the 2320, 2520 or 2720 tractors. Holy Crap $100.00 each from JD.

I assume you know they add nothing to hillside stability due to the pivoting front axle?

 

[Gizmo2]

I have a set of front chains from my JD650 and I would like to use them on the 2320 but they will not go on without hitting, no room to speak of. The 2320 works well enough but the sliding just kills me. The front end slid into the barn last year and there was nothing I could do about it. I suppose I could live without the chains but would rather not, the barn area gets pretty icy. I also may be able to remake the chains I have now to fit a lot higher on the tire but I don't want the chains flying off as the front tires will spin way before the back tires.

 

[JD755]

OK. Good reason. Thanks.

 

[Gizmo2]

Ordered the spacers from the dealer yesterday along with the longer bolts.
Should have them on Tuesday. Guess we'll see what happens.

 

[etcallhome]

Have you tried reversing your front wheels .. On 2305 I gained almost as much rev the wheels compared to having the wheel spacers on front.
Just a thought may or may not help !!!!

 

[Gizmo2]

Have you tried reversing your front wheels .. On 2305 I gained almost as much rev the wheels compared to having the wheel spacers on front.
Just a thought may or may not help !!!!

Thanks, The first thing I did was do some measurements and it seems it would make it worse on the 2320.

 

[ragkar]

You can reduce the front end sliding by putting more weight on the front wheels. Suitcase weights come to mind, but they won't work with a JD plow. Another approach is using less weight in the rear end ballast. That weight lifts the front wheels.

 

[Gizmo2]

Yes, less weight in the rear makes a huge difference in steering when moving snow with a plow blade. In the winter when plowing snow I have the ballast box half full of 3/4" stone. If the ballast box is full forget about steering with the blade on the ground while plowing my barn area. This is one reason I could never understand why people have the tendency of filling a ballast box with concrete, suppose it's too heavy? My barn area has a slight incline and I have to plow it with the right side of the tractor on the high side of the incline and do many passes. This is where the tractor slides the most and I get into trouble. Last year I slid into the barn once, very minor and no damage done. Another time I was getting off the tractor to change the blade angle and the front of the tractor slid about 2 feet, the wife saw this and about had a heart attack (me too) and of course I was getting off the down hill side.

I have been plowing this barn area for 22 years and knew what works and what doesn't using the JD650, I'm still playing with the 2320 and was hoping for the best (without front chains). Too add to the mess I have wider blade this year.

 

[Deadman]

Exactly, seems really foolish to fill ballast box with concrete.

I used chunks of lead, and add and remove weight as each job requires. :thumbsup:

 

[beenthere]

Gizmo2
Hadn't thought of that extra ballast weight like that, but have not had much problem holding the front wheels in line behind the plow.
This winter, put chains on the front and not on the rear and found out when I have the wing plow out that the rear wheels hold better without the chains. So am thinking the chains allow some slide to the side (probably like grousers on crawler tracks on ice with sideways slide/slip).

I decrease the angle of the plow blade when I start getting sideways push on the front end while plowing (or lift up a bit to carry the plow).
But I don't have the side slope to contend with either.

Part of our fun is to figure out the right/best combination that works for different conditions.

 

[Gizmo2]

Gizmo2
Hadn't thought of that extra ballast weight like that, but have not had much problem holding the front wheels in line behind the plow.
This winter, put chains on the front and not on the rear and found out when I have the wing plow out that the rear wheels hold better without the chains. So am thinking the chains allow some slide to the side (probably like grousers on crawler tracks on ice with sideways slide/slip).

I decrease the angle of the plow blade when I start getting sideways push on the front end while plowing (or lift up a bit to carry the plow).
But I don't have the side slope to contend with either.

Part of our fun is to figure out the right/best combination that works for different conditions.

After 20 some years this is going to be my first year with hydraulic angle. can't wait.
It's all FUN! Did I say that?
Now that I think of it beenthere, you should post up some close up shots of your setup. I tried to see how you did your plow many times and could never really see. I've done 2 complete units for myself and yours has always caught my eye and kept me intrigued.

 

[Gizmo2]

Well I guess you know I am glad I bought the JD spacers....
Weight transfer in all the right places.

 

[beenthere]

.......Now that I think of it beenthere, you should post up some close up shots of your setup. I tried to see how you did your plow many times and could never really see. I've done 2 complete units for myself and yours has always caught my eye and kept me intrigued.

What part do you want close-up?
Here are a couple of the hitch with just white primer.