Tires 2520 Front Tires Rubbing

[AKKubota]

I purchased the JD front wheel spacers anticipating the need for the room to fit front chains on this winter. Now, when I turn my wheel the tires rub on the FEL mount.

Dealer says to remove the spacers and don't run chains on the front. I need 4x4 chains.

Will the JD factory chains work W/O the spacer? Or does someone else have a recommendation?

thx

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

What type tires? R4's or turfs?

Tom

 

[Runner]

As close as the tires get without chains, like 3/4 inch or less, I'd be surprised if they would clear with chains, even without the spacers.

 

[AKfish]

Hmm... I've got a couple of friends with 2520's. The ER doc doesn't use chains on his and the other fellow - not sure.

I'm guessing that you have the wheels turned out to the wide setting, yes? To my knowledge, the R1's, R4's and turf (R3's) wheels can all be turned in or out.

As well, the local JD dealer here (they're all Craig Taylor - statewide) obtains chains from Anchorage. I can get the distributer for you - send me a PM.

As a last resort; you might consider cable chains. They'll help maintain steering and will improve traction (although not as much as chains..). Or auto chains. They're lighter and have smaller links (1/4") than equipment chains.

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

Another thought... (my 2nd one this week)! Have you tried mounting the rims on the narrower setting WITH the spacers; most likely - had to ask?! And the tires still rub the FEL?

AKfish

 

[prosperity]

I know on my 2520 with ind tires, it makes no difference on the front wheels if turned in or out - same overall width and clearance.

 

[AKKubota]

Ref. which tires: R-4's.

AK Fish: The tractors down at Craig Taylors right now getting a snow blower put on it. They recommended that I not run chains on the fronts.

I hadn't thought of the cable chains. I called the guys at tirechains.com and they said they could make me a set that didn't "drape" very much on the back and that might really help. I probably will just try rear chains to start and we'll see how that goes. I know from experience with trucks and my larger Kubota that the front chains make a huge difference on the ice or on compacted wet snow. I live on a steep hill and without front chains the unit will surely "pivot-slide."

 

[AKfish]

I couldn't/wouldn't want to use my tractor without chains on all 4 wheels!! With hard-packed snow or worse - ice - the front end would be wanderin' all over the place and it's really bad when I've got a load of snow in the front bucket.

I'd guess that with a front mounted snowblower you'll be crabbin' this way and that way quite a bit this winter!! (You'll get good experince using your rear brakes..)

Maybe those guys in the Anchorage dealership will put in writing that they'll be over to pull you out of the ditch when you get stuck??

R4's are the worst on snow and ice.... the tires are stiff and the rubber compound is hard and they're heavy ply to boot! Driving on them in the winter without chains is like a movin' duck across a frozen pond!

AKfish

 

[AKKubota]

I agree on the 4x4 chains.

 

[skidoo]

With these chains on just the rear, they stick like glue even on Ice. However, I learned that we don't get enough ice to justify dealing with the very heavy chains. So, I would let mine go for half price (original cost was $500) if one came to Montana to get them.

 

[AKKubota]

Those are tire chains look quite nice and appear to be the same type I had on my Kubota. I did buy chains yesterday - front and rear. The dealer removed the front wheel spacers and told me they won't work with my rim/tire size.

I bought some small 2 link garden tractor chains for the front that don't come down too far on the sidewall. They look like they'll be fine. I got some very robust chains for the rear.

Dealer also put the new lift arms on my 3-point with very little discussion.

 

[AKfish]

Good news.. glad to hear that you worked out a solution for the chain issue.

And really good news on the 3pt replacement -- Craig Taylor comes thru!!

AKfish

 

[Gilpin2520]

I purchased the JD front wheel spacers anticipating the need for the room to fit front chains on this winter. Now, when I turn my wheel the tires rub on the FEL mount.

Dealer says to remove the spacers and don't run chains on the front. I need 4x4 chains.

Will the JD factory chains work W/O the spacer? Or does someone else have a recommendation?

thx

I've got the same issue and I'm keeping the spacers due to the incline in my yard. You can easily take your front tires to a local tire shop and have them siped. That's just cutting extra edges into the current treads. That helps a little. You can also screw these studs into your tires but that may exacerbate the rubbing problem. Maybe just do the rears and sipe the front. Better yet just get a set of turf tires for the front when you're on snow.

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