3320 wheel mounting/spacing

[Woody_NH]

First I'll offer an introduction this being my 1st post. Bought the 3320 two weeks ago after considerable market research including a lot of reading of these forums: blue, orange and green. (Thanks for all the past help). Did a test drive of green last, the 3320 hydro really was slick and then my wife drove it and offered to pay half. At that point what else what was a guy to do??

I (we) ended up with the 3320 hydro, 300cx FEL with 73" HD bucket, block heater, loaded R4 tires, JD ballast box, Land Pride 84" rake and 84" tilt blade. Love the machine so far.

As our land is very uneven I want as much lateral stability as I can get. Originally I thought that I could get an overall width of 68" with the rear wheels in the wide (reversed) mounting position. This was based on the brochure and a discussion with the salesman. Now that I have the 3320 in the garage with a manual to read I see that 68" width is only for R1 tires. With R4s the minimum overall width is 58.1" and the maximum is 59.7". So it appears that reversing (swapping sides) with the rear wheels will only increase overall width by 1.6" or 0.8" per side.

At this point I am not sure if it is worth changing the wheels around. The front wheels would be easy but the leaded rear tires look like a real handful to move around. Any advice would be appreciated on: (1) is it worthwhile changing the wheels around and (2) techniques for physically handling/mounting the loaded R4 tires.
Thanks

 

[Dutch445]

If your dealer had discussions with you about wheel spacing,
it seems odd that they didn't take care of that while they
were prepping the tractor, before they were loaded. But, it still can be done.. maybe the dealer would offer to do that for you, since they didn't do it at setup? If not, jack the rear axle of the tractor up and get it on jackstands,,, not too far off the ground. Remove the wheels, hang on to em, and roll them to the opposite side. then use a bar or 2x4 as you roll the wheel up on the flange. Some guys use a large drift pin to line the holes with the wheel and the flange,, but I always thought you risked damaging the threads on the flange. With a little effort, you will get it lined up so you can start with the bolts. Then just tighten according the the op manual,, to the desired torque, and don't forget to re-torque per the manual also. Very important!

Good luck!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Dutch445]

Oh,
by the way,,

Congratulations on your new tractor! and
Welcome to TBN!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Woody_NH]

Thanks for the reply. The dealer was supposed to have reversed the wheels but "forgot". The salesman has agreed to come here to help me make the change if I really want it done. So I am wondering if it is worth the effort for the small gain in width and if so, if can I just do it myself. Looking at the situation, it looks like a job better done with two: one to use a pry bar to lift it onto the flange and one to hold the wheel in place/start bolts.

 

[beenthere]

Back in '99 I did that with loaded tires, and the R4's are not real tough to roll around 'loaded' and will 'stand' on their own. Just be careful and not be under one that tips over.
I believe I left one side with a jack under it to raise and lower to match the height of the wheel studs. I blocked the other side, and blocked the front wheels well (parking brake does no good when the rear wheels are off /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

Attached is what I did, and essentially the same as Dutch described very well.

 

[BobCurry]

Woody,

Congrats on the 3320 and welcome to TBN! You will find that the 3320 is quite a workhorse.

Bob

 

[HuskerInVA]

I had dealer swap mine to the wider setting. Of course it was after they were filled. Is worth it? Well every inch counts in my book. I'd really hate to be in a pucker situation and not have done everything to ensure the tractor and I get out in one piece.

 

[Woody_NH]

Thanks Husker, and others. Given my rocky uneven terrain, making the swap is the way to go. I have had one rear wheel far enough lower that the other so that I was really wondering about what was going to happen next. Eased back out with that right pedal.
BTW, the eHydro in A range on the 3320 makes for very precise control of the machine. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I have the Ags set full wide. It sure has been nice! There isn't a level spot on my entire property, and we have been glasdd for the stability.