modern tractor short wheel base

[logan97]

why do most modern tractors have short wheel bases ?

 

[doall]

probably so they can fit more on a ship from somewhere else.

 

[Duffster]

So it doesn't take 80 acres to turn it around.

 

[Qapla]

To fit into a home garage or a barn.

That size is all that is needed to do the job.

All the easier to park them in INSIDE showrooms.

I'm sure others will think of even more reasons

 

[MicroPilot]

Are there any advantages of a longer wheel base over a shorter one?

 

[TripleR]

I have only noticed shorter wheel bases on the SCUT/CUT/UT, but not Ag tractors.

Agree with the previous post on maneuverability as the shorter wheel base will turn sharper. The only downsides are it gives a little choppier ride and requires more ballast when using a FEL. I am sure there are others.

 

[RoyJackson]

Short wheelbase provides for better maneuverability. Take a look at a skid steer, for example. The old NH Boomers, with their Supersteer, are another good example.

 

[Thomas]

Working tighter areas,also demand.

 

[kebo]

Are there any advantages of a longer wheel base over a shorter one?

Tractors with longer wheelbases are not as prone to flipping over backwards. This is due to the momentum effect of technically adding more weight further in front of the rear axle. It's partly the same principle behind making rail dragsters about 22-24 ft long rather than just 16ft long. Even still, you will see one of them will occasionally flip over backwards.

 

[ModMech]

Are there any advantages of a longer wheel base over a shorter one?

- No (or fewer) front weights needed
- Less likely to flip
- More traction (drawbar pull) for the same wt and HP
- Better loader balance
- Look better

Why do they use a short WB? All the reasons mentioned in above replies, I agree they will maneuvor better in tight spaces but anything over 40HP shouldn't be used in areas that tight, just my opinion. Besides, with 4x4 (MFWD) you have a LOT of weight in the front axle so there is little reason to add another 12" of length.

My opinion: The happy homeowners and weekend warriors don't want huge "tractors" for hard work, they want compact do-it-all models. This means high engine HP, short WB, MFWD, Hydro and not for me.

 

[grnspot110]

probably so they can fit more on a ship from somewhere else.

Could be! :laughing: It's been told that the reason the old JD model "D" had a short wheel base was so they would fit in RR box cars cross-ways. ~~ grnspot110

 

[Yandaddy1110]

More traction and able to climb steeper inclines......like the Jeep ad on tv sez.

 

[Ford tractor]

Because the "Gentleman Farmer / Rancher" on 1-10 acres desire them.

Natural selection of products, the more of a type that get bought, the more that get made and the more other companies build to compete in that area.

 

[Duffster]

Short wheelbase provides for better maneuverability. Take a look at a skid steer, for example. The old NH Boomers, with their Supersteer, are another good example.

Difference with a skidloader is that wheel base doesn't effect "turning radius", for lack of better term.

 

[RoyJackson]

Difference with a skidloader is that wheel base doesn't effect "turning radius", for lack of better term.

I dunno, Duff...I've seen those things do a 180 in their own length with a bit of back and forth...

Of course, with some judicious brake steering, I've seen bulldozers do a 180 turnabout too...

 

[Duffster]

I dunno, Duff...I've seen those things do a 180 in their own length with a bit of back and forth...

Of course, with some judicious brake steering, I've seen bulldozers do a 180 turnabout too...

Dozer and a SS are the same in principal.

They can both turn 360(180) in there own diagonal measured length.

 

[TripleR]

My old Ford 841 would do a complete 180 as will our 600 Series Ford. Now you will really tear the ground up, but stand on one brake with a little weight on the back and you wind up where you started. That was the recommended way of turning them at the end of the field for some things like disking.

 

[RollTideRam]

They don't call big cars "compacts" do they? Compact tractors are smaller. JC

 

[DJ4wd]

The past two tractors that I have owned were shot wheel base and severely over powered.

 

[Charolais]

Some ag tractors are called compact. Deutz Fahr Agroplus is called a haying compact. The Agrofarm line is the same. Just a bit larger tractor but on a short wheelbase. It really helps in the hay field too.