Narrower front axle= tighter turning radius?

KYErik · Dec 12, 2011

I recently bought a 1960's era 4cyl gas Ford 4000. I love everything about this tractor except the steering.... Even with no front weights, the steering wheel is quite difficult to turn and the turning radius seems huge (my old tractor was a 1940's Case SC- tricycle type).

Right now, the adjustable front axle is set at about 68 inches (rears are at 72 inches), but my owners manual shows how I can narrow the front end to a minimum of 52 inches.

Would narrowing the front by 16 inches noticeably improve the turning radius?

Might it also reduce the effort required for steering or is this likely just a function of the gear ratio of the steering box?

Note: there are only gentle hills here so rolling over isn't an issue (I had no stability problems with my old tricycle tractor).

jinman · Dec 13, 2011

A tricycle front axle is easier to turn the wheels, but more prone to understeer since only the outer wheel can really provide turning force when you have a heavy towing load or wide implement on the 3PH. You could try narrowing the front, but I don't think you would gain that much easier steering. Do you have the standard diameter steering wheel, or a smaller diameter wheel? Large diameter wheels make steering much easier for non-power steering models.

Another thing that I have always done is to use differential brakes. I step on the pedal in the drection I want to turn and that aids steering tremendously. On most old Fords with decent brakes, you can lock one rear wheel and spin around in a tight circle. It's rather abusive to nice turf grass, but if you are field mowing, it won't matter. Just make sure your cutter on the back doesn't slam into anything as it swings around.

KYErik · Dec 13, 2011

Thanks for the steering wheel point Jim. I had never even thought about getting a bigger steering wheel- my current steering wheel seems to be of normal size. I'll have to check around and see about getting (or fabricating) a bigger one.

Braking with one wheel does help to turn a bit tighter, but I am still a little surprised that a tractor with such a short wheelbase can't turn very sharp.

jinman · Dec 13, 2011

A steering wheel knob added to your steering wheel can give you an effective 2" to 3" increase in wheel diameter. That might be all you need for easy steering.

KYErik · Dec 13, 2011

Great idea- that would be much easier than finding a larger wheel. I could even bolt a steel strap across the wheel with some u-bolts and stick a spinner knob out 3 or 4 inches beyond the wheel.

jimmysisson · Dec 13, 2011

"...I could even bolt a steel strap across the wheel with some u-bolts and stick a spinner knob out 3 or 4 inches beyond the wheel."
Wow, if you do that don't let go of the knob! Sounds like a quick way to lose a [insert body part here]. Good thing you're funnin' us.
Jim

KYErik · Dec 13, 2011

Good point Jim- I'd have to make sure that my steering gear has a worm drive (no kickback) before I go through with that idea.

imgone52 · Dec 13, 2011

You might want to check the toe in of the front. If it is toed "out" at all, it makes turning much harder.

skipmarcy · Dec 13, 2011

imgone52 said:
You might want to check the toe in of the front. If it is toed "out" at all, it makes turning much harder.

This is true - tractors are usually toed-in more than on-road vehicles.

CalG · Dec 13, 2011

Narrowing the front track will not change the turn radius. It's all in the available angle that the front wheels can achieve.

And regarding roll over, when is the last time you put the front axle on the limit stop?

Pretty scary, and not much different that tricycle. Tractor stability is on the back axle,

Keep 'em loaded!

Cheers

SandburRanch · Dec 13, 2011

KYErik said:
I recently bought a 1960's era 4cyl gas Ford 4000. I love everything about this tractor except the steering.... Even with no front weights, the steering wheel is quite difficult to turn and the turning radius seems huge (my old tractor was a 1940's Case SC- tricycle type).

Right now, the adjustable front axle is set at about 68 inches (rears are at 72 inches), but my owners manual shows how I can narrow the front end to a minimum of 52 inches.

Would narrowing the front by 16 inches noticeably improve the turning radius?

Might it also reduce the effort required for steering or is this likely just a function of the gear ratio of the steering box?

Note: there are only gentle hills here so rolling over isn't an issue (I had no stability problems with my old tricycle tractor).

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This may be similar to the old saying - that's what I've been accustomed to -

I had similar feelings when I mowed alfalfa as a kid with a Farmall trike front and a spinner knob. Boy could I ever turn those 90° corners. Then the boss says, " I need ya to go plow with that D John Deere" Good Gawd, made a person want to get off and walk.

I think you'll get accustomed to your new tractor and like it very well. Make sure it's well greased and the front tires are inflated with max pressure and a little rear ballast for awhile may ease the pressure some.