stuck front wheel

fishman002 · Jan 31, 2009

I have a B20 that has set out during a recent ice storm and now the front right wheel is stuck and it will not rotate. I tried to rock the tractor back and fourth to free it but no luck. Is it frozen or broken? It might add that it worked perfectly two weeks ago.

MikeD74T · Jan 31, 2009

Cover with a blue tarp & add heat. If it won't turn at 40F it's broke. MikeD74T

art · Jan 31, 2009

IT will take awhile for it to thaw if frozen!

dodge man · Jan 31, 2009

I have seen the front end of cars and trucks freeze up after being driven on a slushy road and then have a hard freeze over night. You will pretty much have to let it warm up or add heat to break it lose.

KubotaSam · Jan 31, 2009

dodge man said:
I have seen the front end of cars and trucks freeze up after being driven on a slushy road and then have a hard freeze over night. You will pretty much have to let it warm up or add heat to break it lose.

When the wheel of a car or truck freeze it is because you got water into the brakes and when they freeze it is just like the brakes are on and nothing moves. I find it very difficult to think that an ice storm could do anything to the wheel of a tractor that would cause the wheel not to move. I am afraid that you have a bigger problem than just waiting for warmer temperatures.

kmdigital · Jan 31, 2009

fishman002 said:
I have a B20 that has set out during a recent ice storm and now the front right wheel is stuck and it will not rotate. I tried to rock the tractor back and fourth to free it but no luck. Is it frozen or broken? It might add that it worked perfectly two weeks ago.

He's right. It sounds like you have water in the gears that froze and is locking them up. Whatever you do, don't force it, or it will definitely be broke. Get it good and warm, and it should rotate, then drain the oil on this side to get rid of the water. This is assuming you have a 4x4 tractor.

B2400 · Jan 31, 2009

If the tire itself is just frozen hard to the ground, try pouring a 5 gal bucket of HOT water around the bottom of tire where it meets the ground.

powerstroke444e · Jan 31, 2009

If you have a garage you could put the tractor in 2wheel drive and put the bucket down to lift the tire off and slowly move the tractor in side to warm it up. I would let it set overnight before I would try moving. I would also would leave the drain plug out while letting the warm up to let as much water out as possible. I would refill it and drive it around for a little bit and change the oil again.

fishman002 · Jan 31, 2009

kmdigital said:
He's right. It sounds like you have water in the gears that froze and is locking them up. Whatever you do, don't force it, or it will definitely be broke. Get it good and warm, and it should rotate, then drain the oil on this side to get rid of the water. This is assuming you have a 4x4 tractor.

Thanks for everyones input. Well I got it unstuck. I lifted all four wheels off the ground using the outriggers and the FEL, applied heat to the hub, and rocked the pedal from forward to reverse and slowly the wheel began to rotate. I like the oil draining idea. There is most likely water in it.

LBrown59 · Jan 31, 2009

powerstroke444e said:
If you have a garage you could put the tractor in 2wheel drive and put the bucket down to lift the tire up and slowly move the tractor in side to warm it up.

I think I would try to spin the wheel before dragging it in on the bucket.
No use dragging it if the wheel will turn.