Tire traction L3400 concerns

[Cedarweed]

Getting close to committing to an L3400 with FEL and 5' brush hog. Will be reclaiming 10-15 acres from cedars, sumac, briars etc.and cleaning up another 10-15 acres of woods. There are mild grades here and there plus ditches to cross, etc., and so have a which-tire question. Does the extra width of the industrial tires significantly affect the rollover stability of the tractor? Would rather stay with the ags as clay is what we have, but it is an area of concern. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Cedarweed

 

[Cedarweed]

Last post should have been titled Traction and Stability Concerns.

Cedarweed

 

[dirtworksequip]

Go with the ag tires. The wheel set up on the ags will let you get a wider stance than the R4 tires plus the traction is vastly improved with the R1's. Most R4 wheels will only give you a couple inches of width by changing them to the wide position.

 

[Accubite]

Definitely go with the Ags if traction is a concern. R4s are a nice in between for lawn work but in my experience in field work they only have about half the traction of Ags. If you plan to finish mow with the tractor consider the R4s and fill whatever tire you get. I think the filled Ag would be as stable on the hills as R4 on the L3400. I had great stability and traction with Ags on a 1976 Ford 2000 I used to bush hog on very steap pasture when I was young.

 

[Dweeks]

You will enjoy the L3400. Congrats.

 

[Cedarweed]

Thanks for everyone's help. Looks like I will be going with the R1 ag tires. Dealer has agreed to extend the wheels to their widest stance. Comments about that as well as traction are a great help and you have my appreciation. And, yes, I plan to enjoy! (would have put big grin here but cannot figure how it is done)

Cedarweed

 

[Elim]

I have loaded AG's on my L3010 that are turned out to the widest setting, and it does fine in these WV mountains. I don't think I could have made a better choice. I don't think you would regret it at all.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

 

[BenA]

How do the rear tires move outward? Does the rim slide on the axle?

 

[N80]

The hub (center) section is roughly "C" shaped in profile you can turn it around to extend or decrease effective width. Also, the bolt attachment points on the actual rims are flanged so you can turn it around too. Hard to explain, but my 4400 manual has a diagram showing it, the 3400 manual might have this as well.

Wide is good but I don't have mine at the widest because it would make the tires stick out too far past my 6' implements. They came set up at the next to the widest combo and I've left them that way.

 

[Stackwood]

The specs on our Kubota regarding tread width are misleading. Our MX5000 lists a spec of 54-58" for the rear track depending on how the rims are set. Sounds scary, and we immediately set about moving the rims out. However, when I actually put a tape on the tires after they were moved out, I got a measurement of over 73"! I assume they aint measur'in the same place I am.

How wide are your rear tires, edge to edge? Put a tape on it and let us know. I think the results will be real interesting.

Cheers

Stackwood

 

[N80]

First, the measurement is from the middle of the tread, not the outside edge.

Second, the tread width on my L4400 (similar but slightly smaller than the 5000) can range from 46.5 to 60.8 inches, a range of 14.3 inches.

 

[simonmeridew]

My L4400 has a rear track of 67 inches. I think if I move them out to the widest flanges could gain another 2 inches on each side; probably not a bad idea for stability in the woods or with heavy front end loader work, but I also lose work room in tight spaces plowing this winter. UHHHH, Just where was that shrub under all that snow??.....OH My . Maybe I'll leave them where they are.( N80 gave me that advice several months ago).
simonmeridew

 

[machmeter62]

This may help in your decision. I have a small fleet of tractors. Two of them have R-4's, and the others are R-1's and Turf's. If traction will be the main issue, go with R-1's, which will get more power to the ground. Also, with the rear wheels being adjustable; you can choose your own comfort level for the slopes. The R-4's are "all purpose" and do have their shortcomings. In muddy conditions, the tires turn into slicks providing little traction. But on a hard surface give a smooth ride, great for loader work, and with the wider width and heavier casings may add durability and longevity, working in unknown conditions, where a "flat" maybe a factor? They will provide a more puncture resistant tire? The down side for your tractor, the cost will add $400+ to the bottom line. I use the turf tires for lawn use only. If you are leaning to R-4's; you can also add chains for additional traction. The down side to my R-1's, are the front tires being narrower, tend to look "stressed out" with a max. loaded loader bucket with max. tire inflation!

 

[Stackwood]

"First, the measurement is from the middle of the tread, not the outside edge.

Second, the tread width on my L4400 (similar but slightly smaller than the 5000) can range from 46.5 to 60.8 inches, a range of 14.3 inches"


Good info N80. It sounds like Cedarweed is going to get a tire width, out to out, of over 60" when it's all said and done. I would think that this makes for a very stable unit.

 

[N80]

I imagine the outside width is really the most important measurement for practical purposes but when you look at the numbers in the manual they are measuring from the center of the tread.

 

[schole]

Congratulations on choosing an L3400! I'm continue to be impressed with mine after 2 years of abuse.

Being used to R1's on 2-wheel drive machines, I was quite UNimpressed with my initial use of the R4's on my 4x4 in some slushy spring weather in the bush.

Now that I'm loaded (tires that is) and using chains in the winter, I'm quite impressed with both traction and stability. I think loaded tires will make the most difference for your stability regardless of wheel position, IMHO.

The R4's are tough, great on the lawn, and seem more suited to significant loader work? Having said that, if traction is a top priority, there is no argument that R1's will really tear things up for you.

Shawn

 

[Cedarweed]

The L3400 we ordered was delivered today, just early enough for an hours ride around and about this place before dark. Love it. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in deciding which tires (chose loaded ags) and in learning about the full range of tire widths available. That info, by the way, was the deal maker in deciding on the L3400. The dealer made the left/right switch as well as moving the wheel to the outside of the flanges. For the present, at least, that is just fine for me. Chose the ags because it will not be a lawn tractor and will do considerably work in the woods during the winter rainy season and with a lot of clay, traction is an issue. All in all, the process has been a lot of fun and I've learned quite a bit of good information. I have the fine folks of this great forum to thank for that and do so with sincerity. Time now to get my nose into the manuals.

Best regards,

Cedarweed