Tire Width Opinion/Question?

[cartod]

I put this old tractor I just bought in the shop for a head gasket replacement and need your opinion on the width of the rear tires. The previous owner has the tires set to its widest and was wondering what the down side is to leave them this way. I like the look and the added stability but Im not sure if its doing any harm. THanks.

 

[mikehaugen]

Well I suppose if you are really working/abusing it, yhere is a greater chance of bending axles or breaking castings. I think the odds are slim though. The engineers wouldn't have made it possible to put the tires that wide if the tractor couldn't handle it (assuming the rims are original.) The stability is probably worth the risk as long as you don't need to get into any tight places.

I guess the fenders aren't very effective though.

 

[Henri88]

Nice clean Deere! What model and year? Can't really tell from your pics.

 

[cartod]

Nice clean Deere! What model and year? Can't really tell from your pics.

Its a 1972 820 (german) with 1439 hours. Got everything you see there for 3k. He let the antifreeze sit too long and it ate the head gasket. Back tires and brush hog are 2 years old.

 

[ovrszd]

Only issue I can see is it's set wider than the cutter. If trying to cut up against a fence or some other obstacle, you'll leave some. Otherwise, I'm all about stability. I think that tractor would shock you how steep an incline it would stay on sideways. Looks to have a very low center of gravity. Nice old tractor. Good find!!!

 

[greg_g]

Seller may have used it on significant slopes. It's yours now, set the wheel widths appropriate to your own property. Nice clean machine by the way.

//greg//

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't think it will hurt anything as long as it works for your uses. I had my 820 wheels set inward but I don't think you have any concerns other than how well the width works with your attachments. That was a good price for that tractor imo.

 

[Hank Richardson]

For stability it is primarily mind over matter . IF it's matter then use ROPS as your condom of protection ,not wheel spacing as angle on the hills alters vehicle reaction & is NOT a safety device. Rather, more a potentially FATAL trap for the uninitiated! The wheels are able to be adjusted only to set to the width of your crop or rows. IT will cause maximum wear on bearings and any other affected parts and if you do not NEED the wheels that wide apart you can minimise the loading by simply reversing the rim centres. The offset wont make noticeable difference. That said ,with the low hours and IF you are not a FARMER per se. The factors won't hurt the service it provides in current settings. At 8000 hours you may start to see why narrow offset as possible is best; but, won't that take you twenty years to reach? AND by then just maybe the rust will still be more concern as YOU drive it not your employees(possibly?). ENJOY!

 

[Hank Richardson]

So now you have five years experience what course did you take ? Do you still have the little Deere and what else can you share with the community ?

 

[cartod]

So now you have five years experience what course did you take ? Do you still have the little Deere and what else can you share with the community ?

5 years experience? What course? What do you want me to share?

Did Hank over medicate? You have a total of 3 posts and you are trying to bust my balls already?