Tire size

[DR3045]

Can someone tell what tire size they think I should get on the M5040 I will be working on a hillside it comes with 14.9 x 28 or should I get the 16.9 x 28 they are the same hieght the dealer said just wider and hold more fluid which may make it more stable?
Thanks Dave

 

[lp333]

If you use the 4WD mode, you should choose tires that have the same diameter as the original ones. If you elect to use a different tire size than original, you will need to ensure that the ratio of the new tire circumferences (front / back tires) is the same as the original ratio in order to avoid stress on your M5040 when in 4WD mode.

 

[DR3045]

Thanks for the reply, the dealer said they would work fine I was just wondering if the 16.9 x 28 would be better on the hillsides?

 

[lp333]

If you elect to go with the wider tires, make sure that they will not present a disadvantage in the future. For example, should you wish to add chains later on, might the wider tires give you insufficient clearance to do so?

Working on hillsides requires that the center of gravity of the tractor be kept as low as possible. For example, my BX23 became increasingly unstable when using a bush hog on slopes with inclines approaching 30 degrees. However, after mounting a belly mower, I found that it was considerably more stable on the same slopes.

Also, I have found that turf tires offer considerably more traction on slopes than bar tires.

 

[KennyV]

I went with taller AND wider turf tires on the front and rear of my L4200. I did need to change the rims to get bigger tires.
If you can fit larger it should work better for you I also have to agree with lp333 turfs have great traction. KennyV.

 

[DR3045]

I will be using a bushhog (3 pt hitch) so do you think the Ag tires would be better the ground is kind of ruff. I was just wondering if the 16.9s would make it more stable.
Dave

 

[Harry c]

Wider tires will be more stable simply because they stick out farther on each side effectively making the tractor wider. Wider is better. More fluid will also lower the center of gravity improving stability further.

 

[DR3045]

Thanks I think I will go with the 16.9 x 28 with cast rims My next question would be will it be hard to widen the tires out by myself?
Thanks Dave

 

[art]

Find the widest attachment that you plan to use Like a loader bucket or box blade. Your tread should be narrower then that type of attachments. If you have a 72" bucket then set the tractor up at 70" or less for that and go to a six foot bush hog. With the cast wheels you could add up to three sets of rear wheel weights.

 

[john_bud]

Thanks I think I will go with the 16.9 x 28 with cast rims My next question would be will it be hard to widen the tires out by myself?
Thanks Dave

It's easy, but heavy. And can be dangerous if the tire falls on you.

The rims and center (you meant to say cast center) are 2 pieces. The center is curved so by flipping it around the tire center moves in or out about 4-6". I don't know the exact spec on that center.

The loops that the center attach to are not on the center line of the rim. They are close to one edge. So, attaching the center to the loops on one side will move the tire in a lot and on the other side will move it out a lot.

Obviously, there are 4 ways to set it up.

The heavy part is dealing with upwards of 800 to 1000# of akward. You really really don't want to drop one over!

To flip a center, you need to un bolt it from the rim and unbolt it from the axle. Then flip it and bolt it to the rim. Then wiggle the tire out or in to get it lined up with the axle. That's the interesting part.


If you change the center to rim and flip the tire around, you need to do that AND remount the tire on the OTHER side of the tractor. Tread is directional. So you have to roll around that heavy sucker as well as wiggle it into position.

Takes me about 30-45 min to do a 4 way flip by my self. I chain the tires up when possible so they can't fall and hurt me. Right now, the tires are in the optimum spot and have not been changed in 5 years.

If you are not comfortable dealing with large heavy objects that can kill or maim you, pay the $100 for a tire service company to come out. Or better yet, have the dealer set it up for you b4 you take it home. I'd say go 1 less than the max spread.

jb