The rear tires are at their widest, which is somewhere around 7 feet (5090E tractor). As far as not greasing the PTO shaft, I am hesitant do that that as I am a novice and I pay particular attention to the factory specs as far as greasing is concerned. I think it is just going to have to come down to more seat time in order to gain the experience necessary to make turns that don't compromise the interference between the cutter and the rear tractor tires.