Tires Replacing the front hubs on YM1900

[Gary Sweat]

Has anyone replaced or attempted to replace the front hubs with a 5 lug trailer hub? I don't know if this is possible due to axle size but it would be nice to update to timken style roller bearings for the FEL I am building for it. Would also make it easier to go to a wider tire and wheel.

 

[California]

I wonder if you would gain anything. These things break spindles occasionally.

Simpler might be an axle from larger tractor if you can find one with the same mount.

 

[Gary Sweat]

I figure I am going to have to beef up the front axle a tad bit with a larger pivot pin and steel so I was thinking that if I could adapt 3500 lb rated hubs to the axles, it would make finding wider rims and tires a little easier. I'm afraid the 4x12 wheels and tires are not going to hold up for long. I'm not building an overly large FEL but I would rather overbuild a little and get more miles between repairs.

 

[clemsonfor]

We understand your wishes gary but California was pointing out that the spindles are the weak link in these yanmars. Most of what you hear is broken spindles, not worn bearing or busted bearing or flat tires or warped rims. So by going to a heavier hub/bearing tire you are doing nothing to address your weak link. Spindles are your weak link not the hubs. And some of these spindles are not readily availible unless off a parts tractor and the replacements are worse than the originals on some of these models. This is at least what i remember from a guy who busted something like 3 spindles and Hoye had no other source for the guy.

 

[Gary Sweat]

Thanks. I was hoping the spindles were not what breaks the most. I will just have to start hitting the tractor salvage yards and see if I can find a larger axle to replace the existing one. I have a lathe and milling machine but I think it would be easier to just replace the whole front end rather than making larger spindles as these are an angled "L" shape and I am assuming would have to be cut from a large block or forged. I don't intend to do heavy lifting with this tractor as it is too small but I do want to know that it is not going to break if I under estimate the load.

Thanks again for the advice. I've got questions about the hydraulic pump but I guess I should start a new thread on that one.

 

[California]

I'm afraid the 4x12 wheels and tires are not going to hold up for long.

I *think* a YM1900 is just a prehistoric YM2000. (to oversimplify a little!)

5.00 x 15 tires on 3 x 15 rims were an option on YM2000 2wd. That is what I have. (My YM240 is just the US-sold version of YM2000).

I have a real heavy loader and the tractor was apparently ordered loader-ready since it has the optional HD, adjustable width front axle. I'll bet this is simply the axle made for a larger Yanmar.

My wheels are all cracked and welded so I bought a spare pair of unblemished used wheels. I never have gotten around to installing them. I can't imagine what the first owner did to the tractor to rip the centers out of both wheels. And these aren't even the first set of wheels! One has $25.00 written on it. In 6.5 years I've never damaged a wheel.

 

[Gary Sweat]

I've done some searching after your suggestion to replace the axle and have found some really interesting modifications. I also came across a post on here back in Oct last year of a YM1700 with a front loader. The 1900 is pretty much the same tractor. Hopefully I can find that person to see how his has held up.
My dad had this tractor and used it for mowing. After a few years he fell ill and gave it to me. I thought about trading it in on a newer model but I doubt I would get much for it so I decided to keep it. I've not had any problems with it other than the alternator that I am going to replace this winter. I've used it to pull stumps, bush hog, grade my driveway and haul stuff on a trailer that I built for it. It runs for a long time on 5 gal of diesel. I think I will just go ahead and put the loader on it and see what happens. Whatever breaks will give me a clue as to what I need to beef up. My idea for the post was to hopefully find a way to have more wheels and tires to choose from for the front. All of the tractor places I have talked to either don't know of anything that would replace them or don't want to take the time to look. It seems to be the 4 hole lugs that are the problem to get around.

 

[Eddie]

I had a FEL on a YM1700 for a couple of years. I put 6ply trailer tires on the front. I had no problems with it. I took the loader off after a couple of years and put it on a YM 2020 and sold the 1700. Its still running strong.

 

[California]

I agree 4 lug wheels are hard to find. it took me a couple of year to find my spare 15" wheels.

But I've seen Yanmars on Craigslist with automotive wheels on the front. 4 lug Honda etc wheels would be similar but I don't know about the dimensions. There is a US 4 lug standard for boat trailers and early Vegas used this pattern.

If it were me I would live with the little wheels or look for the similar 15" Yanmar wheels.

Oh - YM1700 and YM2000 are essentially identical. 1700 just used the smaller options where there was a choice - tires etc. It used smaller diameter pistons and sleeves in the same block. If your 1900 is similar to a 1700, it is similar to a 2000.

 

[Gary Sweat]

Thanks Eddie, I think I have found a 4 wheel drive axle assy to put on the front end if needed. It won't have 4 wheel drive but the axle unit should beef up the front end. Just not sure how easy it will be to steer without power steering. I will see how it holds up with the stock front end first.