QUESTION: any problem adding larger front tires?

[GManBart]

I know, but since he's (the dealer) the one that would be doing warranty work on it, if something does break, he might not be able to get it covered

Sure, I still don't think it's worth the effort to change, but since we're talking about the factual problem, or no problem, it's kind of a different topic.

Did you think to ask why the offer different size rears with the same fronts if it's that critical?

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you feel energetic, do the roll test with the current tires in 2 WD and then put in 4 WD and see if the fronts come out to the same spot or are the spinning or sliding a bit. They are supposed to spin a bit faster. If the lug bolt holds are the same, you could do the same test with your LS tires on the MF and see if it is substantially different. I would for sure ask that dealer why they sell the tractor with the larger tires if it is damaging. Sound like they just made a statement based on opinion/hearsay just like lots of folks have done.
If your rolling distance proves out that the front tires are still neutral or slightly faster turning than the rear, I would put on the larger tires if that is what I wanted, especially if they supply them from the factory that size. The other question is will the smaller tires hurt the LS? So the same scenario needs to be done to make sure they aren't binding.

Now for my opinion: likely you wont see a lot of difference in floatation between the two tires. Sure the wide ones look better than skinny ones, but there shouldn't be enough difference in ground pressure on the large ones to hold them up in wet soil as compared to the slightly smaller ones.

 

[CharlieKtractor]

thread almost turned into uselessness--no one has mentioned how hard it is on the drivetrain to run on pavement in 4X4--that being said if you're in 2X4 it doesn't matter what size tires you got on the rear compared to the front-truck or tractor JMMHO

 

[/pine]

It might have been mentioned earlier in the thread...but when I was going through this trying to locate exact size replacement tires that were no longer available...it all boiled down to "rolling circumferences"...

http://www.firestoneag.com/webres/File/Tire-Info/TireInfo-RCI.pdf

you can also Google "how to measure rolling circumferences" for more...

 

[MtnViewRanch]

There is about 7.6% difference in the front tires circumference. There is an acceptable ratio difference with each of the tractors. Not knowing what that difference is, is the problem. Figure out what the ratios are for each tractor as they now are. Then figure out what the ratio is when the OEM larger tires are on the Massey. If the ratio is the same with the smaller tires and with the none OEM bigger tires (we already know that it is much different with only the OEM larger rear tires) that will tell you what is ok or not. If you are anywhere between the 2 different Massey OEM ratios, I would think that you would be good to go.

Just my :2cents:

 

[MikePA]

I know, but since he's (the dealer) the one that would be doing warranty work on it, if something does break, he might not be able to get it covered

Asking the dealer was the only correct thing to do. The only 'math' that matters is who pays if damage resulted from changing the front tire size.

 

[/pine]

...The only 'math' that matters is who pays if damage resulted...

IMO...This is part of the problem in America today...wanting someone else to take responsibility...!

an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... i.e., eliminate as much potential for damage from the onset... do the right math in the first place...

 

[MikePA]

IMO...This is part of the problem in America today...wanting someone else to take responsibility...!

an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... i.e., eliminate as much potential for damage from the onset... do the right math in the first place...

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you've written, however, following the directions of the dealer has nothing to do with wanting someone else to take responsibility, nor is it a condemnation of all of America. Talk about a leap.

The OP has all the information he needs. It is his tractor and he is obviously free to put whatever size tires on it he wants to.

 

[GManBart]

Asking the dealer was the only correct thing to do. The only 'math' that matters is who pays if damage resulted from changing the front tire size.

Wow, very authorative answer...the only correct thing? It's blind faith commentary like this that causes as many problems as it prevents. If you really think the dealer knows the actual mechanics of the tire ratio change, you're kidding yourself. According to their own answer, they shouldn't offer two different size rear tires with the same front tire, but they do, and they almost certainly don't know why.

If you do the simple math to sort out the actual, not hypothetical, ratio, you'll know whether it will cause a problem or not. Knowing, for a fact, by doing the actual measurements, and the math, is the only way to know for sure whether it will cause a problem....not asking a dealer, not checking with your buddy who's a "mechanic," and certainly not asking on the Internet. If the math and measurements show it will be fine, nothing else matters. Everything else is a guess, blind faith, or foolish hope that somebody else knows what they're talking about.

 

[TSO]

I've spoken with about 10 different Massey dealerships, & I also called AGCO directly ... each place has said not to change the tire size, because the rear and front tire sizes are supposed to work together with a Certain Ratio in mind.
However, none of them could tell me if there was any room in that ratio for adjustment, however small, to go up or down a tire size.

None said that there was not any room for adjustment, but they all said they did not know.

I I know some of you have mentioned to just not use the 4 wheel drive, but that would not work at all, as I use the front drive wheels all the time for doing loader work. Just would not be practical to not use 4 wheel drive