A close call

[Kernopelli]

Don't know how well you can tell the difference that the offset makes from the pics but depending upon your rims, I would guess somewhere between a 6-12" track difference which doesn't sound like much but is immediately noticeable. I mow a pond levy with mine that is definitely steeper than what your pics show and swapping the rims around made all the difference. I used to not be able to mow it with the tractor.

When you swap them, you want to put the left ones on the right and visa versa. If you simply turn the rim around and keep the wheel on the same side, your treads will be backwards, so swap them from one side to the other.

Looking at your rims, the rears appear to have a lot more offset than mine, they will probably stick out of the fender wells more than mine so you will occasionally get a little slop on you but I guarantee you won't want to switch them back after you see and feel the difference it will make. It will feel like a different tractor in a lot of situations.

 

[cowboy357]

Once again Thanks for the info & mostlly for taking time to take the pics. It looks like it would make one heck of a difference as well as easier to get to the grease zerts . I might just give it a try . Thanks again Darryl , Bob

 

[Kernopelli]

Cowboy, One other thing I was going to mention that was touched upon earlier in the thread is lack of ROPS ( and seat belt).

Since the grey markets don't come with them, have you considered putting then on your tractors? There are several companies that specialize in grey market rops and is something to strongly consider. Look at it this way, if you can't justify the price based solely on personal safety, consider it a capital investment that increases the value of your machine. If you can't afford to do both tractors, just do one and use it when you are doing anything that may present a greater concern about roll over. Just google grey market ROPS.

I made my own ( which is a hot subject here on TBN). I don't operate my tractor any differently since I put them on, but I feel ( this is also a hot button word since "feeling" and OSHA certified are two different things) much better with it installed.

I attached mine to the rear axle and to the rear transmission case since I read quite a bit about attachment point pros/cons and doing it either way, I just decided to do both and that way there is little doubt about integrity. I gusseted all pieces after welding it together and used similar or heavier material than any factory ROPS I have looked at or owned for a similar size tractor. This was my personal decision and not what I am suggesting you do.

Anyway, enough personal justification on how I built mine for those reading this and are possibly fuming because I even mentioned it. Let your conscience and/or your personal abilities be your guide and consider some ROPS and seat belt.

One last comment about swapping the rims around. If turning the fronts give you concern about any added stress on front spindles or bearings, just swap the rears. Since my first response to you on this subject ( front rim specific now), I have done some reading on here about it and some members have posted that their dealers have recommended doing it and some have said not to and it seems to be a very model specific issue as to whether it is advisable. I have never read or been told that swapping rears can create any problem and is something I would advise without reservation.

 

[cowboy357]

Thanks again Darryl , Yes I,ve looked into the Rops for my bigger tractor . I,ll more the likelly never sell it , So I,m not concerned about what the safety police here or anyone has to say about what i do to MY tractor

The other one i,m probablly going to sell before long , So if the next owner wants to add a rops thats upto them .

That being said I would like to see how You did yours & the mounting points If You wouldn,t mind . I still have quite a bit of work to do by the river at the back of Our property & I have pushed my luck as much as I care to so far , as its about a 20 foot drop . Wether I decide to buy or build myself I still need to see which way is more suitable for My needs .

As far as reversing the wheels & tires I will probally do it on the rears only for now & see what difference it makes before I consider the fronts . But after looking at mine it does look like it would make a Huge difference on the rears as They do have quite a bit of an offset on them .

If You would rather not show pics of your build on this site , I wouldn,t blame you & could PM you my email addy through a pm if you want . Anyway thanks again Darryl for the usefull info . Bob