B7800 Rear Spacers / Front Tire Flip?

[offroadaudio]

I have very hilly property - very hilly.
I have the rears loaded and the FEL low, but I still avoid some places that I think I should be able to mow. So I'm looking at options for more stability. I did just read the thread about the custom rear wheel spacers - very nice.
Right now I'm interested in comments about the "stock" Kubota spacers that add 1.5" to each side, and flipping the fronts. Anyone with experience on these items?

Thanks.

'FRank

 

[Ductape]

I added Kubota's rear wheel spacers to my 3030, and it made a very noticeable improvement in stability. I seem to recall a note in Kubota's wholegoods list to the effect of the wheel spacers causing contact between the rear wheels and one of the belly mowers. I don't recall whether it was the 6o or 72 though........ might be worth checking into if you have a belly mower on your 7800.

 

[offroadaudio]

Yes, I do have the 60".
I'm waiting on a call back from my dealer to confirm compatibility.
If it'll work with the 60" AND my warranty will not be affected - I'm going to do it.

Did you check on voiding warranty on rear seals and bearings?

Thanks.

 

[Ductape]

I did not check on warranty, as my tractor is out of warranty. If they are offered by Kubota...... i suspect they shouldn't affect warranty. Installation was straight forward...... hardest part was removing/reinstalling my loaded tires. They are HEAVY !

 

[ronjhall]

I have spacers on my B2910 (same tractor as B7800). They help some but not enough. My tires are not loaded. Hard to say how they will help you. It will be difficult putting the spacers on with loaded tires.
Reversing front tires will not help because axle pivots.

 

[Hillfarmer]

I just installed wheel Kubota wheel spacers on my B2630. I also have the 60" mid mount mower. The wheel spacers work fine with the 60" mower. However, the clearance is not enough between the mower and the tire with the spacers on to permit tire chains. Therefore will have to take mower off to use chains.

 

[SuperDave]

I have not used wheel spacers for the rear, but have flipped the front tires to accomodate tire chains. Although the front axle pivots, it still gives it a wider base. I left the front tires flipped for the summer because of hills on the property.

 

[Yankee Clipper]

When you flip over the front wheels for wider tread, you markedly increase the loading of the inboard bearing on your front axle. You will first notice a leak at the seal and then it may get noisy.

The only approved front tire spaciings keep the centerline of the wheel and tire over the final drive.

Your call - pay now or pay later....

 

[randelcole]

When you flip over the front wheels for wider tread, you markedly increase the loading of the inboard bearing on your front axle. You will first notice a leak at the seal and then it may get noisy.

The only approved front tire spaciings keep the centerline of the wheel and tire over the final drive.

Your call - pay now or pay later....

I don't have enough clearance for front chains and my tire supplier said it would be fine to flip the front rims to pick up enough space. Either that or add 1" wheel spacers. You say that flipping rims will damage axle. If I only flip for winter, is wear a problem?

 

[Joe Malovich]

I don't have enough clearance for front chains and my tire supplier said it would be fine to flip the front rims to pick up enough space. Either that or add 1" wheel spacers. You say that flipping rims will damage axle. If I only flip for winter, is wear a problem?

Still not worth the risk, just add 1" spacers. The pivoting of the front axle doesn't do anything until you are at its limit, which I've only ever hit while using the loader. Just keep the loader down.