Front tire alignment on B2x20 models

   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models #1  

bxowner

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
361
Location
Vermont
Tractor
John Deere 5055e
I have owned four tractors in the last several years: in order, a BX1500, a John Deere 2320, a John Deere 2305 and now a new Kubota B2920. Have switched properties in between two. But that's beside the point. The B-series is the only one of these tractors that chews up the ground when I turn more than a slight curve...

I'm wondering if there's a toe-in adjustment that can be corrected? Or is it the nature of this model tractor. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm "concerned," but I do think I'm going to chew up the lawn pretty well mowing it. Since the MMM is brand new and hasn't been used yet, I'm somewhat debating returning it for a riding mower that will give a clean cut.

I bring this up because there's a thread on the buying/pricing list about deciding between turfs and R-4s on a B2920. ChuckinNH suggests that he's cutting up when he takes a sharp turn - the only difference is that instead of an even chew-up like my turfs produce, his is a dotted line. I'm having the experience that it doesn't matter what tire is picked, on a B2x20, it'll dig up the lawn if you turn the wheel more than a half-turn.

I will also mention, that it seems the tires turn to an extreme angle compared to the other three tractors. And I know there's no real comparison, but Cub Cadet offers a zero-turn model riding mower that seems to have a similar "extreme" angle - but I doubt it chews up the lawn because it seems to keep the wheels perpedicular to the steering knuckle - unlike the Kubota that has toe-in (or "out", I don't remember). I know I can just not turn the wheel as far, but in terms of percentage between going straight and turning the wheel all the way, I'm experiencing "chewing" at about 60%... which means to take a 90 degree turn cleanly, I have to make it a 3-point turn. I'm only used to steering that much to turn around!

Am I alone?
 
   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models #2  
Are you turning in 4x4/...Dumb question, I know, but had to ask.

With a fairly heavy machine, and a tight turning radus, it will tear up turf..By BX doesn't, but my RTV does.

There are toe in/toe out adjustments on the BX, should be on the B as well. A very slight toe in is what you want. Excessive toe-in will eat up turf and gravel in a straight line. Are you seeing this?
 
   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Not in 4WD.

FEL is removed.

And I think I'm using the wrong term... instead of tires looking like this (looking at the front of the tractor):

I--------I

They look like this (but not quite so extreme):

\--------/


If I remember correctly, toe-in is a shorter distance between the inside front edges of the tire when compared to the distance between the inside rear edges of the tire, looking from above. I'm speaking of the distance between the inside TOP edges of the tires being a longer distance than the bottoms... wondering, if perhaps the tires were perfectly perpendicular to each other, if the problem would be lessened. The John Deere 2320 was just as heavy a machine and didn't do this.
 
   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models #4  
From your picture it appears that you have "toe out" and there should be instructions in your manual on setting your steering. There will be adjustment for "toe-in/toe-out", but not caster and camber like on a car/truck. In passenger vehicles, I think you need something other than the wheels exactly even, but not by much and it is really a complicated thing to do.

I have seen a lot of comments from people about the lawn damage on the B and was one of several reasons I got a BX2660 instead of the B2920 that I really liked.

I am sure someone with a B will be able to give you better advice.

I am NOT knocking the B Series.
 
   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models #5  
If you watch both a JD, and a Kubota in a turn, you will see that the front wheels on the JD "lean into the turn". In other words the outside of the right tire is higher than the inside in a left hand turn. Kubotas, on the other hand either stand straight up, and down, or lean slightly the other way putting the outside of the tire deeper into the ground than the inside. I think the Kubota is a great tractor, but I think the JD is better for mowing because of this. Look at both with the wheels turned shaply, and you will see what I mean.
 
   / Front tire alignment on B2x20 models #6  
I've noticed our kubotas at work have pretty extream camber as well , they are L series i think it's just the design my neighbors L3930 is the same way . Wears the outside of the tires quick if you're on the pavement.My deere has some lean but not as much as the kubotas i'm familiar with.
 

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