front tires leaning out

[Ginormous]

I just purchased a YM1700. I've been doing little things to make sure it's running well -- like flushing the radiator. I noticed that the tops of the front tires lean out a few degrees (didn't get around to measuring it yet) compared to the rear tires. Is that normal?

 

[santa2u]

I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but I am interested in any answers because my new Kubota L3400 is the same way. I have asked some folks around here and they don't know either.

 

[HoyeTractor]

Is that normal?

Yes, they are designed with 3 degrees of camber.

 

[General Lee]

Normal. Its called camber or "toe in" I haven't seen a 4wd tractor where the front tires didn't toe in. My L4400 is VERY noticeable.

 

[Inspector507]

My YM1700 2WD did the same thing.

 

[Ginormous]

Awesome, thanks for the info guys! :thumbsup:

 

[santa2u]

Awesome, thanks for the info guys! :thumbsup:

What he said.

Now, for the obvious followup question; Why?

 

[grsthegreat]

i was told that it has to do with what happens when the loader is full....the weight will push the tires out to more of a vertical position. The camber helps compensate for this when it happens. not sure how true that is....but its what i was told. My tractor has it also.

 

[HoyeTractor]

Now, for the obvious followup question; Why?

The manual says it is to make steering easier. I can't explain the physics of how that works though.

 

[clemsonfor]

i thought it had something to do with making them run true, or that it helps return the wheel to center after a turn is made. At least i know thats why alignment on a automobile is important.

 

[crash325]

Normal. Its called camber or "toe in" I haven't seen a 4wd tractor where the front tires didn't toe in. My L4400 is VERY noticeable.

There are 3 settings for the front wheels on almost every vehicle. Caster is what you see on shopping cart wheels. That is what centers the wheels if you let go of the steering wheel. Camber is the leaning of the tire & wheel. Almost always top leaning out. Under load the wheels tend to stand up straight. Toe in means that the front of the wheels is closer together than the back side. Moving forward the wheels push back to a straight ahead position.

That is all done because you have to have some play in the steering in order to move it and take care of Mfg. tolerances. Also without toe in, wheels go to toe out and if you have ever driven a vehicle with toe out chances are the steering wheel shook back and forth real bad.

Many old timers as things got worn and the steering wheel wobbled, just added a little more toe in. Of course I personally have never done that. :laughing:

 

[sandman2234]

Good explanation Crash!
I am glad you pointed out that camber and toe in aren't the same thing.
David from jax

 

[deepNdirt]

I'm certainly no expert on this subject although I do have my point of view as to why the tires/wheels are designed to lean out, perhaps it has something to do with the axle center pivot point, our Tractors are 99% used on uneven terrain, maybe the wheels are design this way to help compensate for axle pivot and tire steering traction
I use my tractor in deep plowed dirt all the time, and see the tires response to steering in dirt, If they stood straight or plumb then I would think the tires would slide into the dirt while trying to steer,

 

[Mace Canute]

Positive camber has the effect of placing the inner wheel bearing closer to or directly over the center of the tire contact point on the ground. This results in less load on the outer (and usually smaller) bearing and less load on the spindle as well. Kingpin angle is often designed to intersect the same ground contact spot to help eliminate steering scrub.

 

[Gary Sweat]

Never understood the need for the angles of tractor tires but here is what the service manual states:

Camber angle - serves to provide stability in steering and straight line performance.

Kingpin inclination - provided to reduce steering effort.

Caster angle - serves to improve directional stability.

Trail - distance between point at which an imaginary line extending from the axis of the kingpin intersects the ground and the point at which an imaginary line extending perpendicularly from the axis of the wheel intersects the ground :confused2:

Toe-in - Serves to improve directional stability. Because of the camber angle, the left and right front tires try to roll forward outwardly. This is prevented by the tie rods and so a certain amount of slippage is created at the ground surface and directional stability tends to be impaired. To remedy this, the toe-in is adjusted.

 

[santa2u]

Great posts fellas. Thanks a bunch. This old dog still has lots to learn.