Good Deal?

[Anonymous Poster]

Randy,

That makes sense... but I'm kinda like Bird... I don't fully see/understand the major difference on reversing the front tires on tire wear... but... that's what the tests have concluded and the engineers have determined... /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

I have my front Ag's mounted normal forward direction with my loader and that's the direction I intend on going in life... Forward.... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[TonyC]

Well Bird maybe you, Dan and the others can help me out! I've had a number of other tractors but never messed with the wheels that way. Of course, this one came the way you see it. I've also read John's note and the others speculating as to why one might do that.

I have a few comments and questions. It appears that the REAR tires are backwards to me, by looking at the wheels and not the treads. On the front, frankly, it's hard to tell. I looked at two other tractors (with wheels mounted normally) and the valve stems were on the inside of the rear tires and the outside of the front tires. Is this a consistent thing? On my Kubota, all four are outside. My guess is the previous owner reversed the rear tires to widen the stance. It doesn't seem like it would change the stance on the front, but I do see now that the treads are backwards. I would never have noticed that! I suppose one could confuse things further by reversing the wheels and then having the tire's remounted or vice-versa.

Okay, I'm getting dizzy now. I anxiously await further comments.

 

[ronjhall]

Tony
It's been along time since I went dealt with Ag tire direction. Old farmer neighbor of mine said the reason for mounting tires like your rear tires was to force dirt and other soils toward the outside of tire as tractor moves forward. This should help to keep tires clean. It would depend on what type of surface you were running on whether tire wear was improved with the way your tires are mounted. Wear on front tires will be higher on hard surfaces if a lot of work in done in 4WD just because they are smaller and have to turn more times than rears.

 

[Bird]

Tony, you don't have to have the tires remounted to reverse the wheels; simply move the right one straight across to the left side and vice versa and you've reversed the wheels without reversing the tread. On some tractors that's the recommended way of changing the width of the stance, but I'm not sure about your particular model. And on some you can't do that; not enough clearance in some places. I've seen valve stems on both inside and outside, but my B2710 is "non-adjustable" and the valve stems are all on the outside.

Bird

 

[TonyC]

Well you fellas have sure given me a lot to think about. The first I'll do is talk to the original owner to see what his take on it is. Then it's on to my friendly local Kubota dealer for theirs. I'll report back on my fiindings. Thanks for all the input!

 

[radman]

Bird:
You've got it right. On my 3710 the width of the rear tires are adjusted by either swithching wheels from right to left or by changing how the rim is mounted in relation to the hub of the rear tire by the bolts that attach to rim to the hub. The valve stem therefore could be on the inside or outside.
The reason for the reversed tread on the front tires is somewhat puzzling. I could see improved traction while backing up as a benefit but tire wear? Ag tires do wear much quicker on the front than on the rear even if MFWD is not engaged. The biggest reason for the wear on front AG tires is turning. Even without MFWD, front tires wear out due to frequent turning. R4 tires will last much longer than AG tires in general. My dealer says r4's will last 2-3 times longer but R4's do have less traction. The rubber on R4's are harder, stiffer and given the different profile less prone to wear. R4's also have more bars than AG tires.

 

[radman]

TonyC
I think your price is very good. I consider 1390 hours as low. The tractor appears to be in excellent condition and probably not abused.

 

[glennmac]

My wild guess as to the reverse tires would be to improve traction in reverse. If you were carrying heavy bucket loads backwards a lot, or backing up inclines, I suppose these are examples where you might think about it. Of course, this would only make sense with 4wd--not with grandpappy's 2wd ag tractor.

 

[TonyC]

Well guys, the plot thickens. I was out looking over my tractor (okay, so I was fondling it) and I made a surprising discovery. Only one of the front wheels is mounted backwards! Fortunately it was the one that showed in the photo I posted. God only knows (and don't think I won't ask him!) how long it would have been before I noticed it if you fellas didn't point it out to me. Now I'm really confused. I'm betting there isn't a logical scenario for this set up! Photo attached.

 

[mikim]

maybe somebody changed a tire and put the new one on the rim backwards??