OP
CptTrog
Bronze Member
The wheels are the originals and are about 5 years old now. They were filled with antifreeze by the dealer prior to delivery to me.
L4400 cracked rear hubs
- Thread starter CptTrog
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OP
CptTrog
Bronze Member
It has the two piece configuration. Rim and disc.
OP
CptTrog
Bronze Member
I was interested in doing just that but didn't see how it can be accomplished with the two piece wheel. Any suggestions?
OP
CptTrog
Bronze Member
I agree about the backhoe loading on the wheels. I'm extremely careful to ensure the rear stabilizers are positioned correctly and the tires are elevated.
Chilly807
Elite Member
I doubt the loaded tires are causing the problem, more likely to be either material problems or stress from carrying the backhoe. In fact, the loaded tires put zero stress on the wheels and axles since the weight is in the tires, not on the tractor frame.
That's my 2 cents..
Sean
That's my 2 cents..
Sean
KYDan
Platinum Member
The reason for inquiring about loaded tires with calcium chloride is that calcium chloride is corrosive and will degrade the integrity of the steel wheels over time that can cause weakened areas that might be more prone to stresses.
sixdogs
Super Star Member
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- Kubota M7040, Kubota MX5100, Deere 790 TLB, Farmall Super C
The only thing that can crack that wheel would be flexing of the wheel where it is supposed to be bolted down. My guess is there is likely too much weight on the rear to begin with and combined with a slight loosening of the rear wheel bolts sufficient to allow the metal to flex. I've cracked wheels over the years and that was my problem in every case.
So I think two things are going on. First too much weight on a "use-adjusted" basis. The weight would likely be sort-of okay on flat ground and lighter usage but the severe operating conditions you describe might simply be more that what the machine and wheel can tolerate.
Two, the bolts had to deflect from a degree of looseness, especially on a "weight-adjusted" basis. that is, a little flex would or might be OK but not when all that weight is factored in.
Again, I've cracked a few wheel center over the years and the common link was loose bolts--and a couple were only a little bit loose. Your weight and severe coperating conditions, however, have to be onsidered. Sure, you could weld on support to the wheel but should you? Maybe then the stresses would get transferred to the axle itself and that will flex or break. Odds are you had those bolts tight to begin with but sufficient pressure developed to cause a degree of flexing so something wants to flex loose
somewhere.
Edit--Let me add that if the bolts were only a tiny bit loose it could be likely sufficient to allow the metal to also "flex" to a minor degree and that combination is enough to allow the cracking.
So I think two things are going on. First too much weight on a "use-adjusted" basis. The weight would likely be sort-of okay on flat ground and lighter usage but the severe operating conditions you describe might simply be more that what the machine and wheel can tolerate.
Two, the bolts had to deflect from a degree of looseness, especially on a "weight-adjusted" basis. that is, a little flex would or might be OK but not when all that weight is factored in.
Again, I've cracked a few wheel center over the years and the common link was loose bolts--and a couple were only a little bit loose. Your weight and severe coperating conditions, however, have to be onsidered. Sure, you could weld on support to the wheel but should you? Maybe then the stresses would get transferred to the axle itself and that will flex or break. Odds are you had those bolts tight to begin with but sufficient pressure developed to cause a degree of flexing so something wants to flex loose
somewhere.
Edit--Let me add that if the bolts were only a tiny bit loose it could be likely sufficient to allow the metal to also "flex" to a minor degree and that combination is enough to allow the cracking.
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OP
CptTrog
Bronze Member
Good info, everyone. Thank you.
I'm inclined now to believe my problem may be loose lug nuts. I've only moved here last month and previously had two other folks here using the machine on a regular basis. I simply cannot vouch for their attention to maintenance. That will change now that I've retired, moved here permanently and can address maintaining the machine personally.
I'm also inclined to steer away from reinforcement of the discs. Something I had not considered, as Sixdogs points out, is the transfer of those stresses to somewhere else like the axle.
Again, many thanks to all who've contributed to the thread.
I'm inclined now to believe my problem may be loose lug nuts. I've only moved here last month and previously had two other folks here using the machine on a regular basis. I simply cannot vouch for their attention to maintenance. That will change now that I've retired, moved here permanently and can address maintaining the machine personally.
I'm also inclined to steer away from reinforcement of the discs. Something I had not considered, as Sixdogs points out, is the transfer of those stresses to somewhere else like the axle.
Again, many thanks to all who've contributed to the thread.
sixdogs
Super Star Member
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- Kubota M7040, Kubota MX5100, Deere 790 TLB, Farmall Super C
And while we're at it, don't loan equipment. Just say no. Countless threads here have referenced good intentions gone south and bad things that happened to good tractors by seemingly well-intentioned friends and relatives. Lots of unhappy endings.
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Sounds like a good plan. Best wishes for your retirement and with your tractoring!