New owner of 3020LP and need tires 34 vs 38's?

imabass · Nov 9, 2015

I just picked up a 3020 LP (1964). This is the identical tractor that my grandpa uses today and what I learned to use nearly 30 years ago.

I am in need to new rubber all the way around. I knew it was going to be $$$$ to get new tires. Currently I have 16.9-34 rears. I see where people recommend 16.9-38's for higher lift on the 3pt and also higher road speeds. This tractor is not going to see much heavy use and is principally going to be a brush hog tractor and a moving round bales tractor.

I understand that the 38's rubbers are cheaper than the 34's but I will also need to replace the rims. What I don't know is can I just but the outer wheel (rim) that will bolt up the current center wheel? If so so help in pointing me the correct direction would be much appreciated.

Any input on getting the tires foam filled? I would think it would ride really rough and not sure if that foam filler breaks down over time.

Also, I would like to get a user/shop manual for this tractor. It has been many years since i did the maintenance on my grandpa's old 3020 so I don't really remember where all the filters and fluid systems are.

Tx Jim · Nov 9, 2015

38'' stepped rims to fit 34'' centers are available. Yrs ago step up wedges were also available. I would want foam filled tires unless I regularly mowed Mesquite infested pastures. Foam filled tires rides too rough

beenthere · Nov 9, 2015

Tx-Jim
Did you meant to say "I would want foam filled tires unless ... " or not want ??

imabass · Nov 9, 2015

Tx Jim said:
38'' stepped rims to fit 34'' centers are available. Yrs ago step up wedges were also available. I would want foam filled tires unless I regularly mowed Mesquite infested pastures. Foam filled tires rides too rough

No Mesquite here but I do have those nasty Black Locust trees. These have pierced many lawn tires, car tires, and even truck tires.

imabass · Nov 23, 2015

Thanks for the help. I just got my new tires installed this weekend. I ended up going with the 34-38 step up rims to get a taller tires. When I took off the old tires, one rim was heavily rusted with holes big enough for my fist to go through. I started sandblasting the wheels to repaint and there was basically no metal left. Since I needed a new rim the step up rim was about $100 more. This extra height allowed me to level out the tractor.