New owner old Yanmar

[YM-135trac]

LMTC - Information is from the 'Yanmar Diesel Tractor Operation Manual' Model YM240 / YM240D. This is the actual operation manual delivered with the new tractor in 1979. The axle extensions are pictured in the parts pages (page 17) and labeled 'Adjustable rear system' as part number 15, listed as 'Extension assy, rear shaft'. I called Yanmar America and asked if the extensions were safe to use and they confirmed the rear axle / housing /bearings were engineered for them - no problem. Yanmar did confirm that the original extensions are out of stock. I think the only recourse now would be to build them and assure they are dead accurate. Mine are within a thousands of an inch runout.

For the front tires, the comment to NOT reverse the rims is correct. Yanmar confirmed that the front rims should not be reversed for a wider stance as the spindels could fail. While the rear axles are built to allow for reversing the rims for a wider stance (including the axle extensions), the front spindles are not engineered for reversing the front rims.

The wheel weights are made from scrap steel billets 3 inches thick and 14 inches in diameter. I picked them up at a steel fabricator for scrap price. All you need to do is drill for mounting. I will take some pictures when I get a chance.

Tom

Thanks Tom,Califonia, I suppose I should do a re-swap. Oh my bearing failure was not spindle HAHA but top king-pin. The top king-pin Ball bearing sat above gear oil level and ran dry/semi dry most of it's life? I know this is wrong, but I parked on a steep angle and over filled the front end gear box after repair job.A year later(after prior finger event), No leaks, I took it apart for inspection/cleaning top king-pin ball bearing good/wet with oil. Manual said fill on level ground to certain level?
Wisdom says oil should crawl up there somehow,but it didn't? The other side top king-pin ball bearing was dry too w/normal fill level?? I even thought about using sealed bearings(same/proper size) on top king-pins, but didn't
(sealed bearings load spec was slightly less than ball bearing) so I'm doing the overfill thing?(5yrs. no leaks) I guess I shouldn't let big front axle/bearings fool me? I've
seen a couple kubotas(sleek-look bevel gear housing) axle brake off's and I saw why. I'll take those ugly cast/stump hanging/bevel gear buckets on yanny any day, after seeing whats inside. My info was old/wrong. Thanks for the update info.

 

[svcguy]

Just to mention another possibility for extensions. Unverferth in Ohio manufactures dual axle extensions for tractors and either may have or could make up extensions. Their site is:

Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.

While the manufacture of axle extensions will not be inexpensive, Unverferth is a first class manufacturer of agriculture equipment and could have actually provided the original extensions in the U.S.

 

[svcguy]

Sorry folks, this is a better link for Unverferth, as it becomes a bit of a search to find the extensions. If you use this link, it will take you right to the proper tab:

Unverferth Wheel Hub Extensions

 

[prb51]

Svcguy,
Nice website. I called and they will make them for $394. I may try locally as my bud fabricates heavy machinery parts all of the time and I suspect he could meet those tolerances..
Great info from everyone ref. the front wheels and hub ext.
Svcguy, you wouldn't have a picture of the hubs axle side would you?
Great site, I haven't even had my tractor delivered yet and I'm thinking of fabricating parts. I knew this would be a fun/cheap hobby.

 

[svcguy]

Attached are three pictures, one on the axle and one of each side.

 

[prb51]

Svcguy,
Thanks very much, I'm glad you took the pics during the mounting process. Thsi will really assist the maker.

 

[BruceR]

I always thought those were for dual wheel setups.

Bruce

 

[California]

The parts book calls that one 'Extension, rear shaft' then a few pages later shows a longer one called 'Spacer, double tire'.

 

[svcguy]

I thought they were dual wheel spacers when I bought them with the tractor, but after calling Yanmar I was able to confirm they were axle extensions to increase the width of the rear wheels. I don't believe they were common to Japan, but available for certain North American models. Japan tends to favor a more narrow configuration based on their agricultural needs.

Good observation Bruce and probably important for folks to realize these were manufactured for the YM240 (YM2000), but not necessarily engineered for all tractors. Axle extensions put a lot (a lot more than we would think) strain on tractors. Unless designed to use them, they are not recommended for obvious safety reasons. Losing a rear tire from a axle fracture could result in a roll over.