Tires Pickup Truck Tires on MFWD

[hhsco]

Recently picked up a JD 5310N mfwd with a 520 loader. It's a pretty slick machine and definitely makes moving snow around a lot easier than my old loader-less 2wd 2040.

Since it is a "N" model and designed for orchards, it is supposed to have a fairly narrow profile. Previous owners swapped the rear wheels to widen it out- they still have ag tires on. The guys I bought it from used it at a large trailer/RV dealership to just move trailers around. They swapped the front ag tires out for brand new regular ole pickup truck tires on what I believe is the standard JD 16 inch rim.

I've had it for about a week and haven't perceived an issue with the front tires in 4wd. That said, I'm not sure how to calculate the necessary ratio between rear and front tires in mfwd and if the tires are going to cause a problem. I'm also curious if they will stand up fairly heavy loader work- they are just 4 ply with 2 ply sidewalls....which seems pretty light duty but maybe it helps with flex at relatively low pressures?

The rears are 12.4-24 ags, the front's are 235-70-16s. I believe the fronts are supposed to be 8.30-16s. Not a ton of info on the ten series narrow models and the manual is still enroute.

Thanks for any insight into this. Don't want to wreck the front end.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

I would find the originals try a junk yard.
Pickup tires wont do much with weight or traction.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would put the proper tires on it and move on. Good idea to check the front axle fluid level on a regular basis too.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I disagree with the previous two opinions on tires. If the tires are new and of a more aggressive tread they will do quite fine. Once you get your manual and find out what size tires correspond with the rears you presently have just go to a tire shop and measure how high factory tires are compared to your present tires, If they are close to the same height then your good to go. Also check the weight rating on both types of tires. Automotive tires are a lot tougher than any ag tire. If the automotive tires are radials you'll benefit from a smoother ride. Automotive tires certainly will look like they don't belong but only you need to work with them.

 

[MHarryE]

There are many differs load ratings for the tire size you mention although the tire size appears to fall more into the automobile category instead of light truck (pickup). The tires you have could have over 3,000 pound per tire capacity if they are of a high load rating or as low as 2,000 pounds if low load rating. Also, automotive (including truck) tires are rated at speed and the tractor is not running high speed. I have seen a lot of pickup tires running on loader tractors (I have a lot of cheap neighbors who shop garage sales or pick up tires from our free dump site) but all have been 2wd. The truck tires provide very little traction in slippery mud or soft ground.

 

[Egon]

For the tire rear/front compatibility jack up one side and with the front locked in make one revolution
of the rear wheel and count the revolutions of the front wheel. Measure the wheels circumference and see how they match.

Figure out the maximum load on the front tires and rims and see where to go from there.

Tire/rim load rating is what is important. Picking a thread pattern depends on what you want.

A tire shop may be able to help you with the choices using data they can access from their manufacturer's master file.:thumbsup

 

[hhsco]

Thanks for the input, folks. I'll be sure to check back when I get this resolved. Definitely like the simple "lift up one side of the tractor and count the revolutions" trick. Duh!