Tires reverse wheels?

[Sumpter]

I have a NH 3040 w/cab. These new tractors have plastic fenders that are real close to the rear tires. I have to put chains all the way around for the winter.

I was told that I can reverse the inner rear wheel and then reattach the outer wheel to extend the width of the rear tires. Is this possible or will I have issues with bearings and such?

This will allow the chains to have more clearance. I do realize that I have to make sure the chains are always tight and I will be doing that with turnbuckles instead of the normal bungee cords. Something I learned from my uncle that worked for a city plowing snow in Alaska.

Any comments on this?

 

[RoyJackson]

I doubt you'd see any problems with the 4-5 inches you'd be widening the track.
Suggest you measure the wheel offset (before you swap) to ensure you get that increase.
Also, if you have turf tires, you can reverse them. If you have ag or industrial tires, you have to swap, side to side ) turfs are bidirectional, ag and industrials are unidirectional).

 

[Sumpter]

I do have the industrials and understand they are directional. The other thought with the swap is greater stability. Lot's of steep terrain here.

 

[RoyJackson]

I do have the industrials and understand they are directional. The other thought with the swap is greater stability. Lot's of steep terrain here.

And you'll see a bit more stability...don't let it go to your head!
(that is..be just as cautious and safe!)

 

[Soundguy]

swap side to side to dish them if they are offset centers. this keeps the tread direction straight...

soundguy

 

[Craig Clayton]

If you want to drive your self crazy workout all the combinations of dish. Some are side to side some you reverse the inner spider and dish in or out or side to side. The info is availabe if you want to check it out.
Craig Clayton

 

[jinman]

Sumpter, you do not have to nor do you want to swap your tires side-to-side. I know what those who suggested that were thinking, but it is not what you want to do. If you look at the photo below, our rear tires have a center that is removable from the outer ring. What you want to do is remove the wheel from the axle, remove the 6 bolts around the outer hub and then flip this inner "dish" inward and reattach. This will give you extra width and you won't be swapping sides. Some tractors don't have the ability to remove the inner part of the wheel and thus the only way to change the dishing is to swap sides. Clearly, this is not the case with your 3040.:thumbsup:

 

[Ford850]

As Jim says, you have more flexibility due to the wheel design. Look at your manual for the configurations because you actually have 8 different ways to combine the dish and the outer loops/rims. Your manual will show you each configuration and the widths you'll get with each one. You can do 4 of them without swapping tires side to side.

 

[Sumpter]

Thanks for the replies. When I get back home I will see about doing what you say jinman. I was pretty sure I could do that but I really was more concerned about stress on the tractor. (Bearings, axles and such) I will assume that this will not be an issue since it is possible to reverse the dish. I have calcium in the tire and then will be putting a 100 pound chain on the tire.

 

[jinman]

Thanks for the replies. When I get back home I will see about doing what you say jinman. I was pretty sure I could do that but I really was more concerned about stress on the tractor. (Bearings, axles and such) I will assume that this will not be an issue since it is possible to reverse the dish. I have calcium in the tire and then will be putting a 100 pound chain on the tire.

Remember, any weight you put on a wheel is never felt by the axle unless you lift the rear of the tractor (not likely until you jack it up). Since the wheels are always in contact with the ground, the weight is borne by the tire. Wheel weights and loaded tires are great because you get the extra traction without any additional stress on axles or running gear. You will have a difference in rolling inertia, but I don't think that will be significant. Because your tires are filled with Calcium, you will want to keep them upright or nealy so while you change the center hub. I think you will be able to manage if you are careful, but if your tires lean over too far, you won't be able to hold them. It would be best to make it a 2-person job.