Tires TC 35/40/45 - Question on Wheel widths and Spacing

[CentralNC]

I am hoping that someone can give some insight on the best spacing for the rear wheels on my TC-35A. It has the R-4 tires and I believe the rear wheels are spaced too far apart. I have some photos of how my wheels are spaced now (dish in), but I am not sure how to post pictures.

Can someone measure the distance (center-of-tire to center-of-tire) of their TC-35/40/45 with R-4 tires? Or post a picture of how your wheels are aligned with the fenders?

I would like to plant a garden and use my tractor (even though it does not have Ag tires), but the spacing of the rear tires is going to be an issue. I believe I will need to buy a 6' tiller at least. I have a feeling that I will need to have the wheels adjusted. There is no way I can handle those heavy filled rear tires by myself.

Thanks for the help.

 

[RDrancher]

Photo of my TC35D. The BB is a 6 footer.


To post a pic click the icon third from the right after going to the "go advanced" mode. From there you can choose to post a photo from your computer or a URL.

 

[RickB]

There is a page in Section 2 of your operator's manual that gives some info on tread widths. I have a TC45DA manual available and the info should be the same, but the pagination of your manual might differ. R-4 rear tread is adjustable in increments from 51.2" to 67.4" center to center. The disc is only able to be positioned in a dished out position. The rim loops may be positioned inboard or outside the disc and the rims positioned on the right or left side to accomplish one of 4 settings.
Handling loaded wheels of this size is not difficult if you are of average strength and mobility. I often removed and replaced loaded 16.9x30's alone in order to access the transmission control valve on TN tractors when I used to do road service.
Many tillers are designed with an offset so a narrower tiller will cover one wheel track but not the other. Given a wheel track setting at or near the minimum, you could get away with a tiller less than the total track width with a little planning.

 

[CentralNC]

RickB and RDrancher - I appreciate the feedback and comments. I am going to try and attach a couple of pictures below. I read the page in the manual about the wheels being adjustable. My tires are now 63" center-to-center and almost 80" from outside-to-outside. I would like to have them at about 70-72" outside-to-outside.



RDrancher - The picture of your tires and the 6' box blade show exactly where I would like to be with my wheel settings. I believe a 6' tiller would cover my tire tracks if they were set at those widths. Would you mind looking at this picture and see how it compares with your wheels? I think I need to move the wheels to the other side or adjust the center dish. The valve stems are actually on the inside of my tractor wheels.



RickB - You think it would be possible to adjust the wheels and get the filled tires back on to the tractor? I might give it a shot.

This is the way the tractor looks right now. The center of each tire is about 3" beyond the edge of the fender.



Thanks again for your helps and comments. I do appreciate it.

 

[jinman]

I measured the outside to outside distance on my wheels once (R4 industrials installed), and I believe it was about 68". My 72" tiller extends beyond the wheels just enough to completely cover my tracks.

Edit: Added a photo. My wheel centers are dished out instead of dished in. Also, the valve stems are on the inside the wheels. That gives you a reference for the center and outside wheel positions.

 

[CentralNC]

Jinman - Thank you. I would like to set-up my tractor wheels to exactly that width. My box blade and a 6' tiller would work perfect!!!

 

[RDrancher]

Mine is 68" like Jim's.

It looks like the centers are reversed on the rear of your tractor and also like the fronts may have been reversed? I think that you'll find that all rear valve stems will be located on the inside for protection.

Here are mine.
Rear


Front

 

[RickB]

Mine is 68" like Jim's.

It looks like the centers are reversed on the rear of your tractor and also like the fronts may have been reversed? I think that you'll find that all rear valve stems will be located on the inside for protection.

Quote]

Rear valvestems end up wherever they need to be to achieve the proper track width if that is paramount.
When valve stem protection is a concern, rims can be mounted with the valves in if the resultant wheel track is acceptable. This orientation is not universal or standard.
If valve protection is critical, the tire can be demounted and a pipe nipple welded over the hole in the rim and a pipe cap installed on the nipple.

 

[CentralNC]

RDrancher - I think you are exactly right. The centers on my rear tires are reversed. If I take off the wheels and reverse the centers .... it should be just like your picture. 68" outside-to-outside would be great. I think my front tires/wheels are just like yours, so I am not going to mess with them.

The question now is whether I can man handle these tires myself. I wonder how much they weigh?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[jinman]

I have no trouble handling my filled tires as long as I am careful to keep them upright. I just remove them using fine adjustments of the hydraulic jack and then carefully roll them forward and let them lean against something while working. You'll need access to both sides if you remove them first. I won't tell you that's it's without danger, but if you use your head and are careful, I think you can handle it.