Tire Advice

[Mculby]

This is not another thread about R1 vs. R4. (Even though R1 has better traction with all other variables out of the question.) But I have a L4400 with loaded R1's. Currently the tires are not set to there widest position. So I want to put them to the next widest setting but the problem is that I have to put the left tire on the right and the right tire on the left to make them wider due to rim configuration. Here is my dilemma; I figure that the tire weighs about 300-400 lbs. How will I control the tire once it is unbolted (I don't want to try the worlds strongest man flip with the tire), any ideas here would help. I don't want to spend very much to do this because I would rather just take it in if I had to spend more than $50. But if anyone has changed loaded tires and had success just rolling it by hand into place that would be ideal. I will jack the tractor up and put the rear diff on jackstands, unbolt the tires. Lean one tire on the wall then roll the other one to the other side. I don't have any other equipment to move the tire just me and a floor jack. Any advice would help.

 

[TripleR]

This is not another thread about R1 vs. R4. (Even though R1 has better traction with all other variables out of the question.) But I have a L4400 with loaded R1's. Currently the tires are not set to there widest position. So I want to put them to the next widest setting but the problem is that I have to put the left tire on the right and the right tire on the left to make them wider due to rim configuration. Here is my dilemma; I figure that the tire weighs about 300-400 lbs. How will I control the tire once it is unbolted (I don't want to try the worlds strongest man flip with the tire), any ideas here would help. I don't want to spend very much to do this because I would rather just take it in if I had to spend more than $50. But if anyone has changed loaded tires and had success just rolling it by hand into place that would be ideal. I will jack the tractor up and put the rear diff on jackstands, unbolt the tires. Lean one tire on the wall then roll the other one to the other side. I don't have any other equipment to move the tire just me and a floor jack. Any advice would help.

I guess a lot is going to depend on your size and strength. When I was farming, we routinely did this with our loaded tires. Just keep them as balanced as you can and take your time rolling them over. I would also strongly advise having a helper as it will be easier and much safer.

You probably won't be able to rest your axles on the stands unless you have infinitely variable adjustments as you will need to have the studs/bolts lined up perfectly so you don't have to lift your tire.

 

[easygo]

I installed much smaller 250lbs (or so) rear tires on my tractor. The keeping in balance was not too big of a problem and when they are loaded they don't just want to roll away due to the liquid in them. I put a hydraulic jack under the rear of the tractor. Lined up the axle with the level of the tire on one side and slowly moved the tire onto the hub. Then using the jack lined up the height of the other side and slowly wrestled the tire in rolling it back and forth. You really want a helper. (I didn't have one and should have.)

When the tire is close enough just try to tilt it so you can put one bolt in a few threads and very carefully raise the axle with the jack. That will "pull" the bottom part of the tire closer so you can put in the rest of the bolts. Don't lift the tire off the ground just make it a bit lighter so it's easier to wrestle into a vertical position.
That is what I did. You may figure out a better way.

 

[Mculby]

I am about 5'10 and 200lbs so on a good day I could probably lift them up if they tipped over on the side. But I have two jacks and two jack stands so I may be able to do it with a helper.

 

[TripleR]

I am about 5'10 and 200lbs so on a good day I could probably lift them up if they tipped over on the side. But I have two jacks and two jack stands so I may be able to do it with a helper.

You probably can, a helper just makes it easier. I have done it by myself, but that was a LOT of years ago.

 

[TheFlatlander]

1) This is not another thread about R1 vs. R4. (Even though R1 has better traction with all other variables out of the question.)


2) But I have a L4400 with loaded R1's. Currently the tires are not set to there widest position. So I want to put them to the next widest setting but the problem is that I have to put the left tire on the right and the right tire on the left to make them wider due to rim configuration.



3) Here is my dilemma; I figure that the tire weighs about 300-400 lbs. How will I control the tire once it is unbolted (I don't want to try the worlds strongest man flip with the Any advice would help.

1) Real Cool!

2)Have you considered that by reversing sides on DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN R1 that they will be going the wrong direction when swapped with out breaking down and remounting?

3) Now for the weight issue, I have a much smaller tractor that I occasionally do a tire swap and find it difficult to maneuver the tire and align up the bolt pattern and will be following this thread.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Hey Flatlander,
As far as swapping them around loaded, it's not too hard, I have done it on my L4400.

I set the tractor on stands and loosen the lugs and ease the tires off the hubs.

You will want a helper, I am 6'3" and 250lbs, I can handle them as long as I can keep the tire vertical, however, if they tip, get out of the way.

Use a prybar and/or thin board to raise them up to bolt hight when remounting to the hub.

You may need to change the arrangement of the wheel center to set the width you want.

Remember, you have about 400 lbs of water & the weight of the tire/wheel.

Yes, make sure the rotation is correct.

The manual will give the correct arrangement of the wheel center, wheel and what side of the wheel center you mount the wheel to achieve the desired width.

PS. Take your time...

 

[kayco53]

On my kubota L2500 you just change the side of the rim you are using and the tire does not change direction.

 

[Mculby]

Flatlander,
The tread direction will actually stay the same - the mounts on the outer rim attached to the tire are offset so to get a wider tire position I have to swap sides and switch the center rim oreintation as well since they are at the max position with how the centers are placed without switching sides. I may attempt it this weekend. I will post pictures if i do.

 

[easygo]

I found that it was a lot easier to move the tractor up or down a half inch with the jack then to move the tire up or down. When the tire was in position I rotated the axle so the bolt holes lined up and then tipped the tire toward the tractor. Once I got one bolt in I was home free from there. If the 400 lbs tire tips over. I would not want to volunteer to right it by myself. I would probably learn some new words on an adventure like that.