tire chains

[beenthere]

srs
Valid question, but

Kubota very likely has plenty of strength designed into their axles for more stress than can be created moving out two inches.
I would think one could trust them there.

 

[easygo]

As far as I know the spacers I bought are actual Kubota parts and that is the only size (1.5" each) available through dealers for these tractors. I would imagine they would have mentioned that it voids warranty if installed. I have no warranty and have read that Kubota sells wheels spacers for some of the other models as well. The same concern have been discussed on this site before and the consensus seems to bee that as long as the wheels are not moved out by a excessive amount it should be fine. I remember a thread where someone had a set of 3" (each) wheel spacers made by a machinist for a B size tractor.

My guess is that the axles may be cast steel. I could be way wrong on that though.

 

[srs]

As far as I know the spacers I bought are actual Kubota parts and that is the only size (1.5" each) available through dealers for these tractors. I would imagine they would have mentioned that it voids warranty if installed. I have no warranty and have read that Kubota sells wheels spacers for some of the other models as well. The same concern have been discussed on this site before and the consensus seems to bee that as long as the wheels are not moved out by a excessive amount it should be fine. I remember a thread where someone had a set of 3" (each) wheel spacers made by a machinist for a B size tractor.

My guess is that the axles may be cast steel. I could be way wrong on that though.

Good points made by you and Beenthere. [[[Kubota very likely has plenty of strength designed into their axles for more stress than can be created moving out two inches.
I would think one could trust them there.]]] Thanks guys!

 

[varmint]

Depending on what type of chains you wind up with, you may not even need spacers. I put some European style chains on my B8200, which has turfs, and have no problem. I did have to make sure they are tight, and carefully pulled into the correct position, because I could see potential for interference if not installed right. Here's a pic, taken before I fine-tuned the length and spacing- a fair amount of extra chain which got cut off, mostly on the outside, but a link or two on the inside (you can see a link just hanging on the inside pic)

 

[easygo]

When connecting the wheels to the spacer would I use bolts or have studs attached to the spacers? Thinking ahead a bit about the weight of these loaded tires. Hanging the tires on studs might be easier.
Could I use standard thread or is metric recommended (I have better access to STD).

The spacers are drilled through and supplied with studs. I put on two studs and 4 bolts per wheel.
I checked if I still have the bolt size but unfortunately I tossed the box. My guess is that it is metric thread.


Good looking chains there Varmint. Unfortunately it is a known design flaw of the B7800/2630/3030 that the turfs leave next to no room for chains. I have low profile chains and even that would have been a squeeze. The fix is fairly easy but comes with a some $ pain.

 

[ring3]

Spacers are completed. Not exactly what I had in mind but they will be functional. Will post pics when a working camera is available.

I now need bolts. Does anyone know for certain what the size is? I am thinking they are M16 x 2mm but would like to be certain before ordering. I have heard that a 5/8 fine thread will work but would like to use the right size.

I will only use these for snow removal in the winter months. No high speeds or extremely heavy loads. Tires are filled with Rim Guard (thanks for help with the name). In Summer they come of to fit the mower deck.

 

[wawajake]

I bought the aluminum 2 inch wheel spacers from Bro-tek in October 2010, and it made my chain install a breeze on my BX2660 . Also provided advantage of having wheel studs to hang the wheel on for ease of alignment instead of having to line up holes to insert factory studs each time you remove a wheel

So I love having studs that spacer provides , had not counted on that advantage , besides chain ease and wider safer wheel stance for trails.

do search on Bro-tek on this site I believe they used to advertise here or you will find them on web

good luck

 

[ring3]

Thanks for the response. I found the size today with a machinist's help. Of coarse it is not a common one. 16mm x 1.5mm. Fastenal can get them locally for me, $4.45 each. I want to verify the length I need before ordering. 5/8th fine thread bolts are very close and I have a supply of them. Considering these will be removed season to season the proper size/thread is what I am opting for my set up.

 

[monheganview]

"Does moving the wheels out farther have the potential for damaging the axle in anyway, adding additional stress to any components? I'm curious as I have the B3030 cab tractor (with loaded rear tires) and really question the integrity of the axles."

Just spoke to a Kubota rep (late Jan 2011) about my (loaded rear tire) b3030 hsdc regarding chains and spacers...
then saw your post... the rep noted it all depends on the chains you buy... some of the aggressive chains will catch on the tractor... some of the finer "ice" chains will be fine. I have R-4 tires that are (I believe) a bit smaller in some dimension than the turfs... As far as spacers the rep noted that kubota recommends no wider than the 1.5 inch spacers... i did not press him on this but I have seen wider ones on eBay... one interesting item noted was that he does NOT recommend chains on both the front and back as the tractor is designed in such a way that this double chain application can harm the drivetrain...

The spacers from kubota were about $280.
Chains can be 3-4-5+ hundred.
Anyone found good less costly chains... ?
thanks...

 

[bandit67]

"Does moving the wheels out farther have the potential for damaging the axle in anyway, adding additional stress to any components? I'm curious as I have the B3030 cab tractor (with loaded rear tires) and really question the integrity of the axles."

Just spoke to a Kubota rep (late Jan 2011) about my (loaded rear tire) b3030 hsdc regarding chains and spacers...
then saw your post... the rep noted it all depends on the chains you buy... some of the aggressive chains will catch on the tractor... some of the finer "ice" chains will be fine. I have R-4 tires that are (I believe) a bit smaller in some dimension than the turfs... As far as spacers the rep noted that kubota recommends no wider than the 1.5 inch spacers... i did not press him on this but I have seen wider ones on eBay... one interesting item noted was that he does NOT recommend chains on both the front and back as the tractor is designed in such a way that this double chain application can harm the drivetrain...

The spacers from kubota were about $280.
Chains can be 3-4-5+ hundred.
Anyone found good less costly chains... ?
thanks...

One of these days, I'm going to order a set of Kubota spacers, as my chains on the left rear tends to twist slightly on the R4s and just kiss the fender. Only a slight wearing of the top orange paint layer, but enough that I worry that if I'm not careful, one day my fender will get ripped off.

Don't understand the issues with chains on both front and rear. I've done it, though mostly run fronts because those little tires seem to lose steering traction long before the rears lose traction, and once I get the spacers, I'll run the rears more often. If you can run 4x4 in various conditions, I don't understand why you can't run chains in 4x4 in snow/ice conditions, so long as you are careful not to spin one set of tires more than the ohter - I could see that as being detrimental to the drivetrain.

As for chains, try www.tirechains.com for best selection and pricing.