Unvenferth Spacers on a JD3730?

greg_g · Mar 31, 2012

16 tapered lug bolts with the correct thread were included in the purchase price of the spacers. See my photographs. The unthreaded holes in the spacer had the correct taper machined in as well. I used the provided tapered lug bolts to fasten the spacers to the hubs, then used the OE tapered lug bolts to fasten the rim to the spacer. Note also in the photo that the spacer has the correct lip for rim. Not visible is the fact that the back side of the spacer as a machined recess into which the tractor hub fits (similar to the way it fits through the rim).

And yes, it's definitely safer. If my numbers are correct, 8" of additional width lowered the center of gravity by >13%. Originally it was 1.5 times taller than it was wide. Now it's only 1.3 times taller than it is wide. I make that out to be a 13.33% reduction.

//greg//

charleyfarmall · Apr 1, 2012

I bought mine off eBay also for $320 delivered. Mine are red and I left them that way. The added 8" makes all the difference. Search the forum, there are several threads on wheel spacers.

sixdogs · Apr 1, 2012

When spacers are used on cars, it is common practice to use Loc-tite on the bolts as they tend to loosen over time. Not sure if it applies to tractors or not but worth the mention.
Years back I solved a similar problem on much bigger 18.4 x 34 wheels by having Unverferth take a new set of New Holland wheel centers, cut the bolt pattern out and weld in a piece of 1/2" steel with the bolt pattern to fit my M8950 Kubota. They did an absolutely perfect job and the new centers allowed me to alter the wheel spacing to what I wanted.

Dan Hunter · Apr 2, 2012

Greg,

Thanks for the photos. I showed those to my wife and her response was, "Oh, well that makes sense. I can see why that's worth $1000."

Yea, yea, you...and transitively me as well. I'll place the order tomorrow.

bobsphotos · Apr 3, 2012

I own a 3320 and am very interested in buying spacers and cutting down on the Pucker. Has anyone thought about whether the extra length away form the hubs, causes any mechanical ( leverage ) issues for the rear end?

greg_g · Apr 3, 2012

bobsphotos said:
I own a 3320 and am very interested in buying spacers and cutting down on the Pucker. Has anyone thought about whether the extra length away form the hubs, causes any mechanical ( leverage ) issues for the rear end?

Check your owners manual, pretty sure the applicable spec is close to - if not identical - to mine. It says that ballasted R1s can be set out to a 68.4" width. The 4" spacers I just installed extend my ballasted R4s out to a 67.7" width. In my book, that's well within JD specs. That said, I wouldn't be as confident with spacers in excess of 4" per side.

//greg//

beenthere · Apr 3, 2012

Just ordered 2 1/2" spacers from Motorsport_tech for my JD 4300.
$300 including shipping.

B58Hustler · Apr 3, 2012

beenthere said:
Just ordered 2 1/2" spacers from Motorsport_tech for my JD 4300.
$300 including shipping.

Beenthere, I too ordered spacers from these guys today at 2:30 PM est. They are 3 inchers for the 3320 OS. Also checked with the JD dealer to see if they stock Deere hub bolts (M131856 about $1.75 ea.) just in case, some I remove, have nicked threads. Don't want to chew-up the new, crispy, aluminum internal threads.

Also I have to give Kentucky Greg a big thank you for finding these guys and posting the results.

Probably should be starting a new thread where Motorsport Tech is the subject.

ctlguy · Apr 3, 2012

Dan Hunter said:
I contacted Unvenferth to get a part number for the 4" wheel extensions Dirtworksequip had on this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-unverferth-wheel-extensions-sale-feeler.html and got this reply:

We offer 6 extensions for front of JD 3720 (Part No. 16039B) for $320.00 Suggested Retail Each. We also have 6 extensions for rear of JD 3720 (Part No. 16029B) for $328.00 Suggested Retail Each. If you need 4 extensions, we can custom build Part No. EXT-SM for $542.00 Suggested Retail each.

Well, geez, an $888 bump for 4 parts that are 2" shorter is a rather proud pricing structure. Am I missing something? I'd really like a set of these http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/unverferth wheel extensions/P1010654.jpg

Can't realy blame Unverferth for having a premium price on their products. They are hands down a fantastic product, built well, heavy, and they will manufacture any wheel product your heart desires. But for the most part much larger equipment is their mainstay and I would imagine margins are based on that. I would not doubt that the material and craftsmanship that goes into thier wheel products is better than the others. This probably does not matter as much on a compact as a row crop or heavier machine where the build quality has to stand up to the most extreme abuse.