Wheel spacers harmfull/benefits?

[Boatnut]

Hi, I have done a search on this topic and havn't found a single instance of anyone actually having damaged anything by installing them? I even found a post specifically asking anybody to reply who had suffered any problems. He got zero response. So, as a new (to me) BX23 owner, why wouldn't I install
2 1/2" spacers front and back? Seems to me it would add stability, and that would be a good thing.

 

[Ductape]

Good question......... why wouldn't you?

 

[Boatnut]

Ok then, looks like the consensus is it's not a bad thing. I'll order em up! Going with 3" rear and 2 1/2" front.

 

[Yankee Clipper]

Boatnut,

I would not space out the front at the axle flanges - if you want to increase the tread width or stance, add a extension behind the final drive and space the entire final out. This will involvve the housing, drive shaft and tie rod but hear me out as to why.

The reason is the output shaft - very short - is supported by two bearings and if you just reverse the wheel dish or add spacers to the flange, the inboard bearing life will be considerably shortened. Especially with a loader, whcih most BXs seem to have.

I can understand wanting to space the rear out for chain clearance but I would not change the front unless the entire final drive is moved out.

Good luck!

 

[Boatnut]

Thanks for the info. Kinda my concern too. However, nobody seems to be willing to fess up as to having sustained any damage/failures by adding these spacers? Is this just a case of not wanting to admit to a mistake OR in actual practice there is no problem? For the volume of spacers sold you would think somebody would have an actual case of damage by now?
Accelerated wear may be an acceptable consequence to a potential low hour guy like myself. Just how accelerated becomes the question? Good for 500hrs? I don't care. Good for 10 hrs, I care.
(Richard at Bro-Tec has reigned me in to going max 2" )
Clive.

 

[ACHINBAC]

Boatnut,

Clic on my name and see the post dated 6-15-2008 "Bro-Tek wheel spacers"(will try to attach a link, but don't know how)

Richard is one of our own & is great to do business with. The 2" rear spacers keep the wheels within the FEL dimension, and the 1 1/2" fronts tweek the axles a little less but the stance still looks cooler than a narrow front end.

Some have said the fronts achieve no additional stability, but I simply like the look. Did not affect my turning radius that I noticed. If it prematurely wears the bearings I will replace them (you will find that the majority of the posters here are man enough to advise failures - it makes us stronger as a group, as well as individually)

It does make a difference regarding the tippy feeling these little tractors have, and along with filling your tires I highly recommend the upgrade.

Dave

 

[Boatnut]

Just ordered front and rears plus hook plus "trenching" blade from Richard. Thanks to all for advise.

 

[ACHINBAC]

Boat,
Heads up - when you receive the spacers, use a punch to make sure all the studs are set all the way in before mounting - some of mine were not. You made a good purchase.

 

[Boatnut]

Will do. Again, thanks to all for input.

 

[Kevin Beitz]

You tell me...

 

[ACHINBAC]

Reminds me of the old lower unit drive shaft drive shaft on my in/outboard the time I ran a little shallow & pegged a rock . . . .

How bout you tell us?

 

[Boatnut]

Hey Kevin, what were you doing when this happened? I notice the top tire on the stack (with the axle on it) appears to be flat? Or at least a whole lot lower air pressure than the one underneath? Hope nobody injured....

 

[ACHINBAC]

Think that's a 16" spacer . .

 

[Boatnut]

Well Kevin, is that yours with the duals front and back? If so, I respectfully suggest that the additional loads placed on the bearings etc by installing duals would be kinda logarithmic in scale vs 2" wheel spacers. Not a fair comparison
Gotta admit, they sure LOOK cool though!
Clive

 

[sal64]

hello just started my weel spacers today but after seing kevins post im a little nervous ,i agree the extra weels and mady exta weight off backhoe or anythig else he had on the 3pt mite of added to the stress ,im suprised it broke that shaft is a forging witch is very strong. jd 2320

 

[milkman]

Think that's a 16" spacer . .

Kevin ain't talking, that's mine with the front and rear duals. I haven't had a problem and I use them in the woods that is on a hillside, but I haven't let the inside tires go flat. I do run around 5# more air in the inside tires and I have to watch if I turn short on anything but level ground as the outside front will contact the loader mount. Rides a lot smoother with the duals too.

 

[Ductape]

If Kevin's axle broke due to wheel spacers, I honestly have to say his is the first case I've even seen here on TBN.

 

[donn12]

Kevin - what's the deal? I was thinking about ordering spacers. Now I am not sure.

 

[Trigger]

I think this is the original thread Kevin started when the axle broke:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/99871-am-i-first-brake-bx23.html

I really dont see how it is very comparable to running just wheel spacers.

 

[repete]

I ran with my front wheels reversed to add stability and width. After my second set of outside wheel bearings and housings ($$$) I returned them to the narrow position. The wheel is designed to ride centered over the bearings apparently. By reversing the rims to make them wider I put a load on the axle that it was apparently not designed for.

I have not replaced a bearing or housing while in the "stock" position. Personally, I would avoid doing it unless you have no choice.