Traction Wheel Spacers

[CurlyDave]

After being snowed in at the top of our steep 1+ mile driveway, I broke down and ordered a set of chains for the rears of my JD 110 TLB. They should get here this week, but now I need a set of wheel spacers, since the clearance on the inside of the wheels, is less than about 1.5" .

I intend to leave the spacers on year-round, since the wider stance will also give me some extra side hill stability. When I look around on the net, there seem to be two kinds. Those machined from a single billet of aluminum, and those welded from steel parts.

Does anyone have experience with either type, and any opinions on the pros and cons of each type? Just off the top of my head it looks like the solid billet type would be easier to machine to a closer tolerance than it would be to jig the multiple parts of a steel one while welding to get equal tolerances. OTOH, how close to parallel and true does a wheel spacer have to be? The solid billet looks stronger, but are the steel ones "strong enough"? Clearly the steel ones are harder and look more robust, but is that worst anything in the real world?

Any recommended vendors? I am willing to spend enough to get quality, but I don't want to overspend just for a brand name that is going to be covered in mud and dust after 10 minutes of use.

I am thinking that 2.5" spacers would be about right, but that is just from the standpoint that this "looks right". Any advice on this size?

 

[Wolfy]

I bought a pair of spacers right at a John Deere dealer for my 410B backhoe. This was a few years ago, I think they were about $400. They said the lug bolts may want to loosen up, being longer, but they have not. A very good investment.

 

[tessiers]

Usually you can swap sides with the wheels to set the tires in or out a little, if they are that close now I would say they are in the narrow setting. I never had a 110 but operated a 310 for a while, we used to set the wheels out in the summer for stability and in for the winter so they tracked behind the plow better. Something to look into.

 

[herringchoker]

I installed 2" machined aluminum billet wheel spacers from Bro-Tek this past summer and I am completely satisfied with them. The kit included all the hardware and detailed installation instructions, and the service was fantastic. See this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...285869-bro-tek-wheel-spacers-outstanding.html

 

[32 chev]

You can get these in 6 bolt or 8 bolt and either 5/8 or 9/16 lug they are made of steel and come with all fasteners . They are great, I put a set of the 2" 8 bolt 5/8 studs on my MF 1531
eBay item number:281197828181

 

[ultrarunner]

The ones I've seen are billet.

I was wondering how you are making out with the winter weather...

It's 7:30 pm and 39F and dropping here in Oakland...

Don't have a snow problem although the plumbers have been busy with broken copper pipes and ice patches on the roads...

 

[RedHawkRidge]

I have a JD4520. It has the same size wheels as my old 4700. I think the 110 has the 4600 as the base machine, so it's wheels are likely the same 8 holer pattern/size.
When I got the 4520 this fall, I was disappointed that the rear wheels are no longer the 8 position/adjustable width types, rather cheaper fixed dishes.
So I found the best way to go was spacers, and the best spacer solution was from SkidSteerSolutions.com. A set of 4 that are each 2" wide. They fit perfectly. Cost is $350; shipping is free. Had the JD service dept mount them, because I had the 105 # wheel weights already installed -- they were able to take the wheels off with the weights still attached, then slip in the spacer, then reinstall the wheel. Without any problem.
The 4" added width on each side gave me the stability I need, while leaving the OEM wheels positioned to look the best.
And.....a side benefit is that they are solid iron (castings?), and thus give me another 40+ lbs on each side to counterbalance any hillside leanover.
By the way, JD appears to be going the spacer route, maybe to compensate for dropping the 8 position rims. I saw that they mention spacers in their literature on the new 3e/3r series.
jim

 

[ultrarunner]

Here's a link

Skid Steer Solutions is Your #1 Online Source for Skid Steer Wheels Spacers.

From Deere Tractor note at the bottom of the page

Tractors & Wheel Spacers: We cannot guarantee that our spacer will fit on a tractor. Many people have bought them and added them successfully to their tractors.

We have had customers comment that the 9/16" x 8 Lug Red spacer will fit on John Deere Utility Tractor, 2000, 3000, & 4000 Series. We will add more information as it comes available.

 

[CurlyDave]

Last night I bought a set of 4 spacers from ebay. Wheel Spacers Skid Steer 8 Lug 2" Bobcat Case New Holland John Deere Cat | eBay. $319 with free shipping.
9/16" lugs. I found several threads that mention these on TBN, and they look like a good option for the 110 TLB.

I also ordered tire chains from tire chain.com. I got the duo-ladder combination in size 17.5-24, which is the size in the JD manual, and is the size molded on the sidewall of the tires. Didn't get the v-bars because there is asphalt on about 2/3 of the driveway. The duo chains are harder on pavement than ladders, but there is going to be a layer of ice on this every time I use them. $465 seems high, but there are a lot of places where slipping off the driveway could put me down a 40-60 foot drop. Looks life threatening to me.

Anyway this is the sixth day we have been up here without being able to get a car down the driveway. We usually get 2-3 days where the driveway is snowed in 2-3 times per winter. I think this will let me clear the drive with the bucket.

 

[davehowell]

I would add my good experience with the Bro Tek spacers for a B7800. They came with all the hardware. After a year, I took the wheels off again to check/retorque the studs holding the spacers to the hub, but found that none had loosened. The machining was beautiful, almost creating something of industrial art.

 

[Wolfy]

Dave, I also have a pair of the 17.5-24 Duo Grips, without v-bars, bought 10 years ago. They have worked out real well for me. The only complaint I have, (also have a pair of 19.5-24), the center cross links have snapped from time to time, on both pairs. Its an easy fix though. Otherwise the chains have been great.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Last night I bought a set of 4 spacers from ebay. Wheel Spacers Skid Steer 8 Lug 2" Bobcat Case New Holland John Deere Cat | eBay. $319 with free shipping.
9/16" lugs. I found several threads that mention these on TBN, and they look like a good option for the 110 TLB.

I also ordered tire chains from tire chain.com. I got the duo-ladder combination in size 17.5-24, which is the size in the JD manual, and is the size molded on the sidewall of the tires. Didn't get the v-bars because there is asphalt on about 2/3 of the driveway. The duo chains are harder on pavement than ladders, but there is going to be a layer of ice on this every time I use them. $465 seems high, but there are a lot of places where slipping off the driveway could put me down a 40-60 foot drop. Looks life threatening to me.

Anyway this is the sixth day we have been up here without being able to get a car down the driveway. We usually get 2-3 days where the driveway is snowed in 2-3 times per winter. I think this will let me clear the drive with the bucket.

Well I'm too late to help with the decision. How are you goiung to get the UPS truck up the drive to deliver the chains and spacers?
Here I'll show you mine, now show us yours as you put them on.

 

[Gary Fowler]

You know what amazes me about some TBN members? They have no qualms about putting on a 4" spacer to move the tires out, but rant and rave about widening the stance by swapping the tires when in reality you are doing the same thing. My personal opinion is that widening the tires doesn't potentially hazard the bearings.
Just and observation and no need to put in flaming comments.

 

[Dan Hunter]

I have spacers on my JD3720 and my sole regret is that I had them installed on delivery. Honestly, I'm not going to check them for torque constantly as unlike some spacers I have to take the wheel off to get to the bolts that hold the spacer to the axle. On a car, I'll check the torque a couple times over a month and then stop worrying but I didn't get that assurance on the tractor. I'm not going to pull the rear wheels off to recheck the spacers and then re-torque the wheel.

Funny thing...I had a WTF moment while shearing trees. I noticed weird tracking on the left tire. Got off and noticed All the bolts were loose. I put a star bar to it and re-torqued All bolts when I got home. I'll continue this regularly but rely on faith with the bolts holding the spacer to the axle.

When shopping, I'd recommend spacers as illustrated in this thread that might at least allow some access with a wrench.

 

[vtsnowedin]

When shopping, I'd recommend spacers as illustrated in this thread that might at least allow some access with a wrench.

Agreed. As you can see in the picture the wheels are dished out fully and there is plenty of room to slip a box end wrench over the bolt heads. None of mine have ever moved but I did have a couple of the rim to hub bolts need a quarter turn in the first ten hours.

 

[ultrarunner]

I often use Locktite Blue for fasteners I don't want to worry about.

Never any problems from loose bolts/nuts or on disassembly.

 

[CurlyDave]

... How are you goiung to get the UPS truck up the drive to deliver the chains and spacers?

The weather forecast is showing warmer weather for the next few days. I have a set of ladder chains that fit the front wheels of the backhoe, and I am hoping that between pushing the snow off with the bucket and 25 lbs of ice melt I can get the driveway clear enough for the UPS truck to get up here in a few days. If not, I will have UPS leave the package at their facility in town and I will get it in a pickup.

I have a 4 WD F 250 that I will probably be able to get down the driveway soon.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I'd gladly come and plow you out but it's a bit far. Anybody close by with the means, that you are on good terms with?

 

[pat32rf]

I noticed a JD parts list a few months back that listed spacers so you could install chains on the FRONT tires as well.
I'd come and clear his driveway just because he is such a great guy with good taste in tractor brands. Might take a month or more to get there though...

 

[CurlyDave]

I noticed a JD parts list a few months back that listed spacers so you could install chains on the FRONT tires as well.

I have chains that fit the front already. It looked like there was plenty of clearance without any spacers.


...a great guy with good taste in tractor brands. I keep telling my wife this