Wheelbases???

[MaineTWLSB]

I have a newbie question about wheelbase……what is it? Meaning where is it measured from? Looking at all the different specs for tractors there is an overall length, overall width, and wheelbase. I’d had always thought wheelbase was the width but now I’m not so sure. If that was true then type of tire would determine wheelbase correct? Or at least widen it, such as with R4’s.... (Please excuse the pun but, am I way off base... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif)

Thanks for any and all help.
John

 

[Bob_Skurka]

The length of the tractor as measured from the centerline of the front tire to the centerline of the back tire. (basically from the point where the front tire touches the ground to the point where the back tire touches the ground).

In theory, a longer wheelbase will yield a smoother ride.

Also a long wheelbase can provide better balance to a tractor that has a front end loader as it allows for the load to be balanced better by moving more weight behind the front axel (which is a fulcrum/pivot point when using your FEL).

For example, if a tractor has short wheelbase and a long (relative) front overhang (the distance from the center of the front axel to the front of the tractor) then it is possible that much of the tractor's balance weight is relatively far forward on the tractor, which could lower the overall capacity of the FEL and/or require more ballast on the rear than would be necessary if the tractors weight was moved farther backwards. In part, this one factor why some heavier tractors have less FEL lift capacity than some lighter tractors.