Tires Why do vinyard tractors have 4 large tires?

[KentT]

IMO, they use four large tires for three reasons:

1. The most traction without compacting the soil

2. Low center of gravity for working on slopes

3. Highest possible ground clearance while retaining that low center of gravity

 

[rox]

Many thanks to all. I wondered why that was and between what everybody contributed I think I understand. We have a lot of "slopes" actually I just call 'em hills.

Low center of gravity with high ground clearence, for this terrain, really roxky and hilly yeah that makes a lot of sense.

 

[mars1952]

Whe you look at tractors for vinyards and orchards they show tractors with 4 large tires all the same size. When you look at other tractors they have small tires in the front and big tires in the back. Why is that?

Most tractors with smaller front wheels do not have true 4 wheel drive they have front wheel assist, the font tires are smaller because the front axle is weaker than the rear. The tractors that have the same size tires front and rear are true 4 wheel drive tractors and have equal power and traction front and rear. Many of the true 4 wheels drive tractors are reversible and it is necessary to for the axles to be of equal strength. I am sure there are exceptions to this.
Marshall

 

[JerryG]

Whe you look at tractors for vinyards and orchards they show tractors with 4 large tires all the same size. When you look at other tractors they have small tires in the front and big tires in the back. Why is that?

Rox,
The tractors that you are speaking about are true 4wd tractors. The are also articulated so that they bend in the middle. These tractors will turn sharper and are designed to carry weight on both ends equally. They are better on hills with a lower center of gravity.

 

[Egon]

Some of the vineyard tractors have to deal with some pretty good slopes. The design you mention Rox may be for this reason.

Vineyard on riverside picture.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Rox,
The tractors that you are speaking about are true 4wd tractors. The are also articulated so that they bend in the middle. These tractors will turn sharper and are designed to carry weight on both ends equally. They are better on hills with a lower center of gravity.

Jerry, not all of these tractors are articulated but you are correct that many of them have that feature.

In addition to equal size tires, many vinyard tractors have TRACKS instead of tires. New Holland and Yanmar both make tracked tractors for vinyard use.