YM 1700 -Wheels

SailorBob · Mar 17, 2005

I spent some time digging back through this forum and found it quite enlightning. (There's gold in them thar hills!) I noticed a number of posts about turning the wheels around to give the tractor a wider stance . It does make sense that wider would be more stable. Does that apply to the front wheels too? I suppose also that I will need to swap sides to keep the lugs pointing in the correct direction?

Are there any YM1700 owners our there that have done it? Is it worthwhile doing?

California · Mar 17, 2005

Swapping the rear wheels side to side and 'loading' them with liquid ballast will definitely improve stability. Also liquid has a lower center of gravity than bolt-on weights.

I think there is little to no benefit to reversing the fronts because

1) There are no front springs. The front axle does not resist rollover until one side of the frame contacts the top of the axle, and by that time you probably have a back tire off the ground.

2) In normal position the front wheel is centered over the wheel bearings. With wheels reversed, all the weight bears down beyond the outer bearing. This can't be good for it.

Soundguy · Mar 17, 2005

Dishing out the rear on a 1700 is good. As for the fronts. Unless I see a manual saying it is ok.. I don't do it. My old fords, and allis G show that you can dish the fronts. However we have seen many instances of new tractors where it specifically states not to.. presumable as the other psoter mentioned for bearing reasons.. And yes.. if you dish them.. swap sides..

Soundguy

thegreatrandini · Mar 18, 2005

My 2210 2wd has adjustable front axles. You can widen the front by removing a couple bolts and it's like a telescope. I don't do it cuz I use it in and around the barn alot. I keep the rear narrow also.....