Tractor Wheels

[Knoxguy]

Hi Folks,

I recently acquired a tractor that has substandard wheels (6"x1") which makes it very difficult to move around.

I'm trying to remember high school physics and want to add a larger diameter wheel so that it rolls easier. Maybe wider too?

Any thoughts??

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is your problem more that the ground is not level or is the wheel sinking into the ground because the ground is soft? A larger diameter wheel will help more if the ground is not level. It should require less force to move it forward too because of the lever arm effect, at least as far as breaking it loose and getting it rolling. Once it is moving I’m not sure it matters since you are pulling it.

A wider tire will help more if the ground is soft. That will put more surface area in contact with the ground so it doesn’t sink as deep. A pneumatic tire instead of a solid hard tire will also give you more area in contact with the ground, keeping it from sinking quite so deep, because it will squash down some.

I’m not sure how your tires are attached. If they are permanently attached larger diameter tire may raise the tractor higher off the ground and give predators a chance to get under the tractor. Could be a security risk.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I recently acquired a tractor that has substandard wheels (6"x1") which makes it very difficult to move around.

These work well on most chicken tractors

http://www.mazamaoutdoors.com/shop/kayak-cart-wheel-set/


Applied in this fashion:


http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Wheel_lift_for_a_chicken_tractor/

 

[aart]

Is your problem more that the ground is not level or is the wheel sinking into the ground because the ground is soft? A larger diameter wheel will help more if the ground is not level. It should require less force to move it forward too because of the lever arm effect, at least as far as breaking it loose and getting it rolling. Once it is moving I’m not sure it matters since you are pulling it.

A wider tire will help more if the ground is soft. That will put more surface area in contact with the ground so it doesn’t sink as deep. A pneumatic tire instead of a solid hard tire will also give you more area in contact with the ground, keeping it from sinking quite so deep, because it will squash down some.

I’m not sure how your tires are attached. If they are permanently attached larger diameter tire may raise the tractor higher off the ground and give predators a chance to get under the tractor. Could be a security risk.

As usual, excellent assessment Ridgerunner!

 

[MeepBeep]

If you have a harbor freight in your area you can get some decent tires on the cheap, especially with their 20% off coupon....

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tires

Something like the 10" pneumatic for $5.99 would be a big improvement for the reasons Ridgerunner said as long as you can mount them properly...

 

[Knoxguy]

Thnx for the feedback! I installed another wheel on the opposite side, or in tandem if you will, from the other. It increased the "footprint" and prevents it from getting bogged down in soft ground and enables it to move easier by increasing its wheel-base. So far it works better. Time will tell. Next step is go to a larger pneumatic tire.

Thnx for the help friends.