BX24D front wheel rims breaking

[bill.anderson]

I have had 4 wheel rims break around the bolt holes over the last few years. I have a grapple on the front and have been using it to move logs. I try to cut the logs (storm downed trees) in 8 or 12 foot lengths to take to the local sawmill for lumber. I have been told by various Kubota reps that the frot end loader is only rated at 500lbs. The hydraulics seem to be able to lift greater than 500lbs with the grapple without trouble. The broken wheels apparently have been from me overloading the front end of the tractor. Since I can expect no help from Kubota, I am planning to cut a 3/16 steel circle to fit the inner rim and weld it in place on two new wheels.
What I need is dimensions for the inner cut out and bolt hole pattern. Has anyone had the same experience? and the same or other solution?

bill a

 

[imnukensc]

Sounds like you need a bigger tractor to me.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like you need a bigger tractor and new rims!

 

[Kennyd4110]

What do you have for REAR ballast on the 3PH?

Have you ever done a pressure test on the hydraulic system?

 

[William1]

I can't imagine loading the FEL so severe that it destroys rims.
Tire bead roll off?
Axles not broken?
Lug nuts correct and torqued?

 

[bill.anderson]

I can't imagine loading the FEL so severe that it destroys rims.
Tire bead roll off?
Axles not broken?
Lug nuts correct and torqued?

I think that the rims flex and over time crack. Lug nuts torqued down. I suspect that the grapple (FEL) was designed for heavier loads than the rims were designed for. The forces exerted on the wheel while turning the tractor and carrying an 8' 20" dia. log are probably too much for an unreinforced wheel.

 

[bill.anderson]

What do you have for REAR ballast on the 3PH?

Have you ever done a pressure test on the hydraulic system?

The rear ballast is the backhoe that it came with (BX24D) Pressure is as it was set from the factory.

 

[bill.anderson]

Sounds like you need a bigger tractor and new rims!

It is getting new replacement rims (that I plan to reinforce) and a bigger tractor wouldn't let me get up close to my house for yard work. BX24D came with backhoe, FEL, and belly mower.

 

[bill.anderson]

Sounds like you need a bigger tractor to me.

Not really an option for several reasons. This machine has served me very well since 2008. It's just that breaking the rims is getting to be a pain and it seems to be in the last 6 years since I got the grapple