Wheel track specifications

[nathanmac]

Hi all, thanks for letting me join. I've just begun looking for a small tractor for our developing small scale market garden and having trouble finding some specs...

We have 30 inch wide beds with approx. 10 inch wide paths. I'm trying to find a compact tractor that will run down these paths however its difficult trying to find the specs for the clear space between tyres. Is there anywhere that lists the dimensions of both front and rear wheel track with these dimensions?

At this stage the closest I can find near my location is a B7100D with turf tires, although these wider tires look too wide to leave me a clear 30-34 inches? I've tried looking at photos online and using my eye-o-meter to try and figure if its close but no-one photographs their tractors directly from the rear! Is there a narrow wheel option for a B7100D other than the turf tires?

Any advice appreciated on what might work with the info above.

 

[PaulL]

I think the R1 tends to be the narrowest tyre option, and I'd think they'd be more suitable for market gardening as well.

On a tractor tyre, there are two or three numbers given. With two numbers they're typically width then rim diameter, with three it's height, then width then rim diameter. https://www.hunker.com/13405181/how-to-read-tractor-tire-sizes. So a B2601 has 11.2-16 tyres, 11.2 inches wide. 10 inches wide will be hard for the tyre track.

Tractordata.com gives width of lots of tractors. (for example, a B2601 http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/010/1/5/10151-kubota-b2601-dimensions.html)I believe the width is usually the widest part, so that's going to be rear wheels, outside to outside. Subtract off the tire width, what's left should be clear space.

So a B2601 has a width of 49 inches, and the ag tyres are 11.2 inches, so 27 inches clear space, give or take. You can buy spacers for most tractors, and sometimes the rims are reverseable or adjustable to give different widths. I'd guess you could get to 32 clear space. The B2601 also can take the tyres from the B2301 (the optional tyres), these are a little narrower.

A B7100 looks to have 8 inch rear wheels with ag tyres (12 inch with turfs) http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/2/7/1271-kubota-b7100-dimensions.html. It says 40 inch wide, which doesn't sound right, I'd be surprised if it's narrower than a B2601. Sometimes they measure to the centre of the rear tyres, not the outside. But arguably that's 24 inch clear space, if you added spacers you might get to 28 inches or so. You'd need spacers for the front too.

This thread suggests the B7100 track is adjustable to 3 positions: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1888. This thread suggests 43 inches at widest. https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11139#post11139. Some talk of 4 inch spacers here: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11602

Putting all that together, that says at widest setting you'd have 43 inches total width, 8 inch wide rear wheels, so 27 inches clear space. If you added 2 inch spacers either side you'd be 47 inches total width, 31 inches clear space and 8 inches of tyre track either side. Almost exactly what you're looking for.

 

[Roadworthy]

Unless you're definite on the B series you could investigate the L2501. I think it's in the same price range but a physically somewhat larger tractor. Ground clearance is greater but a belly mower or mid PTO is not an option.

 

[ken erickson]

I just measured my 1997 B7100HST with turf tires. The rear hubs are spaced out on the axle as far outboard as allowed.

Inside sidewall to inside sidewall on rears are 21 1/2 inches
Inside sidewall to inside sidewall on front tires 29 1/2

total width at widest point is the rear turf tires. Outside sidewall to outside sidewall on rears is 44 inches.

 

[PaulL]

OK, so 22 1/2 inches in the tyres, 11 inch. That matches close enough to tractordata's claim of 12 inch tyres on the rear with turfs.

With Ag/R1 tyres, the tyre width is 8 inch on the rear. The centreline stays the same, so that's 4 inch more gap in the middle (2 inch each side), and 4 inch less total width (2 inch each side). 25 1/2 inch gap in the centre, total width 40 inches. And there's still the suggestion you can adjust the width to get another 3 inches or so - which would make 28 1/2 inch gap and total width 43 inches.

 

[ken erickson]

I went out and got a bit more accurate with my measurements. I used a straight edge.

The outside to outside on the rears is 45 inches, not the 44.

The fronts are just a tick under that , 44 3/4


Again, this is the side wall measurements. The contact patch on the ground is less of course.

 

[nathanmac]

Hi guys, thanks for all the help and measurements, I'll take a little time to try and digest it all.

A couple of points though - I'm trying to find the smallest/lightest tractor I can to do the job. It'll only get light work, maybe a small front end loader for compost eventually and tow a narrow (1m wide) flail mower would be the most work it would do. 90% would be towing a light trailer for getting things out to the field and bringing back in.

Aiming for lightweight to avoid soil compaction in our plot as much as possible too.

Hoping for something the whole family can use - I'm keen to get the kids used to operating a tractor and they already run round in our Polaris Ranger once they are tall enough.

Plus if I have to choose between a Kubota and something else I would choose a Kubota simply so I can sing the kids the song that's stuck in my head from childhood "Over Hill, Over Dale....'

Really appreciate all the advice, many thanks.

 

[nathanmac]

OK, so 22 1/2 inches in the tyres, 11 inch. That matches close enough to tractordata's claim of 12 inch tyres on the rear with turfs.

With Ag/R1 tyres, the tyre width is 8 inch on the rear. The centreline stays the same, so that's 4 inch more gap in the middle (2 inch each side), and 4 inch less total width (2 inch each side). 25 1/2 inch gap in the centre, total width 40 inches. And there's still the suggestion you can adjust the width to get another 3 inches or so - which would make 28 1/2 inch gap and total width 43 inches.

Hi, so it seems we're getting pretty close to what we need if that's the case. I see you're also in New Zealand, do you have an opinion on the availability of the narrower ag wheels for a 7100? It could end up being an expensive process setting up what we need and would make it unrealistic if price blows out.

Also had a bit of a search on Youtube for reviews and I came across this video which looks to be a good width, but are the rear wheels on backwards to achieve this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgfQMdt3tUY

The more I read about this model the more I like but I obviously have zero experience.

Cheers.

 

[nathanmac]

OK, so 22 1/2 inches in the tyres, 11 inch. That matches close enough to tractordata's claim of 12 inch tyres on the rear with turfs.

With Ag/R1 tyres, the tyre width is 8 inch on the rear. The centreline stays the same, so that's 4 inch more gap in the middle (2 inch each side), and 4 inch less total width (2 inch each side). 25 1/2 inch gap in the centre, total width 40 inches. And there's still the suggestion you can adjust the width to get another 3 inches or so - which would make 28 1/2 inch gap and total width 43 inches.

Alternatively, could I source something like the below rim and run a 6 inch tyre? I think I have some 6.00x16 ground grips in the shed already. Perhaps these rims won't have the same PCD but there must something comparable on the market?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=b673300e17404e92bbb5723287e1c529-003

 

[PaulL]

My father in law in Akaroa had a B7100 I think with Ags. They're around, and in all sorts of places you wouldn't expect. Probably a case of waiting. I wouldn't swap - more than it's worth on a machine that old. But if you can live with the extra width of the turfs, I think they're a bit more common.

This L245DT has ags: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

It's a bit bigger and wider - looks like 52 inch wide, less 12 inch rear wheels. Again you probably can adjust the wheels in and out.

Where are you located? Each week I drive past a tractor shop north of Matamata on the way to Auckland, they have a bunch of older tractors. If you're in the area may be worth a look - you could take a tape measure and put it on some of them.

A B1700 HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

A B2150 with loader and HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

A B2710 with loader and HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

B1750 with FEL and HST - $9K. https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

I normally just go to trademe, tractors under 50hp, then search for Kubota.

Do you know what your minimum options are - do you want HST or is gear drive fine? Do you want 4WD, do you need a 3ph? How much do you want to spend?

If you want a front end loader, you want to get that when you buy it. I added one to my BX and it was expensive, it would have been way more cost effective to pay a bit more for one that already had what I wanted.

 

[nathanmac]

My father in law in Akaroa had a B7100 I think with Ags. They're around, and in all sorts of places you wouldn't expect. Probably a case of waiting. I wouldn't swap - more than it's worth on a machine that old. But if you can live with the extra width of the turfs, I think they're a bit more common.

This L245DT has ags: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

It's a bit bigger and wider - looks like 52 inch wide, less 12 inch rear wheels. Again you probably can adjust the wheels in and out.

Where are you located? Each week I drive past a tractor shop north of Matamata on the way to Auckland, they have a bunch of older tractors. If you're in the area may be worth a look - you could take a tape measure and put it on some of them.

A B1700 HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

A B2150 with loader and HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

A B2710 with loader and HST: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

B1750 with FEL and HST - $9K. https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=d7be6a4e35794270bf0ad7fa41cb85bb-004

I normally just go to trademe, tractors under 50hp, then search for Kubota.

Do you know what your minimum options are - do you want HST or is gear drive fine? Do you want 4WD, do you need a 3ph? How much do you want to spend?

If you want a front end loader, you want to get that when you buy it. I added one to my BX and it was expensive, it would have been way more cost effective to pay a bit more for one that already had what I wanted.

I'm in Southland and yes that one in Invercargill came up yesterday so I may go and have a look at it. The rear wheels look a bit wide for our paths and Looks a bigger/heavier unit though. Will get a better idea once I've had a look I guess.

There is a tidy unit listed in Roxburgh that might be worth a drive to look at - but only if I'm sure I can configure a 7100 to what we're after. I'm not in a hurry but now I have it in my mind to look I'm trying to narrow down what suits our needs. We have a second hand budget otherwise I'd wait for Southern Fieldays in February to try and strike a deal.

The loader isn't a deal breaker as I have access to a large tractor with loader and forks. A pto for a small flail would be much more usefull and towball for a trailer.

I haven't even been in to the local Kubota dealer - we've purchased from them and they are great guys. But I'm trying to figure my needs before being directed to something via a sales pitch first.

Thanks re the front end loader, I had a look last night and there aren't many listed, plus the expense of getting it fitted would probably be pricey as you say.

 

[PaulL]

Southland will be a bit more sparse, but conversely not all that much competition for those that are there.

I'm pretty sure the 7100 can be configured with Ags and turning the wheels one way or the other, or with spacers, to get where you want. With turfs it'll be close, just wider wheel tracks - the turfs are pretty wide.

There are a lot of similar Kubota models - the B6100 and B8100 were quite similar size. The 7200/6200/8200 are also all in a similar size but a bit newer, the B7200 claims to be 44 inches wide on tractor data.

The B1750 then looks to be the next newer model, but similar size. I suspect the current B2601 or B2650 is the equivalent, and there were a couple of models in between.

I think you'd want an HST if you're thinking about kids driving it, although it wouldn't hurt them to learn how to drive a clutch. I'd hold out for an FEL if I were you, you use them for everything. Having access to another is nice, but having one always on the tractor is excellent, you'll use it every day.

This B1750 is near you: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=edb09bcc3f23478eaed0903f1f4e9e5a-002 (no FEL, can't see if it's HST)

The B2710 actually looks like a good machine at the price. It has a flat front tyre in the photos, but that's easy enough to fix. Tractordata says 54 inches, 12 inch tyres on the rear, giving 30 inch clear between them exactly. So pretty much exactly what you're seeking.

There's a workshop manual here: https://www.coppard.co.uk/pdf_admin/Kubota B2410 service manual.pdf

Says it is a 27HP 1.3L engine. That's the engine that's now in the L2501 I think, it's well regarded. Also 3 range transmission and bi-speed turn, which are quite desirable. And position control on the 3pt hitch.

Page G-43 of the WSM suggests the width can't be adjusted I think.

Well worth looking at.

 

[nathanmac]

Southland will be a bit more sparse, but conversely not all that much competition for those that are there.

I'm pretty sure the 7100 can be configured with Ags and turning the wheels one way or the other, or with spacers, to get where you want. With turfs it'll be close, just wider wheel tracks - the turfs are pretty wide.

There are a lot of similar Kubota models - the B6100 and B8100 were quite similar size. The 7200/6200/8200 are also all in a similar size but a bit newer, the B7200 claims to be 44 inches wide on tractor data.

The B1750 then looks to be the next newer model, but similar size. I suspect the current B2601 or B2650 is the equivalent, and there were a couple of models in between.

I think you'd want an HST if you're thinking about kids driving it, although it wouldn't hurt them to learn how to drive a clutch. I'd hold out for an FEL if I were you, you use them for everything. Having access to another is nice, but having one always on the tractor is excellent, you'll use it every day.

This B1750 is near you: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=edb09bcc3f23478eaed0903f1f4e9e5a-002 (no FEL, can't see if it's HST)

The B2710 actually looks like a good machine at the price. It has a flat front tyre in the photos, but that's easy enough to fix. Tractordata says 54 inches, 12 inch tyres on the rear, giving 30 inch clear between them exactly. So pretty much exactly what you're seeking.

There's a workshop manual here: https://www.coppard.co.uk/pdf_admin/Kubota B2410 service manual.pdf

Says it is a 27HP 1.3L engine. That's the engine that's now in the L2501 I think, it's well regarded. Also 3 range transmission and bi-speed turn, which are quite desirable. And position control on the 3pt hitch.

Page G-43 of the WSM suggests the width can't be adjusted I think.

Well worth looking at.

You must have a good eye sir - I made contact to view the B2710 and i has sold already!

 

[PaulL]

That's unfortunate, but there's always another.

This B7100 is near you: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=4467c16fd28c4af8af6d3be0655dbc39-001

Can't see a gear stick so may be HST. No FEL but it looks to be in very tidy condition for the hours.

 

[nathanmac]

That's unfortunate, but there's always another.

This B7100 is near you: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=4467c16fd28c4af8af6d3be0655dbc39-001

Can't see a gear stick so may be HST. No FEL but it looks to be in very tidy condition for the hours.

Yes this is the one that has got me looking hard at compact tractors right now. It's only a two hour drive away and looks in really tidy condition. If I can be 100% that I can get a rear wheel track that will fit our garden layout I'll take a drive to see it. It's tidy enough that it might be worth the money putting a FEL on the likes of this one (if one ever came available).

 

[PaulL]

It does have a lot of hours. So it's not a bargain at that price, even though it looks tidy. Looks to me like it's had a decent recondition - at least a paint and tidy up externally. The question is whether any of the internals were reconditioned at the same time. 6000 hours isn't unreasonable, but it's certainly upper end - you could expect to need to do work on it over time.

 

[nathanmac]

It does have a lot of hours. So it's not a bargain at that price, even though it looks tidy. Looks to me like it's had a decent recondition - at least a paint and tidy up externally. The question is whether any of the internals were reconditioned at the same time. 6000 hours isn't unreasonable, but it's certainly upper end - you could expect to need to do work on it over time.

Yes it seemed to have higher hours than most I've added to my watchlist, but knowing Central Otago is a good climate I'd be happy that it mightn't have seen too much rain/coastal salt like we have here. Mechanical work doesn't scare me off if it's general repair and not been flogged to death.

However, I had a day off and checked back tonight aaaand sold!

So I need to get my ducks in a row on what I need and be ready to hit the go button when the right unit comes along.

I did a sloooow drive by the Kubota dealer tonight on my way home though. I guess that's the first step on resigning myself to going in and getting hooked on a shiny new one that I can't afford!

 

[PaulL]

I did a sloooow drive by the Kubota dealer tonight on my way home though. I guess that's the first step on resigning myself to going in and getting hooked on a shiny new one that I can't afford!

I'm buying new for my next one. Having said that, I can tell you a BX will set you back around $22K incl GST with a FEL and mower, a B2601 will be nearly $30K incl GST with FEL and mower, but really for the width you're chasing I think you need a B2650. It's a lot of money if you don't have a clear use for it - but if you're going to mow the lawns as well with it then it starts to make more sense. Sort of.

Shipping from the NI is not that expensive, you could visit family or something while you're looking at the machine. For the use you're talking about pretty much any brand would do too - I'm less familiar with other brands, but I do think you should be able to find a good enough machine for around $5-10K.

Looking at trademe in the south island though, there's not much at the moment. In the north island a bit more, but not the perfect machine. Maybe this: https://www.trademe.co.nz/business-...tm?rsqid=5922ecfa90c146eb9084d592b86a7ff5-003

I'd agree with working out what you need, and then waiting for it to come up, and jumping on it quickly. Keep an eye on dealers too, and let them know what you're looking for. They may call you if one comes in as a trade.

 

[BigG]

Just a quick question. Why are you fixed on the width of your rows? If you are just starting (good for you) could you adjust the width to work with whatever tractor you could find?

As a kid we started with a Farmall Cub. The spacing for the gardens was set by the width of the cultivators. We had a marking gauge that was pulled behind the tractor to mark out three rows and a 2x4 with some weights hanging down that allowed us to follow the marks on the return trip. This allowed us to run down every row to cultivate.

 

[nathanmac]

Just a quick question. Why are you fixed on the width of your rows? If you are just starting (good for you) could you adjust the width to work with whatever tractor you could find?

As a kid we started with a Farmall Cub. The spacing for the gardens was set by the width of the cultivators. We had a marking gauge that was pulled behind the tractor to mark out three rows and a 2x4 with some weights hanging down that allowed us to follow the marks on the return trip. This allowed us to run down every row to cultivate.

Hey thanks for getting in touch. We've set up on this sizing due to the scale we're working at and the gear we already have (standardized to 30" wide). I'm pretty happy with how everything is laid out and a compact tractor will really only be used for a bit of trailer hauling and mowing.

The theory is that my wife and kids will be able to use it easily and save me a few little things around the place.... wish me luck on that one!