Center of Gravity--Help!

Okay, as I've stated before, I'm just not too darned bright and I come here to learn from you folks. Now, I’m running into a little situation where I could use your collective knowledge and insight, 'cause I guess Mom didn't learn me good. :>)

Farmed forever with tractors A and B. Went broke and sold out. Now, while having silly aspirations to get back all of my lost toys, I buy tractors C and D to replace my old ones. Fine. So far, so good.

Tractors C and D are identical in every way to the old tractors A and B except for the darned rear tire sizes. Old ones had 16.9 x 38 tires and the new tractors have 18.4 x 38. Also, new tractors both have fluid, the old ones did not.

Now, when I hook up the very same identical 3-point equipment to these tractors and on absolutely level ground, I’ve got a light front-end issue going on that I never used to have before.

The first time I noticed it, was when I bought a little rotary mower; seemed like that little feller was awfully darned heavy back there for some reason. :>(

Everything is the same except the tire sizes and the fluid and the difference between the tractors has reached something of a safety threshold around here. Ya can’t control the tractor with the front end swingin’ up in the air all the time. Plus, it’s gotta be kinda hard on brakes. :>)

Anyway, how can the larger diameter of those rear tires move the center of gravity rearward so darned much? It would seem like it should be the other way around, shouldn’t it?

Or is it just simply the torque of the larger tires vs the torque of the smaller diameter tires that is causing my headaches?

Yes, I know the cure is to add weight to the front end of both tractors and I’m in the process of doing just that. But, I’d just like to understand the “why” of the thing?? :>(

Thanks for instructing an old dog,

Allan

Dug

I would imagine that this phenomenon only pertains to red tractors as I've heard tell the greeners just break in two pulling this type of equipment.

Mornin' Dug! :>)

Allan

Awrite, that tire and balance thing has to do with the geophysical sub-balance of the "S" tire with too much air pressure causing an inner instability, thus the seemingly unstable front end. Interestingly enough, what appears to be a "light" front end is actually the the environmental effects of previously said circustance. To properly correct this situation, check your tire pressure in the "S" tire.

That's all for tonite,

Dug

And I've been chewin' out the wife for washin' the jeans in hotter and hotter water because they seemed to be shrinkin' mor and more every year. :>(

You're tryin' to tell me that it isn't all her fault? :>)

Allan

you have changed your fulcrum point with larger rear tires.

It could work to shorten arms on 3 pt, but bet you will just ad weight on front end?

Got one set located and am diggin' in every scrap pile I can find to locate the second set.

Trouble is, now I don't have anywhere near the physical strength I used to have, so I'll have to be sure and take the wife along so she can load 'em in the pickup for me. :>)

Thanks,

Allan

After applying much thought to your problem, it hit me a few minutes ago just what the problem is. It was so simple, I don't know why it didn't occurr sooner!

It's your wallet!

Years ago, when you were a full-time farmer, that wallet was thin and light. As it rested in your back pocket, it applied no weight to the rear of the tractor, and didn't effect the tractors center of gravity.

Fast forward to present day Allan.....

Nowdays that overstuffed mattress of a billfold is riding heavy out over the rear wheels, totally wiping out any sense of balance that was previously there.

Solution????

Put your wallet, along with the millions of pesos contained within on the front weight bracket. At that point, you will be able to safely lift the entire capacity of your tractors 3-point hitch WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A THOUGHT of raising the front end off the ground.

SEE! I knew we could straighten this out.

Your pal,
John

I thought it was something along that order.

And, come to think of it, this past week is the very first time ever that I've operated a loaded 3-point while at the same time on a set of loaded tires too.

Objects at rest tend to remain at rest or something like that? Those rear jokers have a lot of weight to 'em and what you say just makes sense.

Also, like Joel says, the derned tractors stand taller now too than they did with the 16.9s, that's just a fact.

I know people think I'm a little wacko, but I can certainly remember the front ends getting a somewhat "feather feel" to 'em, but I sure don't recall those old irons rearin' three feet in the air with every clutch release and every time I took off from a dead stop either.

Thanks Guy, I appreciate it,

Allan

There is a comedian near here writes a short article in one of our farm papers. His description of this age and comfort item, is as we age we want comfort in every thing we do and have. He listed about 25 items, thus I will miss a few. Our chair we most commonly use must be comfortable, car must be comfortable, bank account must be at a comfortable level, our toys must be comfortable and even in encounters with your good better half comfort becomes more important than passion. That is just a few but you get the idea.

I assure you, your not the only one in this boat, age plays funny tricks on you. For example, I have a brother in law, 65 years old. Was a bureaucrat all his working years, has so much money he is afraid to die, thinks his boys may have too much fun with the money. He and his good wife have become health food nuts. They have so many pills, suplements and careful about what they eat. Would drive anyone right up the wall. Problem is they can't remember which pill they took and when.

Trust me you are in pretty good shape.

I know I'm definitely creepin' up in years Hugh, but I still have my faculties about me.

There is darned sure a difference going on here and I think it must have to do with the fluid in the tires like Vern said.

Rode the old heifers too blamed many years not to notice something like this. :>)

Thanks,

Allan

What you need to do Allan is check the ampacity of the tractor and the implement to make sure they balance out. Otherwise your front end will get light and make it hard to steer.

Almost fergot. You will need and ampacity checker for that and I believe right now they are out of stock.

steveormary

Re the dual spacing and turning, of course it is harder to turn. The wider the tire (or spacing or duals) the more scrub they have when turning. More scrub equals more weight needs on the steer tire or more braking.