M steering shimmy

Ellis Kinney · May 30, 2016

This isn't the usual post about the steering shimmy on H and M tractors. At 20 mph in road gear my M probably steers as well as it did new. BUT in field gears on the blacktop the steering wheel and the steering post both shimmy back and forth quite a bit. I can put my knees against the steering wheel to stop it. The steering wheel doesn't turn back and forth like the death wobble, but shimmy's from side to side. And yes I have checked the steering post where it bolts to the deck. The only thing I can think of might be the 2 Titan rear tires I put on new a year or two ago. They are 15.5 x 38 and have very aggressive lugs. Thanks for all the guesses. Ellis

Janicholson · May 30, 2016

Your choice of tire is the issue. A triangulation of the pist could be tried to see if it stops. Use ratchet straps from the edge of the platform to the top of the light bar plate to see if bracing is an answer. If so configuring a permanent (less objectionable and in the road solution. Bracketing down on each side to a deck bolt might work if you can keep the braces out of the way of the pedals. Putting a tool box or other weight on the light bar might change its harmonic relationship with the tire tread. A rubber mount like a engine or trans mount with a pound or two might also work. Jim

Ellis Kinney · May 30, 2016

Hey Jim, I guess great minds think alike. I tried the strap thing and it does work, just ain't very pretty. As long as I am in the field there is no problem. I don't know if you are familiar with Titan tires but the cleats must be an inch taller than my Firestones on the SMTA. Thanks, Ellis

Janicholson · May 30, 2016

They might be a "Rice" tire pattern. Jim

David G · May 30, 2016

Are you thinking the rear lugs are causing this/

Ellis Kinney · May 30, 2016

David, I'm almost positive it is the tires. The tractor wasn't made for 15.5 tires and isn't heavy enough to mash them down. In road gear it does fine. I bought this tractor in 1973 and the previous owner had widened the rims, so when I needed new tires I bought them to fit the widened rims. Ellis

Eagle Beagle · May 30, 2016

I bought a 730 Case with almost new Titan 15.5 x 38 like you, I thought I had bought a tractor with a bent axle the way it drove at between 5 and 10 mph. Nope- just the tires.

Beagle

Janicholson · May 30, 2016

I have seen harmonic (sympathetic) vibrations destroy things. That is why there are harmonic balancers on cranks, and wierd hanging weights on pinion snouts. Jim

fastfarmall · May 30, 2016

It does sound like a rice tire.

Ellis Kinney · May 30, 2016

I was just at a Memorial Day cookout and my tire guy was there, he says long bar, short bar is part of the problem. Ellis

M steering shimmy

Ellis Kinney

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Ellis Kinney

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Janicholson

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David G

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