looking for ideas on duals

kcm.MN · Mar 11, 2018

I've mentioned before about the older Gehl skid loader I got last year; Gehl 4625 SX. It has 10 x 16.5 tires. Unfortunately, there's not much room for trying to put tracks over the tires.

Has anyone ever heard of adding dual wheels all around on a skid loader? Would that cause too much strain on the machine when turning? We have VERY soft and wet ground (when it's not frozen!) and I'd like to get a bit more flotation. Any thoughts or ideas?

carvel minne farmer · Mar 11, 2018

kcm have you contacted your local gehl dealer? I believe there is a co. making tracks for them, i'll do some snooping on the interweb and see what I can find.

carvel minne farmer · Mar 11, 2018

ps I think the dual ides would put a lot of strain on the wheel bolts when turning. Thomas skidsteers up here where famous for shearing off the wheel bolts right at the hub when turning sharp in soft ground. we had 3 at the pipe line co. I worked at and the mechanics where constantly pulling the hubs to change out broken wheel studs.

Jeff NWOH · Mar 11, 2018

Are you talking above the tires or behind them? I belive some skidsteers
require spacers to make room for tracks behind the wheels. Flipping the
wheels around may be a possibility as well.

If it's an above the wheel clearance issue, maybe wider tires? I would
think duallies would open several cans of worms.

Janicholson · Mar 11, 2018

I think duals would tax both the axle bearings, and drive train. Wider tires on expanded rims might work. Jim

mtf · Mar 11, 2018

You might have to add wheel spacers to run steel tracks. They
really add to it's capabilities. These tracks do wear, so if
you use much, but tracks with replacable bushings. I like
grouser brand. Nathan

jm. · Mar 11, 2018

Kcm I do not know where my parts guy sourced them but I know we have sold several sets of aluminum spacer that go between the wheel and the axel to set the wheel out. Jut to gain that space for running tracks. All that being said SKID steers are just that they slide to steer and adding tracks sure puts a load on the drive train. Might be better to trade for a track machine.

RayP(MI) · Mar 11, 2018

Mennonite acquaintance of mine bolted a series of crossbars diagonally across the treads on his. Don't think it has been a
problem as far as damaging his machine. Probably did it to avoid their prohibition on rubber wheeled vehicles. Might increase
your traction.

cjunrau · Mar 11, 2018

I think I would find smaller tires and that would give room for the tracks. Would drive a little slower but would save grief in the long run

Adirondack case guy · Mar 11, 2018

You might better just sit by your computer and wait for the weather to allow you to do what you want with your skidsteer. Seams that you, like me, have nothing that has to be done on a timeline.
Loren.

kcm.MN · Mar 11, 2018

Actually, I "do" have things that need to get done. Unfortunately, our area is part of nearby wetlands, so it's actually unusual for it to completely dry up. There's about a month each Spring where we can't even mow because the riding mower sinks in too bad!

Don't need a lot of traction, like treads or cleats, so even making smooth tracks will work fine for my needs. What I'm needing is the flotation to get things done. Am almost to the point of looking for a used trail groomer - something that has 3' wide tracks already! :shock:

Bruce from Can. · Mar 11, 2018

Don?t know if duals is a good idea on a skid steer or
not, but here is a unconventional way to make
duals. Find another set of rims the same diameter,
knock your skid steer tires off, and weld the extra
rim to the skid steers rim. Remounting the tires will
be a bit tough, but not impossible. You may have to
cut the centre out of the outside rim some to be able
to bolt the wheels back on the machine. Did this
with a old VW mud buggy many moons ago, worked
then

Tracy Brown · Mar 11, 2018

If you decide to try duals, I have a set of rims with tires that I believe are that size. I'm in north ms. Can ship thru fastenal

kcm.MN · Mar 11, 2018

Thank you Tracy, I'll keep that in mind.

Have been looking over this machine and think I might've hit upon something. If I can cut the treads off of some appropriately sized tires, I should be able to wrap them around the existing wheels/tires. There would be more flotation, but smooth rubber. However, about 1/2 of the width of the existing tires is outside the rest of the machine, except for the bucket. So, might be able to have bolt-on lugs for that exposed portion of the "tracks".

Here's a couple pics of my machine so's maybe you can get a better understanding of what I'm tryin' to spit out. *lol* By the way, I already have a set of older rear tires that are just the right width to fit over these. All I'd have to do now is remove the existing lugs. ...Sounds easy, don't it? ROFL

jon f mn · Mar 11, 2018

Just buy rims with a different offset for
tracks. Duals are not the best in mud,
especially with little or no space between.
Another solution would be taller or wider
tires. Fat singles are way better than
duals in mud.

JMS/.MN · Mar 11, 2018

I had a 4625 for years, and used Loegering brand tracks on it. Fantastic carry and traction in peat ground. Had the 10x16.5 wheels on it. I still have the tracks- they are for sale. I bought a Gehl 5240e which has the 12x16.5 wheels, so I bought 12 inch Loegering tracks for the current machine. I did not need spacers on the 4625, but I did buy spacers for the 5240e. email is open.

looking for ideas on duals

kcm.MN

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carvel minne farmer

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carvel minne farmer

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Jeff NWOH

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Janicholson

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mtf

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jm.

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RayP(MI)

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cjunrau

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Adirondack case guy

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kcm.MN

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Bruce from Can.

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Tracy Brown

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kcm.MN

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jon f mn

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JMS/.MN

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