What would the normal rear tire size and rim size be for a 1952 LA tractor. The tractor has 18.4 X 30's but they look a little big. Maybe 16.9's? Also, what would the rim width be? Thanks-Bob

Factory Specs show 14-30 or 15-30. Rear tractor tire Size Designations changed over the years for same tire depending on standard rim width which changed and measuring tread vs cross-section.

14-30 most likely on 14" rim (previous 12.75-30 on 11" rim; current 16.9-30 most likely on 15" rim)

15-30 most likely on 15" rim (previous 13.50-30 on 11" rim; current 18.4-30 most likely on 16" rim)

Have seen rims widened - it will make cross section wider by about half the change in rim width and will change shape of foot print and reduce height slightly on non-radials. Foot print is simply load in pounds divided by tire pressure. Race car drivers like wider footprint for cornering, while drag racers and high power generally like taller footprint for traction. Also depends on your soil and how much extra power you have.

Differences here probably not worth the effort unless you are really too narrow like very early rims - say under 14-16" and then you are compromising authenticity - but thats just my 2 cents.

If you have 18.4 30's then It is a pretty good bet the rims have been widened 4 inches. The LA came with 15 30's, I used to work for a tire store and most farmers in Kansas widened the rims 4 inches so they could put on 18.4 30's... That made for less slippage when pulling hard. The standard rims were too narrow to have the 18.4's sit right. You can put 16.9's on the standard rims. My 1949 LA has 18.4 30's and if you look you will be able to see where 4 inches of metal has been welded into the rim to widen it.

The LA of my dad's that I ran as a kid had 18.4-30's that made it a real pulling machine in those days. I would leave the 18.4's on.

I put 16.9x30 tires on mine, it had 18.4 tires on it but I didnt like them so close to the fenders

Was wondering what gear you plow in ? I did some plowing this fall with my 48 La.pulling a 3/14 trip case plow..was plow in river bottom and using 3 gear ..half throttle ....was just having a GREAT time.... now working on a case 3/16 trip plow...getting it ready for spring plowing...I hope...

my LA is also a 1948, we mainly plow in 1st or 2nd, the ground in the photo was pretty heavy, we dropped the plow in the ground all the way and came close to stalling out only once, but the old tractor powered through.

Hey JD, that is one sharp lookin "LA" and plow,is the plow a 3 bottom? What model? How does she handle it?Guess I was thinking of putting a 4 bottom on mine,just got a lead on (1) 3 bottom Case,(2)3 bottom M&M's (1)4 bottom M&M.Guess I will have something to pick from!Anyway, thanks for sending in a "working picture"!
Ande

its a no. 8 mccormick 4 bottom plow, the LA pulls it like a dream, thanks for the complement.

The LA will handle 4 bottoms quite well unless you have some awful heavy soil. You can see a picture or 2 of mine in the photo gallery - with 18.4 x 30 Goodyears. Just do a search for la's

I don't remember the rim witdth but LA's came with 14x 30 standard with 15x 30 as an option which translates into 16.9 ( 14) or 18.4 ( 15)in modern sizes. 16.9 make it sit more level, 18.4's fill up the fender a little better. You pick.

Thanks for the great replies as well as the pictures. That"s a great looking LA. I"ve redone several JD"s, but getting fed up with prices. I actually grew up on as many Cases as JD"s, so decided to fool with them a little. Would anyone know the rim size for a 16.9? I have a couple of NOS 12"X30" rims, but they might be a little narrow. Anyone know? Thanks again-Bob

A 16.9 requires a 14" rim.

Glenn F.

Thanks a lot, Glenn. Bob

By the way, would anyone have a good used set of 16.9 X 30's for sale? Bob