TO-20 Front Tires

forrest allen · Nov 18, 2022

Front tire is rubbing. Is this due to worn bearing or wrong size tire or both? It has 6.5x16 tire that rubs and the other is 6.0x16 but not rubbing.
Is there an advantage to this style of tire vs the ribbed tires?
Please excuse my ignorance. I searched for previous posts but didn't find an answer.

Jim L WA · Nov 18, 2022

The first thing I would do, is jack up that wheel and check for loose wheel bearings or spindle bushings by rocking the wheel back and fourth. If tight, then swap the two front tires and see what you have. That would point to a possible bent spindle.

RM-MN · Nov 18, 2022

Sure there is an advantage to the type of tires you have. You can buy them used for much less than a 3 rib tractor tire. Have you ever seen a used 3 rib tire? The disadvantage of a car/truck tire is that they don't dig in when you are on soft or muddy soil so steering may not even happen.

Duner Wi · Nov 18, 2022

Not all 6 bolt centers that fit Ferguson
have same offset/back spacing.

Bruce(OR) · Nov 19, 2022

Switch sides and see what you get. The newer tire size that fits is a 222/75(?)16

Mike Groom · Nov 19, 2022

The offset is probably different on the two wheels, you have to take them off to measure it, you can add a spacer behind the side that rubs to give you clearance if the spindle bearings check out as good.

wjajr · Nov 19, 2022

The other tire is 1/2 inch narrower at the tread, and I suspect has a less fat side wall.

My TO-30's 6.00-16 ribbed tractor tire sidewall is within less than a half inch from that kingpin housing. I think all you need to do is replace that truck tire with a tractor tire.

That old tire is badly cracked waiting to go flat at the worst possible time and place. Murphy Law waiting to be enforced.

forrest allen · Nov 19, 2022

Thanks to all of you. Your responses are helpful.

forrest allen · Nov 19, 2022

I jacked it up. I could detect only the slightest movement on each side when rocking the wheel from top to bottom. I swapped the tires and the 6.5 rubs on the other side in the same fashion so I am thinking that the problem is tire size.
While I was working on it a fellow walked past and then came back to talk to me. He asked if it was a Ferguson TO20 and said that his grandfather had one and it was a fond memory for him as a boy. I suggested that he buy this one and he asked "How much do they sell for now, 30,000, ,maybe 50,000?". He was shocked when I told him price ranges that I've seen.

Bruce(OR) · Nov 20, 2022

A decent sized new machine can set you back that $30~50K range. The small machines a=with an FEL are starting out just short of $20K
currently.Hope you find some inexpensive tires to fix your problem. I can't remember if I found mine on Craigslist or the wrecking yard.
Peace be with you.

TO-20 Front Tires

forrest allen

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Jim L WA

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RM-MN

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Duner Wi

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Bruce(OR)

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Mike Groom

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wjajr

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forrest allen

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forrest allen

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Bruce(OR)

Well-known Member

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