Posted by Dave Richards on March 11, 1998 at 07:21:11:
In Reply to: Narrow front issue...my thoughts posted by John.COLO on March 11, 1998 at 04:56:38:
I always read John's postings because he consistantly has high quality information.
I agree that if narrow front tractors are more dangerous, it is for more complemented reasons than pure geometry. Remember, that most tractors are designed for specific purposes. The more general purpose the design, the less effective on each specific job. The narrow front's forte is cultivating. I have tried many tractors and just cant turn a widefront as well even with power steering and turning brakes. The average working farm had at least two tractors and maybe more so that they could specialize in different things. Trouble comes when you use the Farmal M to mow ditches instead of the Ford 8N. The tipping on a NF was compensated by wider rear end. However these axles were very adjustable, Moreso on the IH and JD than on the AC. If you were using the rear wheels in close and decided to use a loader or mow a hill, you should have moved the wheels out but probably didn't. Another thought, Not all
wide fronts are not created equal. I find tractors that were primarily NF but could be bought as WF, Like the AC-WD and IH-M were less stable than Say an IH-W6 or an AC-WF or U. Part of the reason, is that NFs were designed for row crop use and have a higher center of gravity than a Standard or wheatland tractor.
Dave