Posted by Dave Richards on March 12, 1998 at 06:15:32:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Narrow front issue...my thoughts posted by Indian Guy on March 11, 1998 at 07:58:22:
: : 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
: To my simple mind, if you kick a leg out from under a tripod it falls down. If one leg of that tripod is carrying a lot more weight than the other two legs ,or wheels, then there is a greater likelyhood of tipping. Remember that on object in motion will move in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force. If that outside force is directly beneath the greatest mass (rather than below and to the side) then I'd say the tractor is tippy. But like everyone says, I'd rather not find out which tips easier, better to stay on three or four wheels. Me
You are certainly right about the tripod, However on most older widefronts the front axle only attaches to the tractor at one point. You cant compare it to a four legged stool all you have is a tripod with one large foot in the front. Like I said before each tractor is different as are the driving skills required. NFs were designed for rowcrop use and they do that very well. You cant cultivate worth a damn with a "standard" or "wheatland" tractor.