Front Duals For MFWD Tractors

Front Duals for MFWD Tractors TIRES/WHEELS Miscellaneous 10-6-33 If you own a tractor equipped with mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD), you can cover 19% more acres per hour ù on 11% less fuel ù simply by adding front duals. So says Unverferth Mfg., supplier of convenient new snap-on front duals that, in less than 10 minutes, can be put on or taken off, depending on whether or not you're using the tractor's optional front wheel drive for a particular job. "With the MFWD engaged, all four wheels are working. The front duals cut the ground to create a track for the rear duals to follow, allowing you to cover more ground on less fuel," explains Dan Fanger, sales manager. He notes that front duals, matched to the size of the existing front tires, don't require any altering of the frame, and reduce the steering radius less than 1%. And you don't lose the tractor's row crop capability since spacers can be used to match your requirements. "Large, full-time 4-wheel drive tractors come factory equipped with front duals. It makes just as much sense to dual MFWD tractors," notes Fanger. He says manufacturers send them out without front duals to hold down costs. "Once the economy improves, they'll probably be shipped with both front and rear duals," he speculates. Meanwhile, Unverferth Mfg. is doing a booming "dualing" business with MFWD tractor owners. For lighter fieldwork, when the MFWD is disengaged, Fanger recommends that the front duals be removed. "If you leave them on with the MFWD disengaged, the tires tend to push and pile up dirt, making the tractor work harder. The wasted horsepower isn't offset by the added flotation the tires provide. Furthermore, with our snap-on system, it's fast and easy to slip the front duals on and off as needed." Fanger recommends that the outside duals on both the front and rear be inflated with 20 to 30% less air pressure than the inside tires. "The pressure differential transfers stress to the load carrying inside wheel. The outside wheel is simply a 'helper' to provide extra flotation and traction." A set of snap-on hubs and spacers for front duals costs from $400 to $600, depending on tractor make and model. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Unverferth Mfg., P.O. Box 357, Kalida, Ohio 45853 (ph 1-800 537-9442. In Ohio call 419 532-3121).

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