Tyres and flotation

[aidan]

for spreading fert in the springtime on soft ground which is a better match

2.5ton 2wd tractor on 16.9x34 tyres with duals,

Or 4wd 5ton tractor with 520x70x38 dualled

One ton spreader in each case.

I guess the measure I want is gross flat plate to compare tyre flotations isn’t it

Ground is flat so no problem with traction

The objective here is not to damage the ground

 

[Nearly]

I'd go smaller tractor on duals and leave the big one on duals to pull you out when you get stuck.

 

[Will 1594]

Weigh your axles loaded ,find the slr of tyres and let them down ,no point putting them on if not letting them down

 

[grainboy]

Stick these on, JD centres £600

 

[aidan]

I'd go smaller tractor on duals and leave the big one on duals to pull you out when you get stuck.

Have yet to get stuck with the small one

 

[Sharpy]

Wee tractor every time, but would have wide wheels on the front too.
16.9 equals 430 mm wide, so 20% narrower but with 50% of the weight on them means lower tyre pressure hence lower ground pressure. And less fuel as you are moving less metal.

 

[traineefarmer]

In my experience the 2wd tractor will be better when the spreader is loaded but when empty the weight will transfer onto the undriven front axle causing it to be pushed into the ground by the forward motion of the tractor.

The positive drive of the 4wd front axle helps keep it on top when loaded.

Find a 4wd drive version of the small light tractor and run it on floats/duals all round.