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Wheel Accessories
NOTE: All accessory measurements are APPROXIMATE…these items are mostly made in Europe, so original sizes are in Centimeters. We convert them to the closest Inch equivalent.
Available in a variety of lengths to customize the track width of your walk-behind tractor. Sizes range from 5” to 16” total extension (2.5 to 8” per side), plus, we now offer adjustable axle extensions with an 20 inch range of adjustment, variable in 2” overall increments. Use these accessories to increase stability on slopes, or simply to customize the wheel track to a particular application (i.e. Straddling a bed: With the 16” extensions and 10” rim [or larger] wheels, the tractor will straddle a 30” wide bed) NOTE: 20” total (10” per-side) extension is the maximum recommended by the tractor manufacturers. Adding additional extensions beyond 20” will void tractor axle warranty. NOTE: Due to the extra stress/leverage placed on the tractor axle, Axle extensions over 8” are NOT recommended to be used with high-traction-requirement implements such as Subsoilers, Moldboard plows, Root digger plows, Dozer blades, etc.)
NOTE: Sizes listed are TOTAL EXTENSION (both sides combined)…for example: 10” extensions = Qty 2 - 5” extensions, for a TOTAL axle width increase of 10”
Item 922.43685 (fits BCS) MSRP: $80 $76
Item 937112 (fits Grillo) MSRP: $60 $55
Fits BCS & Grillo
8” axle extensions (ET0080) MSRP: $100 $90
10” axle extensions (ET0085) MSRP: $105 $95
12” axle extensions (ET0090) MSRP: $110 $100
16” axle extensions (ET0100) MSRP: $120 $110
NOTE: When axle extensions are mounted, the stress on the lug-nuts and axle hub-nuts on the tractor itself are INCREASED due to the “leverage” of the extension (simple physics – the longer the extensions, the more the leverage and the more stress on the fasteners). It is therefore recommended that the axle-nuts and lug-nuts be checked for tightness at least ONCE per year when 4.5” through 8” extensions are installed, and at least TWICE per year when 12” through 16” axle extensions are installed.
FINALLY…a set of adjustable axle extensions that has the necessary adjustment range to accommodate both the use of a Rotary Plow in the “narrowest” position, and to be able to easily straddle a 30” bed in the “widest” position. Adjusts quickly with one pin on each side. 1” adjustment increments. Fits BCS 732 - 948, and will fit Grillo G85d - G110 by using a set of spacer flanges (see below). When mounted to tractor, overall width of projecting inner posts is 41”. As an additional feature, if extra weight is needed for additional traction, you can hang 2” center-hole (Olympic-style) barbell-weight plates right on the inner posts!! If you don’t have the extensions adjusted all the way out, just add the weight-plates on the protruding inner post, and put a pin in the end hole to secure them on. You can add up to 80 lbs. per wheel in this mounting position. If you DO have the extensions adjusted all the way out, the weights can be added on the posts INSIDE the wheels…just slide the wheels off the post, slide some weight-plates on, and slide the wheel back on. NOTE: In this case, it is important to keep the weights as close to the wheels as possible, to not strain the axle bearings of the tractor. So slide the weights up against the inside of the wheels, and put an extra pin in the closest hole in the inner post, to keep the weights in that position. MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR THIS “INSIDE” TYPE OF MOUNTING: 50 LBS. PER WHEEL) NOTE: Due to the extra stress/leverage placed on the tractor axle, it is not recommended that these extensions be extended more than 4” per side [8” total] when used with high-traction-requirement implements such as Subsoilers, Moldboard plows, Root digger plows, Dozer blades, etc.)
CLICK HERE FOR a video on these new extensions
NOTE: When axle extensions are mounted, the stress on the lug-nuts and axle hub-nuts on the tractor itself are INCREASED due to the “leverage” of the extension (simple physics – the longer the extensions, the more the leverage and the more stress on the fasteners). It is therefore recommended that the axle-nuts and lug-nuts be checked for tightness at least TWICE per year when any “long” axle extensions are installed.
The pulling or pushing power of a walk-behind tractor is directly related to traction, and a major factor in traction is weight. Wheel weights are the best means of improving traction because they add weight without changing the balance of the machine (because the weight is added right at the “fulcrum” point of the tractor).
By far, our most popular and practical system for adding wheel weights is our “Barbell weight hangers”, which bolt onto the wheel-mounting studs of the tractor (the wheel does not have to be removed to install them; just the lug-nuts) and they accept standard 1” hole barbell weight plates. The weight plates themselves can be removed or installed with a single pin, and since we offer the hangers in various post lengths, you can actually get far more weight on the tractor than with the “factory” weights … 100 lbs max per wheel! The “hangers” can stay on the tractor even when the weight plates are removed…although if you have one of the longer lengths, the posts may stick out and get in the way sometimes…If so, they are easily removed. Video: Demo of these Barbell Wheel Weight Hangers
This is a sweet system, as you do not have to pay shipping charges on the weights themselves…just the mounting “hangers” (posts). You can find new (at any store that sells weight-lifting / sporting goods) or used (at a flea market or yard sale) 1”-center-hole barbell-weight plates in your local area (cast iron are best, to maximize available space in the wheel rims). You might have a set of barbell weight plates sitting in your basement now!!
1-inch-center-hole Cast-iron Barbell weight plates can be purchased at any sporting goods store and most department stores…or you can find used ones at a yard sale!
NOTE: Barbell weight hangers cannot be installed in conjunction with Adjustable Axle Extensions!
Also, both BCS and Grillo offer factory cast-iron weights, which are OK IF you don’t mind them being quite hard to take on and off (because the mounting nuts are recessed waaay down in blind holes) AND being horribly expensive…something like $3 per pound for Italian cast iron…
Whether you are needing a second set of wheels to put “duals” on a tractor, a new set of wheels for an old machine, or just want a larger set of wheels for extra ground clearance and/or greater ground-speed, the following is our selection of tire sizes for our walk-behind tractors.
NOTE #1: for a nominal up-charge, most of our new tractors can be fitted with larger-than-standard wheels at the time of purchase. You pay only the difference in the relative cost of the wheels when up-sizing. Make sure you ask us about what wheel size is best for your application. ALSO: Some “larger” wheels may be TOO big for a particular tractor model, due to clearance issues…ask an Earth Tools salesperson for advice.
NOTE #2: “Adjustable track rim” wheels have a separate inner hub and outer rim, which can be assembled in anywhere from 2 to 4 different positions (depending on what the tractor will accommodate), to achieve different wheel widths. To see these measurements, go the Walk-behind tractors page and look at the specs of a tractor that has standard wheels of the size you are interested in.
NOTE #3: If you just need an individual replacement tire or tube for your old rims, these items are considered “spare parts” and we stock all sizes. We do not list these online–Call for prices.
NOTE: Sizes are shown as follows: Width x Rim diameter x Overall height…so for example, a 5x10x20” wheel is 5” wide, has a 10” rim, and is 20” overall height. WHEELS ORGANIZED BELOW BY OVERALL HEIGHT, SMALLEST-TO-LARGEST
** These wheels require a minimum of 4.5” axle extensions to mount to some tractors.
On replacement wheels, OR on new tractors, we now offer FOAM-FILLED tires on some of our most popular sizes. Foam-Filling means the tires are filled with Solidified rubber foam, so essentially they become solid rubber wheels once filled.
The advantages of Foam-Filling are:
The potential disadvantages of foam-filling are:
Consider the pros & cons carefully…(If you are unsure about this, this is an option you could always have added at a local tire shop in the future, if desired.)
These steel wheels provide extra traction for various soil-working applications, and also satisfy the need for some customers of the Plain Faiths who do not use equipment with air-filled wheels. *(And, for ANY user, it’s sometimes nice to have wheels that never go flat!)* The “Cage” type design with 1” deep cleats are great for soilworking applications that require extra traction. Most sizes can be “dualled” by adding the “outriggers” listed below; this doubles the width of the surface area contacting the soil, and “completes” the “Chevron” on each side.
NOTE REGARDING THE ABOVE STEEL WHEELS: Unlike many of our rubber-tired wheels, the steel wheels above do NOT have adjustable-track-width rims…instead, the rims are “fixed”. So in order to increase track width (for example, to be able to operate a Rotary Plow), our Axle Extensions (above) would need to be used.
These Steel-Wheel options are designed for users working on steep hillsides with mowing or hay-making implements.
The Spiked Wheels provide the ultimate in traction on steep hillsides, but as you can expect, are quite a rough ride if you have to transport the tractor over paved or gravel roads at all. NOTE: Since the traction with this wheel option is so “positive” and provides almost no possibility of “slippage”, it is NOT recommended to use these wheels when moving “transport” implements (carts, etc.), due to the possibility of gearbox damage.
The Super-Bite Outriggers are designed to attach OUTSIDE of an existing pair of rubber wheels, and once the mounting bracket is in place for them, they attach and detach in a few seconds if needed (which gets you back to smooth-riding rubber wheels on hard surfaces). NOTE: Super-Bite Outriggers will require axle extensions to mount properly…see the below video for instructions on figuring out what length axle extensions you will need for your tractor:
For extra traction in snow & ice, we offer tire chains with 2-link cross chain spacing for the following tire sizes (chains for 10” & 12” tires INCLUDE a set of spring-loaded tensioners):
NOTE: The tire chain manufacturer sometimes gives “extra” chain…don’t know why they do this, but I guess they figure they’d rather err on the side of giving too much rather than not enough. So, if your chains seem “too long” and overlap too much when you wrap them around your wheel, feel free to just cut off the excess, by cutting one link on each side with a small bolt cutter, hacksaw or grinder. (Make sure to cut the “blank” end of the chain, not the end with the clamps on it!!)
We now offer Rubber and Steel Track options for our walk-behind tractors, for the ultimate in traction while maintaining a low ground-pressure to minimize compaction. The tracks we offer are built in Italy, specifically for walk-behind tractors…they are not made for some other application and just “adapted” to walk-behind tractors.
Steel Tracks—Left in above picture/top picture on Right: Best suited for soil-working applications, such as plows, subsoilers, dozer/scraper blade (when working in dirt), root digger, etc. Can be used for mowing as well, but you will tear up some grass whenever you turn the machine, like a steel-tracked bulldozer! Tracks are 7” wide each, and total track width can be adjusted in 7 different positions ranging from 28.5 to 44” outside width. This track type reduces the speed of the tractor by about half, and increases the axle-torque by twice.
Rubber Tracks (Reduction version)—Center in above picture/middle picture on Right: This type can be used for limited soil-working applications, but is much easier on grass when mowing…the rubber is more forgiving (not tearing up sod) and a “softer ride”. Also good for gravel grading & snow removal. Tracks are 6.25” wide each, and total track width can be adjusted in 7 different positions ranging from 28.5 to 42” outside width. This track type also reduces the speed of the tractor by about half, and increases the axle-torque by twice.
Rubber Tracks (High-speed version)—Right in above picture/bottom picture on Right: This model only reduces ground speed by 10 to 20% (depending on standard tire size you compare it to), so you can mow at relatively high speeds while having excellent traction and low ground PSI for swampy areas, etc. Tracks are 6.25” wide each, and total track width can be adjusted in 7 different positions ranging from 27.5 to 40” outside width. Also available (by special order) with 2”-long hardened-steel “STUDS” for super traction on steep slopes
AVAILABLE TO FIT CURRENT BCS MODELS 749, 750, 779, 852 AND 853, GRILLO MODELS G107, G110 & G131, and also OLDER BCS and Grillo tractors that are equipped with Differential Axle and Independent Steering Brakes (brace-bars may need to be modified to fit). Can also be Special-ordered to fit BCS 660 Hydro (track versions differ slightly for this model).
NOTE #1: Total track widths will vary from above on BCS 750 [add 4”] and Grillo G131 [add 3”])
NOTE #2: The “brace-bar” mounts to the tractor at the TOW HITCH, so you cannot pull a trailer from the standard tow hitch while tracks are mounted. HOWEVER, you can add a “Drawbar” to the tractor PTO mount, to pull a trailer from this point. Ask an Earth Tools salesperson for details.