Anyone Replace the Hub in a Wide Front Wheel?

raytasch · #1 02-24-2015, 10:44 AM

Both wide front wheels on my 122 have cracked hubs. The rest of the wheels are in good shape, no rust. I suspect the tractor has been used as an off road vehicle at one time. (The kids would not admit it) I welded and braced one spindle years ago. So, the question is, has anyone successfully cut the 1 3/8" I D hub out of the wheel and replaced it? I am pretty handy with the MIG and figure it should not be all that difficult but encouragement helps..

I realize reproduction wheels are available but fixing stuff is what it is all about, right?

Sam Mac · #2 02-24-2015, 10:51 AM

No reason you couldn't do that if you can dig up some tube with the proper ID. I think the most difficult part would be cutting the old weld. If you could put the wheel in a lathe it should be easy.

Sam Mac · #3 02-24-2015, 11:04 AM

Just tossing this out as another possibility. I used a set of front wheels from a 2000 series tractor on my 71 but you need to cut the tube down 3/4" on one side and 1/4" on the other because the axle is 1" shorter. You should be able to pick up a set from one of the sponsors at the top of the page.

zimm17 · #4 02-25-2015, 09:55 AM

Aren't brand new OEM wheels available for $65 each? That might be worth it vs cutting, welding, grinding, and repainting....

Terry C · #5 02-25-2015, 10:04 AM

I just paid 65$ for a pair from a member. There is no way you could repair both of those in two hours, so unless your time is worth less than 20$ per hour I wouldn't mess with fixing them

Terry

zimm17 · #6 02-25-2015, 10:15 AM

Exactly. I'd be welding/fixing them if they were scarce, but they're still available new, so make cool Cub Cadet planters or come up with something else creative.

Sam Mac · #7 02-25-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimm17

Aren't brand new OEM wheels available for $65 each? That might be worth it vs cutting, welding, grinding, and repainting....

IH-387839-R92 Wheel Assy, Front w/5.38 X 8 Rim for 16 X 6.50-8 Tires $57.78

yeeter · #8 02-25-2015, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry C

I just paid 65$ for a pair from a member. There is no way you could repair both of those in two hours, so unless your time is worth less than 20$ per hour I wouldn't mess with fixing them

Terry

Well, the time spent while working on tractors is worth ... less than zero (turns out I pay for the enjoyment of this hobby, its not a money maker for me).

Of course I could go do other work instead and make $20/hour or more. But I choose not to.

So just saying I do a LOT of things that makes no financial sense when it comes to tractors....

And, perversely, I dont actually want to FINISH anything too quickly. Because then what... just go buy another one to work on and have to sell the last one.

raytasch · #9 02-25-2015, 11:03 AM

I sincerely appreciate the feed back, guys. Just wondering if anyone has replaced a hub successfully. As I stated in my OP, I enjoy doing this kind of stuff. "Keeps me off the streets and out of the bars"(not really off the streets) I realize there are other options. I remember my dad repairing, fixing, fabricating stuff back during WW11 when new stuff was not available. This mindset was learned and has stuck with me. It gives me great satisfaction to bring a piece of junk back to a working part. When I am playing with my stuff, I don't have to figure my time @ $50./ hour but I realize there is the point of diminishing returns.
That said, I would probably take a pair of wheels for a reasonable price, $60.-$70. or so.
LIke Sam Mac said early on, finding a piece of 1 3/8" I D tubing strong enough may be a problem. Iv'e not found it yet.

Sam Mac · #10 02-25-2015, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raytasch

I sincerely appreciate the feed back, guys. Just wondering if anyone has replaced a hub successfully. As I stated in my OP, I enjoy doing this kind of stuff. "Keeps me off the streets and out of the bars"(not really off the streets) I realize there are other options. I remember my dad repairing, fixing, fabricating stuff back during WW11 when new stuff was not available. This mindset was learned and has stuck with me. It gives me great satisfaction to bring a piece of junk back to a working part. When I am playing with my stuff, I don't have to figure my time @ $50./ hour but I realize there is the point of diminishing returns.
That said, I would probably take a pair of wheels for a reasonable price, $60.-$70. or so.
LIke Sam Mac said early on, finding a piece of 1 3/8" I D tubing strong enough may be a problem. Iv'e not found it yet.

Here you go.
http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/...cc=%20&aident=

T2134188 1020 DOM A513 Round Steel Tube 1-3/4 OD x .188 wall x 1.375 ID