Choosing Mounting Hardware.
TractorWeights.com offers mounting hardware for most of our tractor wheel weights. Our hardware is usually either grade 5 or grade 8 depending on the wheel weight and application. Kits should contain the required length and number of bolts, flat washers, spring-lock washers, and standard nuts. Our kits are set up and designated for the most common applications.
Some customers choose to source their own hardware and some customers have special requirements that demand a different type of hardware. We will happily provide you, free of charge, the specifications of each of our hardware kits. Most of our hardware kits available online will have the option to purchase the hardware from us or you can choose the option to have us send you the hardware specification sheet so that you can source it locally.
⚠ When Choosing and Installing Additional Ballast: ALWAYS refer to the recommendations contained in the owner’s manual for your equipment. ALWAYS refer to the maximum load rating of your tires.
If you are operating your tractor at higher speeds (or higher speed road movements) than is typical for most agricultural tractors, we recommend that you upgrade the hardware used on the tractor’s wheel weights. This would include the use of grade 8 or better hardware including flange head bolts, wedge type locking washers and or prevailing torque nuts. We do not offer specialized hardware online at this time though it can almost always be sourced locally without much effort.
Some tractor wheels utilize square holes to accept carriage bolts when mounting wheel weights. The square neck of the carriage bolt inside the square hole of the wheel prevents the bolt from turning during installation. This is primarily an aid to installation and is not required. This is a case where you really can use a round bolt in a square hole. Wheel weight mounting to the wheel or between stacked weights require clamp force. The shape of the weight mounting hole in the wheel (round or square) is usually minimally relevant to the preload applied or the clamp force realized. Note: (carriage bolts, depending on the fit between the square shoulder and the square hole may see reduced side sliding at the head relative to the joint. Properly installed round bolts will see equal performance.)
The same is also true for bolts that have a knurled neck instead of a round or square neck. These are most often found on cast wheels where the knurled portion of the bolt neck is forced into the hole to prevent (reduce) turning during installation. These knurled (ribbed) bolt necks may reduce the bolt from spinning and or loosening under use by a very small amount but have no significant impact on whether the nut will spin or loosen. Installing the correct washers and nuts is an important part of maintaining clamp force.
Regardless of the hardware chosen, it is imperative to always check your wheel weight fasteners. After initial installation, check after 3-5 hours of use. Thereafter, check during routine maintenance procedures or at a minimum of once per month. ALWAYS apply the correct torque.
Feel free to CONTACT US regarding any questions or concerns you may have about mounting hardware. We will be happy to answer questions regarding specialized hardware for atypical applications.
This blog is general information only, representing the opinions of the author, and does not cover all aspects of the subject matter. Use of the information contained herein is voluntary.
