[AT] narrow vs. wide front tractors

[Dean Vinson]

I think an underlying reason is simply history:  When IH introduced the
original Farmall in, what, the 1920s, it had a narrow front end.   I would
guess that contributed to its maneuverability and its adaptability to a
variety of front-mounted implements, both of which couldn't have hurt in
establishing the advantages of that type of tractor over the competition of
its day, at least in row-crop country.   Given the dominance of Farmall in
that market for quite a while, I think it just became "what row-crop
tractors are supposed to look like."

The stability advantage of wide vs. narrow fronts gets discussed now and
then.  My conclusion is always that if you're counting on a wide front end
to make a high-center-of-gravity row-crop tractor behave like a
low-center-of-gravity utility tractor, you're asking for trouble.   Given
that it's still a high-center-of-gravity row-crop tractor, I believe the
spacing of the rear wheels and the operator's awareness of his speed and the
terrain on which he's operating are much bigger factors in preventing
overturning than is the front end style.

I've experienced some of the ride and use advantages of wide fronts that
others have mentioned, and as I contemplate purchasing a general chore
tractor for my recently-acquired property a relatively modern wide-front
utility type is the only thing on my list.  But for fun and aesthetic
appreciation, I still love the narrow fronts.  They're just what tractors
are supposed to look like.  :)

Dean Vinson
St Paris, Ohio


-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Greg Hass
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2014 10:16 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: Re: [AT] narrow vs. wide front tractors

Since things are a little slow on the list I will ask something that has
bothered me for quite some time. I suspect the answer is somewhat regional,
but here goes. First of all, this applies to older tractors; but why do some
areas lean heavily to narrow fronts and others to wide fronts? In our area
of Michigan, IH starting with the late letter series and JD starting with
the early numbered series, almost everyone bought wide fronts; whereas in
other areas,I'm thinking maybe Indiana, people stayed with narrow fronts. As
an example, google "plowing of the past 1962" and you will see what I mean.
In this video, the sound does not start for 30 seconds. Almost every tractor
is narrow front, although a town is mentioned, I am not sure what state the
video was in. I have driven both types and I personally hate narrow fronts.
When Farmer was on the list, I know he said his 4010 or 4020, I forget
which, had a narrow front. So my question is, why do certain areas seem to
favor one or the other, and also those of you on this list, why do you
prefer one over the other?
                 Greg Hass
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