Widening a Kubota 5100 to 72" centers

[smausy]

Hi, I've gotten mixed messages about whether or not I could widen our 5100 to 72" wheel centers with 12" rubber and a 60" spread between the inside of the tires. I'm a vegetable grower, so higher rubber for higher clearance would be nice, too. Could I do this with the right set of rims and axle spacers? Also, would this reduce the weight that our front end loader could handle safely? Thanks!

 

[85Hokie]

Hi, I've gotten mixed messages about whether or not I could widen our 5100 to 72" wheel centers with 12" rubber and a 60" spread between the inside of the tires. I'm a vegetable grower, so higher rubber for higher clearance would be nice, too. Could I do this with the right set of rims and axle spacers? Also, would this reduce the weight that our front end loader could handle safely? Thanks!

If you have the rims out the furthest right now.....what is the measurement now? How MUCH spacers you talking about adding?

If 2wd drive you can place 48" tires on it ! However ....you will need to find rims that will work with something crazy like that ......

if 4wd - and you plan on using it - then you are very limited to what you can and cannot do!

You might be stretching the ol girl beyond the usable point it was designed to do!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is it a MX5100 you are working with?
Is it a MX5100(2wd) or a MX5100DT (4wd)?

If it's a MX5100 (2wd) you can widen it but yes your putting more stress on the front end and are more likely to do damage or have a failure.

If it's a MX5100DT (4wd) You should not widen the front end at all as doing so will almost guarantee you a costly repair.
The front axle is not designed to take that much stress especially with a loader working on it!

Now the M series you can widen the front width as they do have a heavier front axle setup, but even with that using a loader with the front wheels widened will cause more wear and tear, so it's best to keep the front narrow.