Wheel disks for MTZ: front, rear, sizes, how to replace

Tires for tractors are selected based on operating conditions. Tractors from the Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ) are universal and are used very widely: when clearing snow on the streets, plowing fields and harvesting, etc. Accordingly, there is no universal version of “rubber” for them. It all depends on how exactly the equipment will be used: on what soil, in what speed mode, etc. The model also plays a role - it is obvious that a heavy tractor needs larger and more durable tires than a compact minivan, and the pressure is MTZ 82 tires will be different than in the inner tubes of a forestry tractor type L82.2. Kits for the front and rear axles are selected separately.

Types and classification

One of the secrets of the versatility of MTZ tractors is the ability to adjust the track and other operating parameters using different rims and tires. For example, a similar function is implemented on later modifications of MTZ 80 and 82 and modern vehicles: their track width can be changed without replacing wheels, but if necessary, they can also be changed.

Today, specialized versions of wheels (rims) are offered for almost every task, and many universal and multifunctional models are also produced.

The models on the market differ in size, installation location, purpose and design characteristics.

At the installation location, the disk can be:

• in front of him;
• rear

The front discs of the tractor are smaller, and the rear ones are of a larger diameter.

Also, for energy-intensive machines, paired modifications (sparka) are produced, which are usually offered as an additional configuration. The sparkle makes it possible to install a double wheel to increase the contact area with the surface. This reduces ground pressure. Twin spacers are installed on tractors that operate on soft soils, in marshy areas, etc.

According to the manufacturing method, all options are stamped, but they come in two main types:

• Solid - in such designs the elements - the rim and the disc itself - are rigidly welded to each other;
• Collapsible - they have a support disk and rim fixed to each other with bolts.

The welded option is cheap and has a simple design. Due to welding, maximum strength is achieved, and even under load, the wheel elements do not become loose. On standard-width models, spot welding is used in several places, and narrow structures, as a rule, are welded along the entire perimeter. For this reason, any MTZ rear wheel rim will be welded. One of the disadvantages of this solution is the inability to change the track. The front ones can be either welded or split - it depends on the specific modification of agricultural machinery.

Collapsible wheel rims are considered more versatile as they can be installed in three different ways, i.e. get several track options at once. Only the front disc can be detachable, since the load on the front axle is less than on the rear.

It only makes sense to install collapsible front wheel rims on vehicles that are used for farming and agricultural needs. In the construction and housing and communal services segment, there is no need to change the gauge stepwise, which means you can get by with cheaper welded models.

As for sizes, the most common options for MTZ tractors are the following:

• diameter 20 inches, width 9 inches (front);
• diameter 38 inches, width 14 inches (rear).

Important: The size of the rims does not match the size of the tires - the latter should be slightly larger in width, and the diameter should be the same.

For example, the front rim of the MTZ 80 will fit wheels with a width of 11.2 inches or more. Rear rims with a width of 14 inches are suitable for tires with a width of 15.5 or 16.9 inches.

Designs for MTZ tractors are available in dozens of widths. They are usually divided into three groups:

• Narrow (d 16-20 inches, width 4.5-5.5 inches);
• Medium (d 16-28 inches, width 8-14 inches);
• Wide (d 30-42 inches, width 15-18 inches).

Also, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the number of mounting holes: they are selected according to the type of wheel hub. There are two generally accepted mounting options:

• 5 studs,
• 8 studs.

To prevent rapid tire wear, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• strictly observe the internal tire pressure standards, depending on the operating conditions and loads on the tractor;
• When driving at high speeds, check whether the tractor is pulling to the side. If it does, then stop the tractor and inflate the tire with lower pressure;
• try to avoid sudden braking that causes the wheels to skid, as well as prolonged wheel slipping;
• do not place the tractor on soil contaminated with petroleum products;
• check and adjust the front wheel alignment in a timely manner;
• disable the front axle on dry roads;
• Do not let the wheels wobble or wobble.

How to read labels

To choose the right wheel rims for the MTZ tractor, you need to know how to read the markings. Let's take a closer look at what designations you can find:

• Rim profile (W, DW, DD) – only for medium and large widths;
• Dimensions of side edges (E, F, L) - not present on all;
• rim width and diameter in inches.

The marking is as follows: XX00E-11. The following characteristics are encrypted in letters and numbers:

XX – rim profile;

00 – width in inches;

E – type of side edges;

11 – diameter in inches.

The ET marking is also introduced, which indicates the displacement distance of the hub flange mounting plane relative to the middle of the rim rotation axis. You need to pay attention to the ET indicator especially when choosing wheel rims for row-crop tractors, since it determines whether it will be possible to form a track of a given width.

Tire pressure

Since the sizes and loads experienced by the rear and front tires of special equipment differ, the pressure in the tires varies accordingly. The recommended pressure for MTZ tractors is:

• 1.4+0.1 kgf/cm2 for general work;
• 1.0+0.1 in the rear and 1.4+0.1 in the front for soft soils and plowing;
• 1.6+0.1 in the rear and 2.5+0.1 in the front for heavy agricultural equipment.

Be sure to read: Intermediate support MTZ 82: design and repair

These standards are developed taking into account the strength of tires.

When performing some types of work, a temporary deviation from the norm is acceptable (for example, if you lower the pressure, you can increase the cross-country ability), but constant operation in this mode will certainly lead to accelerated wear of the “rubber.”

Wheel design

Both solid and split versions consist of 2 elements:

• support disk;
• rim.

The support disk is necessary to attach the wheel to the hub, and the rim is the part on which the tire is directly placed.

In welded models, the rim does not detach from the platter. The advantages of this solution: low price, easy alignment. The main disadvantage is the impossibility of repairing or replacing a separately damaged element. If the welded element becomes bent or damaged, it will have to be replaced entirely.

In dismountable models, the rim is attached to the support disk using bolts. To make it easier to connect the parts and center them, there are holes in the disk, and thrust brackets in the rim. The peculiarity of the design is that the rim can be placed on the support disk both from above and from the inside. This makes it possible to adjust the track.

Despite the higher cost of detachable elements, owners, as a rule, prefer them. This is due to the fact that wheel parts are subject to wear and tear and may become damaged during operation. Replacing a damaged element will be cheaper than installing a new one. Thus, the cost of operating the tractor is reduced.

Whatever the tractor disk is, there will be a hole in it for the chamber valve. On narrow and medium models the hole is round, and on wide ones it is elongated to prevent damage to the valve.

There are many holes made on the front and rear MTZ wheel rims:

• large central one for mounting on the hub;
• 5 or 8 holes for studs;
• additional holes to reduce the weight of the structure and air exchange.

On the Belarusian rear wheel rim, a reinforcing ring can be additionally welded on the side where it is attached to the hub.

For maximum reliability, the mounting holes are made conical. Thus, for fastening you will need 5 or 8 studs, also in the shape of a cone. This solution allows for maximum fit of hardware and prevents spontaneous unscrewing. For the same reason, the studs often turn sour or break off; we wrote here how to unscrew them in this situation.

Wheel balancing

Wheels for special equipment do not require balancing. The problem of wheel runout is most often associated with problems in the crosspiece (less often in bearings) and wheel alignment problems.

It is worth noting the method that many use to improve the driving characteristics of the tractor . To do this, liquid is poured into the chambers - from plain water to special antifreeze. Cast iron weights are also used. These measures improve traction and make the ride smoother. However, they have nothing to do with wheel balancing.

How to replace a wheel rim

To replace the front or rear MTZ disk, perform the following steps:

• loosen the cone nuts, but not completely, but so that they continue to fix the structure;
• lift the wheel, slightly lifting it off the ground, using a jack;
• Unscrew the nuts completely and remove the wheel.

If the pins do not come out when you remove the disk, read about how to unscrew a stuck pin or crimp. Using excessive force when loosening or tightening nuts will cause cracks in the metal. As a result, its strength will decrease and deformations will appear.

To change the track and space or reduce the distance with the wheels, perform the following steps:

• When switching to the track range from 1200 - 1500 mm to 1500 - 1600 mm (or vice versa), the support disk is removed from the rim and placed on the inside of the stops (brackets). In this case, the recesses in the disk allow it to pass through these brackets;
• When switching to the range of 1600 - 1800 mm, the wheels are completely removed and simply swapped, leaving the correct direction of their rotation (it is indicated by an arrow on the tire). That is, the right wheel is put in place of the left one and vice versa.

The rear wheels can be staggered to increase the track to 1800 mm. To do this, the wheels are also swapped (left instead of right and vice versa). They are rearranged together with the hubs.

If you need to install twin wheels on energy-saturated tractors, then you will need special spacers (sparkers) for this. They can be purchased as additional equipment; spacers are also offered by many third-party manufacturers of spare parts for agricultural machinery.

To mount the spacer and make dual wheels on the MTZ, you will need long bolts. They are installed instead of standard short bolts, so the diameter and thread pitch must match. Long bolts simultaneously attach the disk and the spacer, which speeds up and simplifies the conversion of special equipment. The outer wheel is mounted on studs that are pressed into the spacer.

Operation and Maintenance

It is advisable to carry out certain wheel rim maintenance measures every time you replace tires. In particular, they need to be cleaned of dirt and dust, rust and traces left by technical fluids.

General recommendations for maintenance and operation are as follows:

• regularly clean from dirt and rust;
• polish burrs on metal;
• straighten dents;
• Replace cracked or damaged studs.

In case of serious damage, the part must be replaced with a new one. This will help make the load on the wheels even, and therefore extend the life of the chassis.

Where can I buy

You can purchase tires at any specialized store, where tractor owners will be advised by experienced consultants and will help you choose the appropriate model individually for each client.

An analogue of branded centers are sites for the sale of used goods (Avito, for example). But there will always be a risk of such a purchase, because the history of the wheels is unknown - without knowing how the wheels were used, you can buy tires or wheels in poor condition. Therefore, when buying used tires on Avito, owners need to be as careful as possible and clearly understand what tires are needed.

The bottom line can be summed up as follows: in order for tractor tires to serve for a long time and help perform all the functions of the tractor, it is necessary to monitor them properly (pressure, dimensions). If the wheels are properly and appropriately cared for, their service life will increase and you won’t have to buy new ones.

How to choose wheels for MTZ: table of models and sizes

The wheel sizes for Belarusians are shown in the table.

The size of wheel rims for MTZ walk-behind tractors is shown in the table.

Front wheel rims MTZ 80 and 82

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the most common disks for front wheels MTZ 80 and 82, size W9-20. They are also suitable for other Belarusians of the 1.4 traction class.

Front welded discs for Belarusians are produced in two versions:

• with constant overhang;
• with variable offset.

One-piece elements are installed mainly on tractors with a portal-type drive axle. On old-style machines, a 5-pin mount is used - accordingly, the disk has 5 holes. On Beloruss 80 and 82 of the new model, reinforced fastenings with 8 studs are used, and the parts will have 8 holes for them.

The main difference between different disks for the MTZ 80/82 front wheel will be the offset. Offset refers to the location of the hub mounting plane on the disk relative to the central axis of the wheel rim. In the markings, the offset is indicated by the letters ET.

Technical characteristics of front wheel rims for MTZ 80 or 82:

• number of holes (5 for old-style structures, 8 for new-style);
• rim width – 228 mm;
• bore hole diameter – 512 mm;
• reach − +32-80 mm;
• suitable tire size −2-20.

As for the collapsible modifications of the front wheel MTZ 80 and 82, they are more universal, since they allow the possibility of adjusting the track width. Detachable models are available with only 8 holes and are secured with 8 studs. They were specially designed for efficient operation on reinforced beam FDA with planetary helical gearboxes.

Types of wheels

To choose and buy tires correctly at MTZ, you should understand the design of tractor tires. They are made of the chamber type, that is, they have an inner tube and tires. The chamber holds the air and takes on most of the load. The tire protects the tube from friction and consists of the following elements:

1. Frame - made of cord, especially durable rubberized fabric, laid on top of each other in several layers. It is the characteristics of the cord that determine the strength of the tire and its load-carrying capacity.
2. The inner layer of soft rubber is called a breaker and acts as a shock absorber for impacts received by the tread.
3. The tread is the outer layer of durable rubber formed on the carcass and is responsible for the tire's grip on the ground. The adhesion parameters depend on the shape and depth of the pattern formed by the lugs and depressions.
4. Sidewalls are used to protect the side walls of the frame. The beads secure the tire to the wheel rim and also increase the rigidity of the beads due to wire rings inside.

The tractor has chamber-type wheels.
The performance qualities of the “rubber” depend on each of these parameters separately and their balanced operation as a whole. Now let's look at the main criteria for classifying tires and their types.

Be sure to read: Tractor HTZ 150

Each tire is marked in millimeter or inch variants. The marking is deciphered as follows. Let's take for example 380/80R38 142A8 / 142B, where:

• 380 is the tire width in mm or inches;
• 80 - profile (height to width ratio). For tractors, reinforced full-profile tires with an index of 80–82 are usually used;
• R - radial cord (the most common manufacturing technology. Less common is “-” - diagonal);
• 38 - wheel (disk) diameter in inches, also known as the internal tire size;
• 142 — level of maximum permissible load on one wheel in kilograms.

Rear rims MTZ 80 and 82

The MTZ 82 rear wheel discs have a size of DW14L-38, they are all welded and use the same type of 8-hole fastening system. Suitable tire sizes: 15.5R38 and 16.9R38.

Technical characteristics of rear wheel rims for MTZ 80 or 82:

• tire sizes - 15.5R38, 16.9R38;
• diameter - 38 inches;
• hub diameter – 199 mm;
• departure ET – 125;
• number of holes – 8.

The most popular manufacturer is BZTDiA. KrKZ and other enterprises also produce parts.

Review of MTZ tire models

In the modern world, tractors are especially popular, helping both in farming and cleaning city streets - this is the smallest part of the functions performed by tractors. One of the most popular models has been produced by the Minsk Tractor Plant for more than 40 years. During this time, MTZ (Belarus) in various modifications has proven itself as a trouble-free device that copes with its tasks in any weather and climatic conditions. Like any vehicle, tractors require maintenance and tire replacement. What are the sizes of MTZ tires? What pressure should be inside the tires?

Characteristics of MTZ 1221 disks

The Belarus 1221 uses a reinforced beam front drive axle with planetary wheel reducers. This configuration has limitations in adjusting the width of the beam. Therefore, track changes are mainly carried out due to variable offset.

Front wheel disks MTZ 1221

The front rims of MTZ-1221 have a size of W12-24, this is the most common option. Their offset is adjustable in the range -68 - +140 with a certain step. Suitable tires are 420/70R24 or 14.9R24.

Also, the MTZ-1221 can be equipped with front wheel rims measuring W10x24. Their offset changes in steps: +1, +51, +120, -83, -33. They are suitable for 11.2-24 or 12.4-24 tires.