WH Rick 2 #1 Posted January 19, 2019 My 1st Forum post... Have a WH 312-H with new Carlisle tires, size 23 x 9.5 x 12 that replaced Dico Turf Trac R/S. Just bought new John Deere 2 link chains to replace old, sharp, 4 link chains. Yesterday I put the rear driver side chain on according to directions and once all seemed even on both sides, drove a few feet, according to instruction sheet, forward and reverse to let them self adjust before retentioning. In the process, the chain made some sounds which I thought was tire chain settling into place. But the sound became more metal on metal and at that point the rear wheel with the chain stopped turning. Stopped immediately. Tried a readjust but when I took chain off, about a dozen cross chain links on the inner side had started bending so I knew something was amiss. (See photos) I inspected what might be catching up and there’s very tight space at about 9 o’clock position where chain may be catching. Any idea of where the problem lies? Chains were specified for my tires, and a few others. I didn’t deflate first. And I didn’t tighten except by hand as I expected I’d have to after the brief test drive. Though snowy weather is coming, I’d prefer to get this right and not break a tractor part especially. Thanks WH Helpers! Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,981 #2 Posted January 19, 2019 Can't tell for sure by pictures. Wheel Horse wheels have only 1 1/2" backspacing which keeps them out from tractor... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,129 #3 Posted January 19, 2019 I am with roadapples... I do not think you have the correct wheels. Measure from the wheel center meet the rim tithe edge of eh drop center This is WH wheel that distance is only 1/2 inch. The actual backset for WH wheels is 1-3/8" Many other brands use 2-3/8". 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #4 Posted January 19, 2019 Those wheels don't look like wheelhorse wheels to me I agree with @roadapples on the spacing. to 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,129 #5 Posted January 19, 2019 You can take your wheel off and measure the backset like this. Welcome to Red Square.... 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,450 #6 Posted January 19, 2019 looks like may be catching on you brake band drum. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,369 #7 Posted January 19, 2019 1 hour ago, oldlineman said: looks like may be catching on you brake band drum. ...see the missing cotter pin and shiny attaching pin end...also those silver/argent/grey wheels look to be factory for a 312... @WH Rick if you have an Advance Auto or AutoZone nearby I would recommend a set of 5/16-1/2" thick wheel spacers to help with the clearance issues...https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/mr-gasket-wheel-spacers-2371/17360026-P 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,211 #8 Posted January 19, 2019 There is not a lot of space between the tire and gas tank bracket. The 312-8 I have some other owner had hit the tank bracket and bent it up pretty good I'm guessing with chains. I haven't seen any marks on the gas tank maybe it was changed. I took the bracket off and beat it back into shape. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,609 #9 Posted January 19, 2019 The wheels are probably wheel horse, I've seen this before. One thing I noticed from your picture, the tires look slightly ballooned. I believe the 312-H calls for a 8.5 inch wide tire. That would be enough to get the clearance for the chains. I am not sure why WH had two different wheel offsets. I'm sure someone here will know. I took a couple pics of some stuff in the bone yard, as well as my C-145 with 8.50's, chains and smaller offset. That spacer the Billy recommends maybe the cheaper and quicker answer. C145H with chains and 8.50 tires (small offset) Hydro with 9.50 tires large offset Gear drive 8.50 tires (small offset) 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,541 #10 Posted January 19, 2019 4 hours ago, WH Rick said: new Carlisle tires, size 23 x 9.5 x 12 that replaced Dico Turf Trac Dico tires tend to be a little on the small side compared to others. If you buy the spacers like Jeff @WVHillbilly520H suggested you should be OK. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #11 Posted January 20, 2019 Here's the spacing on my trans . This is what you should have. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 717 #12 Posted January 20, 2019 Not sure if this might be your issue but there is not a lot of clearance for my chains as well any links not used could be catching on something. I zip tye mine on both sides 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 15,912 #13 Posted January 20, 2019 Hammer or squeeze those links back to where they belong and pick up some spacers as suggested. You also might need longer bolts because of the additional space. The new tires are wider and leaving less space for your new chains. You probably want to straighten that brake band pin and put a new cotter pin in there while you have the tire off. As a backyard hammer TEMP quick fix (since you probably don't have time until the snow hits), Use some washers to space out the rim but make sure those bolts still grab enough of the hub threads. You can loosen the set screws on each hub which is locking them to the axle and move the hub out just a little to get the clearance you need if the washers don't give enough. Again this is a temp fix to get you through this storm. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navig8r 132 #14 Posted January 20, 2019 (edited) One of your pics gave me a flashback... The brake!! I had the same problem, and cut the brake down at the end at an angle, so I could shorten the pin that holds the end (and of course re-drill for new cotter pin hole... I'll see if I can find my pics! EDIT- My post on this previously, on a thread with help from others!! : Edited January 20, 2019 by Navig8r 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,609 #15 Posted January 20, 2019 Excellent! Good deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH Rick 2 #16 Posted January 22, 2019 I really appreciate all the replies and the efforts therein to help. I’m going to go over your replies with my WH - savvy, can-do, neighbor Mike, to help do some of the explaining. Heck, if it’s a choice between spacers, new tires and new wheels I think I’ll proceed in that order. But definitely want to fix the parts that are recommended too. Thanks all! Rich 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
