Floating Ring Keeps Tractor Duals Mud-Free

Floating ring keeps tractor duals mud-free TRACTORS Traction Devices 9-4-16 "They're mechanically impossible to plug," reports Frank Greff, Berlin, Wis., about the floating ring mud removers he designed to keep dual-wheeled tractors rolling in muddy conditions. The rings, which are about the same diameter as the duals, keep mud from building up between the duals so you get better traction during muddy spring and fall fieldwork. "Besides preventing material build-up between the duals, the rings push off material between the lugs providing better traction and fuel efficiency. They improve traction by 30% and make duals work like they were made to work," Greff told FARM SHOW. He feels that equipping tractors with floating rings will save farmers the cost of buying a tractor with MFWD just for the extra traction. In his own test, his dual-wheeled tractor equipped with rings and pulling a plow into a low, wet spot out-pulled a similar hp. tractor equipped with MFWD. He's discovered that the mud-cleaning rings also work great in snow. As you drive forward, each ring turns with the wheel hub and on a pulley. Any mud (or snow) that tries to build up is pushed out the top by the turning ring. The rings also work when the tractor moves in reverse. They don't require any energy from the tractor and can be left on in good conditions, and for highway travel, Greff points out. A 10-in. dia. pulley mounted behind the duals keeps each 60-lb. ring off the ground, and from riding on the tires. The pulley, mounted on an adjustable bracket bolted to the tractor axle frame, has a hard rubber core to reduce noise and prevent sparks caused by metal to metal contact. The ring does nudge the side of the tire but doesn't gouge or damage the tire, notes Greff. Each ring is made of 14-ga., 2¢-in. dia. rolled steel tubing and comes in two sections that bolt together so you can install the ring without removing the tractor tires: Greff notes that rings could also be put on triple-dualed tractors, combines, and evens discs to prevent plugging. He points out that the rings don't interfere with other equipment. If you do turn too short and hit the ring, it'll simply push forward, he notes. Greff hopes to have the traction rings into production to fit most wheel sizes by fall. He plans on selling them for $400 a pair. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Frank Greff Sr., Rt. 1, Berlin, Wis. 54923 (ph 414 361-4274).

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