One of the most intriguing things about the farm toy hobby is the creation of custom toys not offered by one of the manufacturers. Custom toys can be scratch built, but are generally modifications of existing castings. The obvious benefit of using an existing casting is the reduction in time involved when making a new toy. Although I enjoy all forms of customizing, slight modifications to production castings can create drastic variations and improvements in toys that allow you to have a one of a kind replica.
Tire and wheel changes; The most basic custom.
One variation you often see on real tractors is a difference in tires and wheels, even on the same model tractor. Many of the manufacturers offer the most basic tires and wheels on their toys. Then after they sell a model they start producing variations to maximize the casting use. Despite their best efforts, they can never release every tractor with every tire and wheel possible. This is good news for those us who get a kick out of tearing apart toys.
Why do the 9000 series John Deere combines come with singles on most of the toys produced by Ertl? My theory is based on the initial casting of the 9750 and the way the original tires and wheels they made for it fit. The “floatation” singles that came on the original 9750 that was released in 2001 have a tall profile and fit nicely in the wheel wells, and although they are wide they are tucked in beneath the ladder. It would have caused Ertl to change the wheel well and ladder, or produce a new wheel and tire combination. Neither of which was probably cost effective.
*Note: The 2001 Farm Show edition 9750, and 2006 Farm Show edition 9660 both came with duals. These tractors were a limited production run of 5000 units each.
Adding the duals that Ertl uses on one of their four wheel drive tractors changes the angle at which the combine sits so that the front is lower, and they also leave a wider gap between the tire and the wheel well. Despite these differences adding duals from a 9000 four wheel drive tractor can make the model look more realistic because many of the 9000 series combines are produced with duals.
To change the duals: First remove the wheels and tires. This is easy on some combines and more difficult on others. It probably depends on how diligent the quality control officer in China was working that day. Basically just pull as hard as you can on one side of the wheel or tire. If that doesn’t work a set of vice grips will help you wiggle the wheel off the axle. (Note – The vice grips will damage the wheel).
Next remove the wheels and tires from whatever your stealing them from. The 8870 Premiere tractor, and 9320 4wd kits both have duals that will fit under the fender of the 9000 series combines.
Now that the duals are removed, just install them on the combine and enjoy your new tire and wheel set up. At this point the ladder on your tractor may have to be extended by pulling it out, then re-inserting it to the first mark on the top of the ladder.
Adding duals to the John Deere 7720 gives it a more aggressive look. I have found that the duals from the 9320 kit look really nice, but rub the fender slightly. After you install these you may decide that you want to adjust the axle height (look for this article later in the year in another edition of Quick and Easy Customs). These wheels and tires can be installed the same way you put the duals on the 9000 series combine.
Tire and wheel changes; The most basic custom.
One variation you often see on real tractors is a difference in tires and wheels, even on the same model tractor. Many of the manufacturers offer the most basic tires and wheels on their toys. Then after they sell a model they start producing variations to maximize the casting use. Despite their best efforts, they can never release every tractor with every tire and wheel possible. This is good news for those us who get a kick out of tearing apart toys.
Why do the 9000 series John Deere combines come with singles on most of the toys produced by Ertl? My theory is based on the initial casting of the 9750 and the way the original tires and wheels they made for it fit. The “floatation” singles that came on the original 9750 that was released in 2001 have a tall profile and fit nicely in the wheel wells, and although they are wide they are tucked in beneath the ladder. It would have caused Ertl to change the wheel well and ladder, or produce a new wheel and tire combination. Neither of which was probably cost effective.
*Note: The 2001 Farm Show edition 9750, and 2006 Farm Show edition 9660 both came with duals. These tractors were a limited production run of 5000 units each.
Adding the duals that Ertl uses on one of their four wheel drive tractors changes the angle at which the combine sits so that the front is lower, and they also leave a wider gap between the tire and the wheel well. Despite these differences adding duals from a 9000 four wheel drive tractor can make the model look more realistic because many of the 9000 series combines are produced with duals.
To change the duals: First remove the wheels and tires. This is easy on some combines and more difficult on others. It probably depends on how diligent the quality control officer in China was working that day. Basically just pull as hard as you can on one side of the wheel or tire. If that doesn’t work a set of vice grips will help you wiggle the wheel off the axle. (Note – The vice grips will damage the wheel).
Next remove the wheels and tires from whatever your stealing them from. The 8870 Premiere tractor, and 9320 4wd kits both have duals that will fit under the fender of the 9000 series combines.
Now that the duals are removed, just install them on the combine and enjoy your new tire and wheel set up. At this point the ladder on your tractor may have to be extended by pulling it out, then re-inserting it to the first mark on the top of the ladder.
Adding duals to the John Deere 7720 gives it a more aggressive look. I have found that the duals from the 9320 kit look really nice, but rub the fender slightly. After you install these you may decide that you want to adjust the axle height (look for this article later in the year in another edition of Quick and Easy Customs). These wheels and tires can be installed the same way you put the duals on the 9000 series combine.
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