Choosing Between Agricultural-Grade Hubs vs. Standard Trailer Hubs

Updated 01/26/2015 | Published 01/24/2015

Question:

Are there any disadvantages in using ag grade hubs verses trailer grade hubs? I farm and have an older trailer built about 50 years ago with a solid axle under it and front wheel assemblies probably from an old truck welded to 2 pieces of channel welded together to form an axle. I want to put a torsion type axle on the trailer and my background with the farm equipment leads me to think I should use ag grade spindles and hubs. I want to use a 15inch wheel with a 6 x 6 bolt pattern. I want to use a 9.5inch x 15 highway speed rated implement tire. I would like to understand more about the ag verses trailer hubs so I can make the best choice.

asked by: Leon T

Expert Reply:

You will not want to use agricultural hubs if you intend to pull the trailer on the highway. Agro hubs are usually speed-limited to 20-mph. Similar speed limitation generally applies to tires intended for use on farm equipment.

The keys for selecting new hubs to fit your trailer are to know the axle's weight capacity and the bearing set in the current hubs. Any new hubs you choose must use the same bearing set as the current ones or the hubs will not be compatible with your spindles. And naturally you need to match the hub's bolt pattern to that on the wheels you intend to use. Often agro hubs will use completely different bearings sets than trailer hubs.

If you intend to install a new axle along with the hubs - a good idea - you will want to be sure to choose an axle with the necessary capacity for the weight of the trailer and its intended load. We do offer axle beam assemblies, some with brakes and hubs too, but these are limited to 3500-lb ratings due to their size and weight - cannot ship any heavier axles than that. We do also offer Timbren axle-less suspensions rated for up to 5200-lbs. All axles we offer can be seen using the provided link.

I also linked you to our main page for trailer hubs/drums. Filters on the page allow you to narrow the results based on the characteristics you need, including capacity, bolt pattern and bearings used.

expert reply by: Adam R