What Are Deep Well Rims and How Do They Affect Offset in Tractors?

Before getting into deep well rims, let’s define the broader term. What is a rim? Tires are mounted to rims so they can hold air and the rim is clamped or fastened to the tractor or machine so it can stay in place. It can also be combined with a center component to create a wheel. It is quite common for rims to be called wheels and wheels to be called rims, so the distinction is not overly important other than rims (no center) are fastened to machinery differently than wheels (rims with centers).

There are many types of rims for tractor, including double bevel, single bevel, power shift and rim and clamp type rims. For now, let's take a closer look at deep well rims.

Deep Well Rims

A deep well rim is characterized by a rim design with a smaller inside diameter, which creates a pocket, or well, in the center section that is deeper than standard rim designs, as portrayed in the images below.

Deep well rims typically have a 2" drop in the center of the rim to give them a smaller inside diameter, versus the 1" drop of a standard rim. There’s also a formed block welded on the rim, which serves as a drive lug stop. Typically, this is located parallel to the valve stem, and keeps the rim from slipping on the tractor hub casting.

Deep well style rims are very common on older machinery, used by various manufacturers for their classic designs. Today, this style is typically requested when restoring older tractors to their original replacement rims. Rim diameters available include 26", 30", 32", 34" and 38".

Deep Well Rims’ Effect on Offset

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The proper wheel offset is crucial, as it ensures your machine has enough clearance from the body and enough stability and balance to operate efficiently. When installed in the preferred orientation of “deep well out”, deep well rims have a positive offset, characterized by the hub mounting surface being in the front of the wheel’s centerline. This orientation brings the wheel closer to the machine and creates a narrower stance. If it is reversed and installed “deep well in”, it will have a negative offset, creating a wider wheel stance.

Deep Well Rim Guidance

All rims and wheels come in standard and custom paint color options, so you can find exactly what you need. For help specifying the right rim and wheel for your application, contact your local Wold Rim & Wheel dealer. You can also email us or call (800) 443-9653 / 641-713-2205 for more information.