(NGC) - Inquiring minds want to know.

[Gliderjohn]

Why were the wheel diameters generally smaller on the front axles compared to the rears on horse drawn vehicles?
GliderJohn

[oldbike54]

 I think the rear wheels were made as large as possible because they rolled better requiring less power , the fronts were normally smaller to decrease steering radius . Probably more complicated than that , just what I sorta know about the question .
 

 Dusty

[Huzo]

the fronts were normally smaller to decrease steering radius .
 

 Dusty

???

[Murray]

???

Poorly worded me thinks smaller wheels need less clearance to the body to achieve a shaper turning angle, some to the point they actually fit under the body so 90degrees plus is possible.

[yogidozer]

Just guessing. But front wheels weren't always smaller, but often they were.
Maybe because the riders/operators rode over the front wheels?
You would think larger wheels would have an advantage when you going over holes, brush, etc.
Wouldn't it be nice to live in that time.....imagine being able to talk to your horse. The beauty of land, no blacktop or concrete.

[Rough Edge racing]

Just guessing. But front wheels weren't always smaller, but often they were.
Maybe because the riders/operators rode over the front wheels?
You would think larger wheels would have an advantage when you going over holes, brush, etc.
Wouldn't it be nice to live in that time.....imagine being able to talk to your horse. The beauty of land, no blacktop or concrete.

 Yes, and many of us would have been dead  or disabled due to lack of modern medicine..  

[yogidozer]

Yes, and many of us would have been dead  or disabled due to lack of modern medicine..

Yes, now we have found better ways to kill ourselves.
Drugs, violence, polluting our water, food, obesity, far more cancer from who knows what.
Yup, the world is better place now 

[s1120]

Yup. Clearance for turning.

[Huzo]

Poorly worded me thinks smaller wheels need less clearance to the body to achieve a shaper turning angle, some to the point they actually fit under the body so 90degrees plus is possible.

That really has to have a bit to do with it .

[oldbike54]

 Geez fellas , it's too early , chill out . Thanks .

 Dusty