Haven't looked into "why," but I have Deere STX-38 and D100, and both have valves to the inside on the front wheels, and the manuals say that's the way they go. Both manuals say to re-install front wheels with valves inboard.

The long held belief was that the stems on the outside were more vulnerable to damage so they were installed inside.

That may have been true in the old tube days where it didn't take much pull on a valve stem to rip the tube.

With the onset of tubeless tires that doesn't seem to be a problem and if it does happen replacing a tubeless stem is far easier than repairing or replacing a tube.

Most front wheels are symmetrical and can easily be flipped stem out or stem in. Just make sure you pay close attention to exactly how the E clip is installed cause there's a sharp and a rounded edge. Sharp edge of the E clip faces out toward the end of the axle and it does make a difference.

L&G front wheels ride on bushings (metal or plastic) or caged ball bearings. You can routinely pull the wheels, check for recessive play, and lightly grease the axles and bushings. Caged bearings are usually sealed and require no attention unless they fail. Always check for wear on the stub axles when checking the bushings.

Thanks

I guess the floor jack will continue to be used.

It is sort of fun pulling the tractor in for a pit stop.