Loading front tires on MFWD?

[nauxier16]

Have you guys tried loading the front tires on a MFWD like an M7040? When I worked for the state we had a case IH 885 with a FEL and the front tires had fluid in them and it handled really good at highway speeds. Anyone have any other experience with this good or bad? Thanks!

 

[DT86]

I remember reading (here on TBN) that Kubota says you aren't supposed to. With that being said, my M9540 came from the dealer with the front tires loaded. I can't say if it helps or not as the one at work came the same way, from the same dealer.

 

[TomSeller]

I remember reading (here on TBN) that Kubota says you aren't supposed to. With that being said, my M9540 came from the dealer with the front tires loaded. I can't say if it helps or not as the one at work came the same way, from the same dealer.

I am trying to think of a downside to loading the front tires vs front weights on the frame. You would need a wide tire to make much of a difference, but what would the problem be?

 

[talltale]

I put 800 hours on my M5040 with loaded fronts and rears. Trygg ice chains on all four wheels with an 8' Anbo blade on the front and a big Lorenz snowblower on the rear during the winter months. No issues with the tractor and the additional weight was a bonus. I just replaced the M5040 with an M7040 with loaded front and rears. My dealer says he's never had an issue with loaded front tires on Kubotas.

 

[aczlan]

Dad had an L3650 which had 4 loaded tires, it started life as a sidewalk machine and made it to ~1500 hours without any driveline issues.

Aaron Z

 

[nauxier16]

The only thing I think it would hurt is the steering components but I honestly don't think it will hurt anything, I may load them and see how it does.

 

[aczlan]

The only thing I think it would hurt is the steering components but I honestly don't think it will hurt anything, I may load them and see how it does.

Hmmm, 300# in the front tires vs 3000# from the loader and a bucket full of dirt. I dont think that it will be a problem.
The only places where it could be a problem would be:
1. Extra drivetrain wear/tear from the extra rotating mass. Impact: Negligible (if its even measurable).
2. Extra wear on the tires from a slightly higher weight on them all the time and less "flex" at max front axle load. Impact: Negligible.
3. Extra load "hanging down" when you lift the front end in the air with the loader. Impact: Negligible (if its even measurable).

Aaron Z

 

[nauxier16]

I agree Aaron, I think the reward out weighs the risk because like mention above, it is common to fill the tires and no one has any problems.

 

[nauxier16]

Which one would you guys suggest that I use, windshield washer fluid or antifreeze as a mix for loading my tires

 

[aczlan]

Windshield Washer Fluid or RV antifreeze. No worry about critters eating either of those if you have a leak.

Aaron Z