Re: Suitcase vs wheel weights
Suitcase weights on the rear would certainly help the traction, and let you lift more with the FEL, but there are a couple of drawbacks:
1) As others noted, suitcase weights can get in the way of a rear implement. I like to keep my box blade handy when doing earthwork with the FEL. It beats having to go back and pick it up later. The box blade can act as some of the rear
ballast, but in some situations, it isn't enough. A rear blade will probably not be enough weight to make full use of your FEL. Also, once you lower the blade, it's not acting as ballast anymore.
2) There was a thread here some time ago about the dangers of carrying around a lot of weight on your three point hitch. I believe if you are driving on rough ground, it can bouce the 3 pt around and eventually damage some internal parts (going from memory here, there are others who are much more knowledgable than I on this subject, and many people have good success with the "box o' cement" on the back.)
You could always try using an implement on the back as ballast, and then add wheel weights or fill the tires if your traction wasn't what it needed to be.