Weight is bad

[RickB]

There are going to be applications that require differing setups. If you own a ballast box and some cast weights you should be able to setup your compact for whatever your doing. The point to drive home is that a few minutes of prep before you go out to work for the day can be more than made up though added productivity.

I won't dispute any of the facts you have laid out here. In fact, none of it is new or different from what has been disseminated by machine and tire manufacturers for years.

The notion that any significant number of owners/operators of any size tractor are going to alter their ballast package for different operations is fantasy. Sure, some do, but the majority won't/can't see the value. Or they see the value, but won't apply the effort to reap the rewards.

But thanks for reminding us.

 

[Soundguy]

It was a just a little joke,

Ahh.. a smiley might have helped convey that message a tad bit...

soundguy

 

[Westonium]

My 4310 came without fluid in the rears and I operated it for 4 years that way. 4 Years of close calls and getting stuck. It doesn't take much of a muddy and leave covered grade to make my 4WD plain useless.

The fluid fill hasn't made the traction so completely amazing - I think it will take chains for that, but it does add a noticeable margin. Wheel weights would probably be my choice, but really with all the slopes around I'm better off with permanent wheel balast.

When my tractor gets stuck - it has never been because it dug in way too deep - it's been because the rears just skip across the damp surface, don't dig in enough, and immediately get loaded. Wish I'd gone with Ag tires.

In short - I am so much better off with MORE WEIGHT.

If I was dealing with flat fields full of loose dirt (that I would prefer STAY loose), I am sure I would agree that the opposite were true.

 

[WilliamBos]

Cat seems to be a better way to go. You can shift it around as needed, or take it off. Once you fill those tires, you are stuck with it, and if you trade the tractor in, you don't have to trade the weights with it.

 

[N80]

Cat seems to be a better way to go.

Cat???

 

[WilliamBos]

Cat???

Ooops!! Forgot my "S". Should say CAST.

 

[N80]

I agree. Cast iron fronts and cast iron wheel weights are very flexible. However, as mentioned, for most people wheel weights are about as permanent as fluid ballast and the truth is, adding fluid ballast isn't all the hard. Removing it is easier....trust me.

I would love to have a complete set of weights, but for the price, I could probably get another useful implement. And I got all the water I need for next to free.

 

[WilliamBos]

I agree. Cast iron fronts and cast iron wheel weights are very flexible. However, as mentioned, for most people wheel weights are about as permanent as fluid ballast and the truth is, adding fluid ballast isn't all the hard. Removing it is easier....trust me.

I would love to have a complete set of weights, but for the price, I could probably get another useful implement. And I got all the water I need for next to free.

They don't have to be wheel weights. Have a look at the front bracket.



Scour the neighbourhood for some farms, usually they do not throw anything out. You might be amazed at the deals you can find!! The dealer wanted $2 per pound for the little 25lb weights, those are 40lb weights for less than that.

 

[N80]

Nice setup. I wasn't clear, that was what I meant by 'fronts', not front wheel weights. My tractor cannot use front wheel weights or liquid ballast on the front.

I do want some front suitcase weights. I've just about got my fields around my cabin obstacle free so I don't need the loader on as a 'cowcatcher' but it gets a little light up there without it. About 250 pounds of suitcase weights would be perfect.

On eBay there is a company from NC that makes them and selss them fairly cheap. I hope to get some one day.....but its just another thing on the never ending list of 'must haves' for the tractor.

 

[sld]

I think a lot of people are missing the point.

The OP was trying to say that excessive weight is a bad thing. The hard part is trying to figure out the "right" amount of weight for each job. I always leave the front weights on my little Ford but there are things I do that I could do without them.

Once a tractor is weighted it is much easier to leave it on and deal with it than guess at how much to remove for a particular job.