Is it just me, or does this go too far?

[Birdmayon]

however that does not lighten the payload on the front axle unless I am missing something.

Actually it does, so long as your ballast is behind your rear axle (rather than liquid in the tires, for example). Think of your rear axle as a pivot point, sort of like the center of a see saw. All other variables being fixed, the more weight you put on one end, the less downward force you will see on the opposite end. For an idea of how it works, do a search on moments.

Additionally, for a given amount of rear ballast, the further behind the rear axle you move it, the lighter the load on your front axle.

 

[DavesTractor]

Actually it does, so long as your ballast is behind your rear axle (rather than liquid in the tires, for example). Think of your rear axle as a pivot point, sort of like the center of a see saw. All other variables being fixed, the more weight you put on one end, the less downward force you will see on the opposite end. For an idea of how it works, do a search on moments.

Additionally, for a given amount of rear ballast, the further behind the rear axle you move it, the lighter the load on your front axle.

I see what you mean. Wheel weights or liquid ballast would not help, but making the rear axle act as a fulcrum point would. Thanks!

 

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Yeah i know my little Simplicity can lift only 500~lbs, the machine and loader assembly weigh about 1600lbs empty, so your at 2100lbs.

The front axle is something like a 1300lb axle, so without ballast in the back, ive teetered 2100lbs ON the front axle without rear ballast.

Recently i finally got the whole weight box filled with cement, its massivly heavy now and im sure its going to be a lot easier on the front axle.

yet im sure it still is heavier than the axle or tires are rated for.

the new 4720 cab with 400cx loader is supposed to lift 2700lbs, and i can lift a 2700lb pallet of salt with the 450lb pallet forks up front.

So add that 3250lbs of weight on front, plus the tractors weight and loader assembly of like 5000ish, and you have a LOT more weight on the front than the front axle capacity of 3700ish, since 3250 is IN FRONT of those wheels, plus engine etc. Now i have a fully filled cement ballast box w/ extension in back, its gotta be around 1500lbs so thats probably removing 500+lbs off the front axle i would assume.