Front Weights ??

Royboy · Jan 27, 2011

I have a B2410, 4WD, HST, with fluid filled rear tires and FEL. Most of the year I never feel any need for front weights, but I noticed today when moving snow that with my rear blade attached the front wheels just did not seem heavy enough to steer effectively in the heavier snow.

What is usually recommended for my size tractor? Should I have some weight plates on there? If so, how much weight should I get and do I need to install an attachment for the weights to hang on?

Thanks much!

Verticaltrx · Jan 27, 2011

If you buy the Kubota weights you can hang up to three on the factory front frame. With an additional bracket you can hang two more making a total of five. IIRC they weigh between 40-50lbs each and as with most tractor weights sell for about a dollar a pound.

Ken45101 · Jan 28, 2011

I don't know if you can hang front weights on with the FEL attached. I know I had to take the weights and the bumper off when I put the FEL on my old M4700. A real pain lifting and holding the 100# bumper in place while bolting it.

The easy solution is to load something heavy in your bucket. But if the rear blade is on the ground (floating), it is not lifting the front end at all, it's neutral, the same as if it wasn't attached.

Ken

gwdixon · Jan 28, 2011

Ken45101 said:
The easy solution is to load something heavy in your bucket. But if the rear blade is on the ground (floating), it is not lifting the front end at all, it's neutral, the same as if it wasn't attached.

Ken

+1 on that.

Loading weight into the FEL is more efficient (pound for pound) than hanging weights on a bumper since it is further away from the fulcrum. Try concrete blocks, dirt, gravel, or even snow (although not the best).

Royboy · Jan 28, 2011

Thanks folks. I was hoping I wouldn't have to give up use of the bucket in order to get some extra weight on the front wheels. Your suggestions are good ones, in fact that is what I ultimately did. Yesterday I threw some blocks in the bucket and it really did help with front wheel traction when turning, but then I found myself wanting to use the bucket a few times while I was moving snow with the rear blade and couldn't.
I guess it might be an either-or situation, especially if I couldn't hang front weights on there with the FEL on anyway. It's not worth giving up the FEL for it.
Thanks for the info!
Roy

Ken45101 · Jan 28, 2011

Roy,

You could find some way of bolting some extra weight on the bucket, some thick steel plates or something like that.

Or you just need very wet snow to load up with

Ken