Tires wheel base & ballast for tilling w/ TC40D

[Tractorganic]

I think I've got to pump the rimguard out of my R4 tires (currently at Dished In 78" position) and move them back to the Dished Out 68.3" wheel base so I can 1) decrease hard pan and 2) Limit tracks by pulling wheels in closer to the 55" length of the JD655 rototiller (largest) I can rent locally. I plan to siphon the rimguard by stationing and jacking the TC40D at a higher level than two 55 gallon drums, using garden hose w/ an Aqua Quick Fill air/liquid to the tire valve spud (with valve core removed) at 12 o'clock position, then rotate tire to 6 o'clock and siphon.
A) Am I going too far removing ballast to limit soil compaction? The combined ballast is 1200 lbs. I'll pump it back in next fall.
B) Do you think I need a pump in this siphon system (rimguard stinks)
C) Is it a waste of time and effort to move the tires? I'll also be renting a 72" Harley rake to further chop and level my field so at least that will smooth tire tracks but I'll be tracking behind the tiller. I love 'em at 78", great stabillity!
I can't afford to buy the right size implements right now. I'll be planting 8,000 sq. ft. of barley and white dutch clover and a 5,400 sq. ft. vegetable plot.
I haven't figured the soil compression of my tires but I used to worry about the foot prints I left behind my walk behind rototiller so it's a concern
Sorry for the humongous post but I'll be breaking ground in April or sooner

 

[art]

Most tillers can be offset to catch one side! As far as the ballast, the tiller comes though after the tractor so that will clean your compaction. Don't drain.

 

[georgia jeff]

I wouldn't drain either. That is more effort than it is worth to me. An offset tiller would be perfect.

 

[Tractorganic]

Yeah but JD 655 doesn't offset.

 

[sweep]

I think I've got to pump the rimguard out of my R4 tires (currently at Dished In 78" position) and move them back to the Dished Out 68.3" wheel base so I can 1) decrease hard pan and 2) Limit tracks by pulling wheels in closer to the 55" length of the JD655 rototiller (largest) I can rent locally.

Seems like a lot of work just to rototiller. I would just borrow someone elses tractor but that's just me.

 

[MD09]

Why Drain the tires to change the offset? The weight can be managed if you work smart. Usign a hydraulic jack you can lift the tire just clear of the ground and work it off the hub, flip it and work it back on. this will take a little muscle but it is very achievable by the common man....

 

[shade tree welder]

I suggest a plow and disk if you are breaking new ground. I'd be faster and you don't have to sweat the wheel track as most as I have never seen a farm disk less that 12'

 

[Tractorganic]

Seems like a lot of work just to rototiller. I would just borrow someone elses tractor but that's just me.

Here's what I have planned:
1)Subsoil plowing
2)rototilling
3)Harley raking
4)Post hole digging
Chris

 

[Tractorganic]

Why Drain the tires to change the offset? The weight can be managed if you work smart. Usign a hydraulic jack you can lift the tire just clear of the ground and work it off the hub, flip it and work it back on. this will take a little muscle but it is very achievable by the common man....

I'm not draining ballast just to facilitate tire manipulation, rather it's to decrease soil compaction ( by about 10 psi). I did just buy a new 3 ton hydr. jack and some nifty support jacks w/ fat bases to avoid tipping in the processed rock/sand in my driveway, as well as some steel plates to serve as leveling stations beneath each support. I had a tipping event a few weeks ago and the tractor almost crashed down:ashamed:. Separate post w/ pics. on jacking TC40D soon to follow.
Chris

 

[Tractorganic]

I suggest a plow and disk if you are breaking new ground. I'd be faster and you don't have to sweat the wheel track as most as I have never seen a farm disk less that 12'

I wish I could afford plow and disk sets. Can't rent 'em here. Only farmer I know who has 'em got to old to drive the rig the 5 miles over road to my place and I'm catching up steadily. Between the subsoiler (which I have ordered), the tiller and the harley rake (renting both) I should get nice tilthe, removal of some rocks and incorporation of the chop. I just don't want to turn it all to paste with my filled tires runin' way out.
Thanks,
Chris