Question on adding ballast to rear tires

[TripleR]

We have several tractors with no FEL or fluid in the tires as they are used only to pull a rotary cutter or RFM on flat ground, traction for pulling stumps etc. simply sucks, but we have tractors for that. For traction, you can't beat filled tires, we even have one with filled tires and cast centers.

We don't put fluid in any front tires.

We have a tire service or dealer put fluid in ours, but you can get a kit to do it yourself.

 

[Bluegill2]

I'm pretty new to running a tractor and have a basic question about what is discussed in this post. Would you only fill the back tires if you were operating a FEL or is there a reason to have filled tires in any tractor. I use my tractor almost exclusively for mowing (bushhoging) and occasionally pulling stumps. etc. Don't have a FEL. Would there be any benefit to filling the rears? Also, this may be a stupid question but, since mine is 4WD, would you also consider filling the fronts ? I do run in soft boggy ground occasionally.
Also, how do you fill the tire with fluid ??? (I warned that I was new at this...)
Rich

Best reason for filling the rear tires is for stability and traction only.

 

[ovrszd]

I used Windshield Antifreeze on my last fill. 1300lbs of weight for just over $200. Filled them myself. Rimguard's advantage is it's heavier per gallon than antifreeze. But it's more expensive as well.

As for fixing flats. Your tires are probably tubeless. Unless you tear the tire or jab it with a very large object you will likely fix a flat with a tire plug. No need to remove the fluid or dismount the tire. If you tear it you'll probably lose your fluid anyway.

My Brother filled all four tires on his 3240 with Rimguard. I thought it was a stupid idea. Then I removed his FEL and hooked my 6' Rhino SE6 3pt cutter to it. Now I see a reason for all four tires filled. But that's on a tractor that does minimal FEL work. Very stable on steep slopes. Good front ballast when carrying the cutter.

 

[Notforhire]

Also, this may be a stupid question but, since mine is 4WD, would you also consider filling the fronts ? I do run in soft boggy ground occasionally.
Also, how do you fill the tire with fluid ??? (I warned that I was new at this...)
Rich

Here is a HOW TO guide to filling tires;

Installing Liquid Ballast in Tires | Gempler's

My tractor was used on a tree farm before I owned it. They had some steep slopes there. The wheels were set apart as far as possible, and all four wheels were loaded. I usually operate on fairly level ground. I don't need the ballast in the front. If I were to replace the front tires, I probably won't load them again.
Sometimes when using ground engaging equipment w/4WD the fronts are loaded to increase traction. For my uses I don't think it's necessary.
Bill

 

[wcampbell47]

I'm pretty new to running a tractor and have a basic question about what is discussed in this post. Would you only fill the back tires if you were operating a FEL or is there a reason to have filled tires in any tractor. I use my tractor almost exclusively for mowing (bushhoging) and occasionally pulling stumps. etc. Don't have a FEL. Would there be any benefit to filling the rears? Also, this may be a stupid question but, since mine is 4WD, would you also consider filling the fronts ? I do run in soft boggy ground occasionally.
Also, how do you fill the tire with fluid ??? (I warned that I was new at this...)
Rich

My neighbor had his tractor in to the dealer for service. When he picked it up he went back to mowing as usual, only this time he sunk down to the axles in a soft spot that he had always negotiated before. He had to call the dealer to bring out a bigger tractor to pull him out. Come to find out the dealer had filled his tires. He had the filling removed and mowed over the spot he got stuck in. If you are mowing in a soft area you may give this a second thought.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

My neighbor had his tractor in to the dealer for service. When he picked it up he went back to mowing as usual, only this time he sunk down to the axles in a soft spot that he had always negotiated before. He had to call the dealer to bring out a bigger tractor to pull him out. Come to find out the dealer had filled his tires. He had the filling removed and mowed over the spot he got stuck in. If you are mowing in a soft area you may give this a second thought.

Man, I wish my dealer had taken it upon themselves to load my tires...and of course not charge me for it, wouldn't have hurt my feelings a bit!!! ;-)

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[Bluegill2]

My neighbor had his tractor in to the dealer for service. When he picked it up he went back to mowing as usual, only this time he sunk down to the axles in a soft spot that he had always negotiated before. He had to call the dealer to bring out a bigger tractor to pull him out. Come to find out the dealer had filled his tires. He had the filling removed and mowed over the spot he got stuck in. If you are mowing in a soft area you may give this a second thought.

Can't understand a dealer doing something not asked for. Was he charged for it?

There are situations where lighter is better. Usually mowing is one.

 

[Ken45101]

Kubota says NOT to fill the front tires. I don't think it would help much since the front axle floats and would not keep the tractor from rolling over. If you don't have an FEL and need more front weight, I think front bumper weights are probably the best way to go.

How do they fill them? Usually a pump and a hose connected to the valve stems.

 

[Bluegill2]

Any of you guys that want to use a FEL with no or not enough ballast on the 3pt hitch, keep a close eye on your front axle and keep the center pivots points well lubed!

We learned the hard way with our old L3750...

 

[PHILIP8N]

I do not like loaded tires. Once you do it, you cannot easily go back. I add weight as required for traction or counter balance, then remove for mowing. This ballast box gives me 1250 pounds on the 3 point, and is easy to add or remove. Philip.