Ballast Ballast Location Effect on Tractor

   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #31  
I think you're both right and both wrong. It all depends on the conditions. There are cases where weight will help, there are cases where weight won't make a lick of difference. Chains will always help, but are much less effective if there isn't enough weight to get them to bite, but I would guess that is much less often the case.

But neither of those issues is what the OP had asked about in the first place. He asked about the ballast box and how the effect would change whether it was up or down.

I'm not sure why you said I'm both right and wrong when you just made the exact points I've been making. Weight alone will sometimes be enough and chains always help...while weight plus chains would be even better. I've never said that weight alone always helped, just that sometimes it's enough.

I've been saying all along that the OP asked a different question, but he did bring up the topic of adding weight (to the front).
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #32  
I've been saying all along that the OP asked a different question, but he did bring up the topic of adding weight (to the front).

Sorry, missed that one.
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #33  
I'm not sure why you said I'm both right and wrong when you just made the exact points I've been making. Weight alone will sometimes be enough and chains always help...while weight plus chains would be even better. I've never said that weight alone always helped, just that sometimes it's enough.

I've been saying all along that the OP asked a different question, but he did bring up the topic of adding weight (to the front).

I agree with that!
I assumed from your example of pulling the other machine out that more weight was the answer to traction problems.
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #34  
I wanted to get a ballast box for my L3200 because when I was carrying a full load of logs or rocks the rear wheels would come up on bumps (they're filled).

After looking at many options I purchased a "Compact Tractor Ballast Box" from DR Power and couldn't be more pleased. Loaded it with sand, then put a plastic bag on top so I had room for tool carrying. It also has three rings on the side for long-handle tools like shovels or axes, and a tab for towing: I use it to tow the splitter.
image-L.jpg


Yesterday I had to take some big Hemlock log sections out of the back yard, which is snowy and downhill, with plenty of bumps. It kept the rears firmly on the ground. It was nice having the chainsaw, gas can etc with me as well.
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #35  
Garandman, I like the box - looks very useful. I'd be inclined to load it with washed stone, which won't hold water. Maybe your plastic keeps the sand dry? Sand can freeze pretty good when wet.
Jim
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #36  
I planned to use rocks. Granite is 165 lbs cu ft compared ttto 100-110 for sand. We have stone walls for the taking. I could use different sizes to fill in the gaps.

....But by the time I got it the stone walls were all frozen together so I used sand from a pile I had.
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #37  
Well I had an experience that possibly resolves the debate.
My little Mitsu has FEL plow and rear blower, 2 link ice chains on loaded rears and usually is un stoppable.

I had to remove the blower in order to repair the 3-point pivot shaft and to do so needed to drive to a friend's as he had a heated garage.
Well to climb hills that I usually attack in 3 high (2wd)now needed to be driven in 3 low with diff lock engaged and 4wd, and down hill was a hair rising ride.
That 300 lb(?) blower hanging out 3 ft on the back sure makes a major difference.
As chains go I think what I have is about the most aggressive available.
YES, properly located weight sure counts.
 
   / Ballast Location Effect on Tractor #38  
Well I had an experience that possibly resolves the debate.
My little Mitsu has FEL plow and rear blower, 2 link ice chains on loaded rears and usually is un stoppable.

I had to remove the blower in order to repair the 3-point pivot shaft and to do so needed to drive to a friend's as he had a heated garage.
Well to climb hills that I usually attack in 3 high (2wd)now needed to be driven in 3 low with diff lock engaged and 4wd, and down hill was a hair rising ride.
That 300 lb(?) blower hanging out 3 ft on the back sure makes a major difference.
As chains go I think what I have is about the most aggressive available.
YES, properly located weight sure counts.

Like some have mentioned, every situation is different and we are all correct. Problem is, you where not pushing snow with a blade, therefore you were not trying to steer while pushing snow and experiencing the frustration of the snow directing your tractor towards the ditch (blade angled). We all would would agree that traction is better with weight but where that weight is added will impact plowing snow. I might just have to shoot a video of my chained up B4200 at 1200 lbs pulling my B3200 at 2400 lbs around the yard. Couple of years ago the driveway was particularily icy under 12 inches of snow. Had a friend on my B3200 pushing my B4200 which has a blower (and chains) Turns out the B3200 often separated even though it was just pushing (Nothing when separated) through a cleared path and the Little B4200 was pushing a foot of snow. Chains are simply the most amazing addition to a tractor, that I leave them on yearround on my B4200 turfs and MF135 R1's. I only take them off the B3200 because there is little clearance for chains (fender damage)
 

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