Rim guard or not? Why a ballast box instead of boxblade?

[Lee Robinson]

I don't use rim guard etc. because I don't believe that a front wheel assist tractor under 60 hp needs it for any reason. Others will definitely disagree with me and that's fine. I've just found I don't need it at all.

I use cast iron on the 3 point because I had it. Otherwise I would have gone with a barrel or some other solid weight as an implement hanging out the back makes the tractor too long for tight spots.

Interesting note is that I used to have 1000 lbs hanging on the 3 point. When I added the quick attach I found it was too much weight so took off 400 lbs. When digging with 1000 lbs the front end loader could hardly dig into the soil. It was just too annoying.

Excellent observation on the ballast impeding the digging ability of the front end loader. Never thought of that, but it makes perfect sense that what prevents the tractor from tipping when lifting too heavy of an object with the loader will also prevent the bucket from digging when one has a lot of ballast.

 

[npalen]

Excellent observation on the ballast impeding the digging ability of the front end loader. Never thought of that, but it makes perfect sense that what prevents the tractor from tipping when lifting too heavy of an object with the loader will also prevent the bucket from digging when one has a lot of ballast.

With tongue in cheek, it sounds like we need retractable ballast on the rear of the tractor. Retracted it provides traction to the rear tires for digging with the loader and then extended provides counterbalance for lifting the load.

Almost sounds like a backhoe bucket, doesn't it?

 

[Lee Robinson]

With tongue in cheek, it sounds like we need retractable ballast on the rear of the tractor. Retracted it provides traction to the rear tires for digging with the loader and then extended provides counterbalance for lifting the load.

Almost sounds like a backhoe bucket, doesn't it?

A backhoe is expensive, and frankly not something I could justify being I can rent a much better trackhow for a tiny percentage of what a backhoe would cost. And renting one doesn't stress my tractor.

 

[dodge man]

Even with ballast on my tractor I never thought that stopped my FEL from digging. I suppose in theory it could but it would have to be so much on the 3 point the tractor was trying to do a wheelie.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Even with ballast on my tractor I never thought that stopped my FEL from digging. I suppose in theory it could but it would have to be so much on the 3 point the tractor was trying to do a wheelie.

It was... The bucket would roll over a 1" stone in the driveway

 

[Raul-02]

have never really grasped why not just keep a box blade on the back s

if I worked a lot in the woods or tight places I'd prolly get ballast in my tires.
I had a huge old wood stove prolly 500 pounds and i filled it with rocks and welded tabs on for the three-point. I'm guessing it's about 1500 pounds, and I have picked things up that justified the weight. A box-blade doesn't weight that.

 

[number two]

What a Great Thread!
We've heard from many members that seldom post.
A good New Year to all!

 

[i7win7]

Yep. And the scarifiers are to cut off high areas if needed. If it was a sheep's foot filled with liquid it would be awesome for building a pad.

That little tractor can barely move that across the parking lot. If the lawn is soft enough for the roller to do any good the little tractor won't be able to drag it. But it makes a cool pic!!!

It's the 6 footer, depends on job, can pull it with BX, B or ford 4000. Has 40 gal of hydro oil in drum as rust retardant. Some wet early springs I pop BX into 4wd and mow thru standing water, yes it makes ruts. 3-5 days later I can roll lawn.

When I use it neighbors get their 2wd turf tired lawn tractors out, fill their rollers and get stuck in the first soft spot they encounter.

2 problems, isn't 3pt can't lift it off the ground if meeting neighbor on 1 lane hill. Impossible to back uphill. Roller follows existing contours, destroys a crowned 1 lane road.

 

[npalen]

It's the 6 footer, depends on job, can pull it with BX, B or ford 4000. Has 40 gal of hydro oil in drum as rust retardant. Some wet early springs I pop BX into 4wd and mow thru standing water, yes it makes ruts. 3-5 days later I can roll lawn.

When I use it neighbors get their 2wd turf tired lawn tractors out, fill their rollers and get stuck in the first soft spot they encounter.

2 problems, isn't 3pt can't lift it off the ground if meeting neighbor on 1 lane hill. Impossible to back uphill. Roller follows existing contours, destroys a crowned 1 lane road.
View attachment 727288

Wait! You filled the 40 gallon drum with hydraulic oil? I hope it was used oil. You mow the lawn thru standing water? Really?

 

[arrow]

It was... The bucket would roll over a 1" stone in the driveway

It's all about too much ballast weight for a particular sized tractor.
I am glad you have no use for loaded tires.
Loaded tires made my tractor much more useful for how I use mine.
It became a different tractor.
Even a hundred lbs of chains on the rear ags help.