Ballast 6500 front weights

Maine_Polack · Jan 14, 2008

I have a 2005 6500 4 wd, with a ML265 loader. With the tractor purchase came 6 front "suitcase" weights. They are meant to hang from the bracket in front of the tractor.

Also with the purchase, I was told that using the weights was not possible with this loader. That it somehow interferred with the loader's operation. I was told that the newer ones don't have this restriction.

I put them on them on this morning, partly just to see if they would be ok, but also because I want more weight on the front end. Deep snow this year, and I believe the weight on front would help.

After installing the weights, I operated the loader and can't see why they are said to be incompatable with the loader. Nothing on the loader that I could see even came close to them. What am I missing? Does anyone know why they are not reccomended to be used with this loader?

bindian · Jan 14, 2008

Maine_Polack said:
What am I missing? Does anyone know why they are not reccomended to be used with this loader?

Maine_Polack,
I would guess the combined weights of the loader, it's bucketl fully loaded weight, the weight of the weights you hang on front, and the weight of the tractor on the front axle add up to a weight that over grosses the front axle assembly of your tractor.
Or the previous owner was told the same thing they told you and never tried the weights with the loader on.
hugs, Brandi

Maine_Polack · Jan 14, 2008

Thanks for your response. I purchased this tractor new. The info I received was from the dealer.

I have loaded some humungous rocks that would weigh much more than the weights and snow in the bucket would. The front axle is quite strong.

I did call Mahindra's 24/7 - 800 number. Nobody there till Thurs. This is Mon.

24/7

BobG_in_VA · Jan 14, 2008

Just wonderin' why you think you need the extra weight, what with 1500 or so lbs of front end loader, why do you think you need an additional 252 lbs or so (yeah, I got the 6 suitcase weights with my 6000 as well---only use I get out of them is to put a few on my garden tractor's core areator). I don't think you need any extra weight on the front end for snow stuff if you don't take off the FEL. BobG in VA

Maine_Polack · Jan 14, 2008

Hi Bob...I know I need more weight on the front end. When driving through 2-3" of snow, across a open area, or the rough floor of the woods, the front of the tractor is also "plowing", if you will, the snow as you proceed. The snow tends to pack under the machine and actually keep the front wheels from having much contact with the ground. The more weight the better, so that the front wheels are actually helping.

I have ice chains on the rear, and I would use chains on the front, except I'm not a gentle operator, and would probably bust up the front wheel assist.

The loader, while on the front of the tractor, has it's weight distributed by it mounting system. Not all on the front end.

I remember a post of yours that said you never found an occasion to use the diff. lock. I use it quite a lot in the woods, and the snow....and sometimes I still have to use bucket or winch to get out

Different people/uses.

Tim_in_IA · Jan 15, 2008

Al,

I got one about the same time you did. Can't remember if it was 04 or 05. I kept the weights on and they've never been an issue. I think They just assume that the weight of the loader is enough. I didn't have my tires loaded so I kept them on. I am gonna load my tires with ww fluid this summer but I'll still keep the weights on.

Sometimes when I am "floating" the loader the front wants to come up. I would imagine this would happen much more often if the weights weren't there.

PS: if you decide to keep them off let me know and I'll give you my address to where you can ship them

.

-Tim

Maine_Polack · Jan 15, 2008

Tim_in_IA said:
Al,

Howdy Tim!

I got one about the same time you did. Can't remember if it was 04 or 05. I kept the weights on and they've never been an issue. Yes, we purchased about the same time. Good to know they work for you.I think They just assume that the weight of the loader is enough. Dunno. I do know that I was left with the impression that they would interfere with the loader somehow. Took that to be a truthdom, and never even tried them till now.I didn't have my tires loaded so I kept them on. I am gonna load my tires with ww fluid this summer but I'll still keep the weights on. My rears are loader, but not the fronts. It would be good for winter, but in warmer weather, in my situation, I think I would rip the ground up more than I would like.

Sometimes when I am "floating" the loader the front wants to come up. I've never experienced this. Seems that the loader bucket should "float" with the terrain, and would have to be non-floating to lift the tractor front up.I would imagine this would happen much more often if the weights weren't there.

PS: if you decide to keep them off let me know and I'll give you my address to where you can ship them .Same to you fella

-Tim

Have to write something here or it will not post

Bobvt · Jan 15, 2008

I mount the the front weights on my 6500 with loader each winter. I need the extra weight on the front to log. Even with the weights on, I can bring the front end off the ground if there is good traction. Sometimes I even get a bucket full of snow to help hold it down and give me some more traction. The rear tires are loaded and I run chains on all four wheels.

The front weights do not interfere with the loader.

In the past, I have removed the front weights in the spring to lighten the weight on the front axle when I do loader work. I do not think I'll remove them this year. My Bradco 611 backhoe really lightens the front end.

Bob

Maine_Polack · Jan 15, 2008

Bobvt said:
I mount the the front weights on my 6500 with loader each winter. I need the extra weight on the front to log. Even with the weights on, I can bring the front end off the ground if there is good traction. Sometimes I even get a bucket full of snow to help hold it down and give me some more traction. The rear tires are loaded and I run chains on all four wheels.

The front weights do not interfere with the loader.Thanks Bob!

In the past, I have removed the front weights in the spring to lighten the weight on the front axle when I do loader work. I do not think I'll remove them this year. My Bradco 611 backhoe really lightens the front end.

Bob

Any trouble with the chains on the front. I assume you have had them slip unequally? I understood this could frig up the gears?? If it doesn't hurt anything, I would like to have front chains. What type of chains do you have on the fronts?