Dutch445
Elite Member
I'll disagree on the ballast and I'll tell you why. The gentleman has problems with his gears not the wheel bearings. While adding ballast to the rear definitely takes weight off the front axle all you are really doing is adding stress to the gears. Once the rear is ballasted then all you have is four tires that can't slip to release gear pressure when you turn corners etc. The best suggestion yet is to not use front wheel assist when you don't need it.
then i guess all this propaganda from deere in our sales information is all a bunch of malarchy
per the JD Ballast information:
Why is ballasting necessary?
Proper ballast maximizes a tractor's overall stability and productivity by keeping all four wheels on the ground. For instance, when doing loader work, rear ballast provides a counterweight for material in the loader bucket. This counterweight keeps the most powerful part of the tractor's drive system, the rear wheels, planted firmly on the ground.
In addition to improving the tractor's performance, proper rear ballast will also maximize the life of the front-wheel-drive axle as well as other drivetrain components. For tractors equipped with loaders, signs of improper rear ballast may include premature tread wear on the rear tires, leaking front axle or pinion seals, and premature failure of drive line and front axle components.
Similarly, when using heavy 3-point hitch implements, it is important to have adequate ballast on the front of the tractor to optimize steering and increase traction of the front axle (for tractors equipped with four-wheel drive).