Another rollover

[RoyJackson]

Part of the problem too IMHO is some of these FELs are quite large for the weight of the tractor they are on. It's like a guy at a dance...when he is dancing with a slim little gal, he swings her about. When he dances with Big Bertha, he gets swung about. Say no to Big Bertha FELs!

Mace makes a really good point about smaller tractors' loader capacities. Lots of folks consider the 3005/790 tractor's "meager" lifting capacity, but the capacity (800 lbs, depending on the year and loader model) is well matched to the size and weight of the machine. Quite a few smaller, lighter tractors have more capacity...but are they as well balanced?

However, it's as much a matter of reviewing the tractor/loader manuals (even the tractors that have "Big Bertha" loaders), following the ballast requirements and using a modicum of common sense.
Heck, we just had a 3-4 page thread on the wisdom of rear ballasting (3PH)...although a majority went with the ballasting (which is a requirement, per the loader manuals), but a solid minority were against using ballast on the 3PH). Sorry, I don't recall the thread title, or I'd link it here.

However, even savvy tractor owners such as TBNers can be woefully negligent in safety...just look at the number of pictures in which the ROPS is folded during operation (I do....and my estimate is somewhere between 25-35 percent).

 

[Reg]

No disagreement with any of the above, but...
but, But, BUT, BUTT !!!

Browse through this forum anytime and count up the posts asking about "upgrading" FEL cylinders to the next diameter, or turning up the pressure relief valve, defeating the starter interlocks on neutral, clutch, PTO neutral, whatever.

My belief is that a LOT of owners RESENT the existing limitations and go out of their way to bust through or override them.

There are also some who want to walk beside their tractor with nobody in the seat, so they can pick things up by hand and chuck 'em in the bucket or trailer.
So how do I defeat the seat switch on model xyx ?

Hmmm, if the loader is up high ENOUGH it probably helps with rollover protection - once the rollover has happened (-:
Is this in the minds of folk carrying the load high enough to see UNDER it ?

 

[Reg]

I am a new tractor owner and very concerned with this problem. I wanted to ask some questions about tire loading? 1. Who is equiped to do it? 2. How much does it cost? 3. Are there any drawbacks?

RimGuard was ~$3 a gallon here in Mass a few years ago.
There is a ~$10 valve adapter that you can use and DIY - "siphon" (as in high school).
It HELPS to use 50 gallon drums and put them up HIGH in the loader (more "head") - but of course you have to watch out for that old stability issue (-:
Have the tire you're filling just off the ground - floor jack.

Only potential disadvantages might be;
1) a big MESS and money on the ground if you get a flat,
2) the fact that it is there and remains there - - vs wheel weights that you can remove, if your back can take it (-:
3) may_BE a false sense of security ? (-:
The tractor doesn't magically get STABLE, it just gets a little less UNstable.
Tractors are still high c of g vehicles on a narrow track and usually on uneven terrain.