Can i use another Tractor for weight on the Rear?

[deere4320]

Hi All,
I found i set of 3PH forks i am very interested in. On my 4320 i have unloaded R4's, and when i try to lift something heavy i always get a little worried and i would like better traction. For loader work if i strapped the old wheel horse down on the forks (it weighs about 700 pounds) would i find better traction? Or would the only ways be a ballast box or filling the rear tires?

 

[Dmace]

Weight is weight, you will definitely notice the difference with the weight on the rear. It might be a little awkward depending on the size of the tractor but that is the recommended amount of ballast (700lbs) for most tractors.

I notice when I take off my backhoe and just have the boxblade on the rear, I can lift the loaded R4 tires off the ground when picking up something heavy. Also, I loose traction much faster and it will dig to china if I stay on the pedal.

Here's a funny video from a poster here on TBN that lifted a buddies tractor with his 3pt hitch then lifted another with the loader at the same time.
YouTube - Man Lifts Tractor

 

[20 20]

Seems like you could find something better/safer then another awkward tractor, maybe a barrel full of rocks?

 

[gwdixon]

Hi All,
I found i set of 3PH forks i am very interested in. On my 4320 i have unloaded R4's, and when i try to lift something heavy i always get a little worried and i would like better traction. For loader work if i strapped the old wheel horse down on the forks (it weighs about 700 pounds) would i find better traction? Or would the only ways be a ballast box or filling the rear tires?

The rear forks will work well for ballast. Piling anything on them or on a pallet will balance the FEL. 700 pounds should be enough to do the job since it will be well behind the rear wheels.

I use the rear forks for hauling a pallet with a large generator, welder, and air compressor. The front wheels will barely stay on the ground with my Kubota BX2200.

 

[Travelover]

Seems like you could find something better/safer then another awkward tractor, maybe a barrel full of rocks?

Yea, do a search here. Many have made ballasts from a barrel of cement with a rod stuck through to engage the 3 PH arms.

 

[Thomas]

If I,I'd bite the bullet have tires loaded.
If you had project etc. and forks w/weight could be a pain..even w/tires loaded you could add on more home made rear ballast need be.

"i strapped the old wheel horse down on the forks"

Straps/chains can loosen,sure dislike the thought of backing over such rear weight you planing on using.

 

[Baby Grand]

Remember to consider where the center of gravity is going when you ballast. Lower is better, especially when ballasting for FEL ops. Also, make sure the ballast is well secured - nothing worse than a moving CG to throw you on your side.
-Jim