Can't get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

[Buckie]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

I called the salesman at the dealership this morning and he said they sell the ballast box separately. I mentioned that I had neither a ballast box nor any liquid/weight in the tires and that I was a little concerned about using the FEL without any counterbalancing weight on the rear of the 2210. His response was that he would be glad to sell me the ballast box if that was what I wanted. I asked if the ballast box would work with the Imatch system attach system (which is what I have) and he said, "I don't know, I will have to find out". So, at this point, I am awaiting a return call. I am getting a feeling that this salesman is not very familiar with the equipment.
My plan is to buy the ballast box, assuming it will indeed work with the IMatch (which I believe it will), and, if need be, also get the tires loaded. I think I will use concrete sacks to fill the box. The issue for me is being able to lift the sacks, maneuver the Imatch and handle the weight of the box.....so I need to plan carefully. Since I am also getting a rear scraper blade to use occasionally, I will need to be able to use the Imatch to switch out between the ballast box and the blade.
I am also going to figure out how to fabricate two small tool boxes that I can mount on the ROPS between the seat and the interior of the ROPS. Anybody got any photos or ideas for this?
Speaking of ROPS, here's a question: In order for me to reach the pedals on the 2210 I have to slide the seat fully foward. Being a female with shorter legs this forward adjustment is necessary. I notice that by moving the seat way up, I wind up almost a foot foward of the ROPS enclosure. What good does the ROPS do if the driver's body position is outside the frame of the ROPS? Seems to me this is a design issue. If the tractor were to roll, I can't see how the ROPS would help me as much.

 

[JDFANATIC]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

Buckie,

The ballast box is I-Match compatible. It will be easy to switch back an forth. I used mailbox post concrete mix (the kind you pour in dry and then add water). It's not as strong as readi-mix, but who cares, it's just weight. If you do this, seal the ballast box seams on the inside with duct tape. With loaded tires, you'll be able to use the tractor with nothing on the rear for light work, with your blade for medium, and with the ballast box for the real heavy stuff. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif As for the ROPS, don't worry about having the seat forward; the design takes that into consideration. In the event of a sidewards tip, the ROPS does several things (as I understand it); keeps you within its protective envelope and not under the tractor, and stops a second roll when it hits the ground. Just remember, seatbelt on. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My plan is to buy the ballast box, assuming it will indeed work with the IMatch)</font>

It does work with the I-Match, but there is a kit that you need to go with it. I think it's about $30 or so.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( if need be, also get the tires loaded. )</font>

Loading the tires won't hurt, but if you are using the ballast box, you'll be fine.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think I will use concrete sacks to fill the box. )</font>

If you mean you will fill it with concrete, that's fine I suppose, but if you're worried about lifting, you can load it up with concrete bricks or gravel, or weight lifter's weights or anything else that you can load a little at a time.

Consider setting the ballast box down on a dolly so you can move it around in the garage.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What good does the ROPS do if the driver's body position is outside the frame of the ROPS? Seems to me this is a design issue. If the tractor were to roll, I can't see how the ROPS would help me as much. )</font>

Consider a line from the top of the ROPS to the front of the tractor. You just need to be inside that line.

Cliff

 

[Buckie]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

oK, thanks! I am awaiting a call from the dealer to tell me pricing and will ask about kit. I have a furniture dolly and putting the ballast box on it is great idea. I will do that! My plan is to load the box with weight(s) that are adjustable and removable. (and that I can lift in and out of the box)

Thanks for the comment on the ROPS. I can see where the ROPS frame will halt the rolling/tip motion. It just seemed a bit more exposed to be sitting forward of the framework by that much distance.

 

[Buckie]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

I just received a call from the dealer. They are recommending wheel weights (plastic) and loading the tires as opposed to the ballast box. Their rationale is that I would have to attach and detach box in order to use the rear blade (a valid point), and that the wheel weights and loaded tires would likely be sufficient. They say the plastic weights are less expensive.
The dealer says the weights (two per rear wheel) would add 100lbs. to each wheel. He says loading the tires would be equivalent to adding another 100lbs. per tire to each rear tire.
Help?? Does it make sense to start with loaded tires and wheel weights and see if this is OK? Seems kinda like shooting oneself in order to find out if the gun is loaded.
My plan is to use the FEL to load/move dirt, driveway gravel, brush, debris, etc.

 

[Dutch445]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

Buckie,
I'll add another comment about the ballast box.
In addition to traction, and stability, there is another reason
it is recommended to use the ballast box. Deere likes to see some weight behind the tractor, to reduce the amount of forces on the front axle when using the loader. If you said you were just going to push snow, it probably isn't too much of a concern, but digging dirt, and moving gravel etc. will definately put extra stress on the front axle,, and a ballast box will help offset that stress. If you go with Imatch, or even TBN advertiser Pat's Easy Change system, you will find it very easy to install and remove the ballast box,, again, if you are doing it on flat surface. (I prefer the Pat's system over Imatch, fits a wider variety of implements without modification)
Just like removing the loader, the flatter the area it is sitting on, the better, help keep everything lined up.
I would think with the ballast box, you probably shouldn't need wheel weights and filling the tires, maybe one or the other if you still need more weight.
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

Buckie,
I think this thread has diverged enough for you to start a new one, perhaps with the title "wheel weights or ballast" and ask the question again. The people with the most experience to answer your question may no longer be watching this thread since it was about FEL reattach problems on a 2210 specifically.

Cliff

 

[kennyd]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

I prefer the ballast box over the wheel weights and liquid, because I use my tractor for mowing, And thus I can loose the weight very easily. With the I-Match, and the proper adapters on your implements, loosing the wieght or changing from the ballest box to the rear blade is a piece of cake.

Do not let your salesperson tell you what you want, You tell him what you want! It does sound like he/she does not have a clue about SCUT's or CUT's. Is he/she from the Lawn and Garden section at the dealer? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Buckie]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

thanks, fellas. I will refrain from rambling on subjects! LOL. I believe use of the ballast box is preferable for me, in spite of what the salesman said. I think the point about the placement of the weight (behind the tractor) is important. I already have the Imatch on the tractor and I feel confident that I can manage the box on a dolly, as suggested, and keep it stored on concrete on my garage. will dispense with the wheel weights, get the tires loaded and get the box.
You guys are great. Thanks for the advice. You have been a BIG help to me.

 

[JDFANATIC]

Re: Can\'t get bucket loader to reattach on 2210

Buckie,

What size bucket do you have? I probably should have asked that in the beginning.

Go UConn! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif