Dealer recommended no ballast in tires

chrisjbell · Jul 27, 2003

Hi Fred,

I've got these nasty pseudo-cherry trees that have long, sharp thorns on 'em that were eating my tires for breakfast, lunch and dinner before I filled them. Could be coincidence - I don't claim to be an expert, but will admit to being a "loaded tire" fan /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

That didn't stop a big, thick wire from poking through one of the rear tires, though. I realized something was wrong when I felt liquid hitting me each time the tire rotated - and then when I saw the wire sticking out. Much cursing ensued. And this brought up one of the big disadvantages to loaded tires - they are really no fun to pull off (should have had the brains to empty it *first*, but didn't /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif).

Anyway, they work for me and on my tractor I can't put weights on the front with the FEL installed (no room - bad design). I'm on hills, and the filled tires make a huge difference...Chris

bgott · Jul 28, 2003

Lifting the back tires off the ground doesn't bother me, it's that quick lurch to one side or another until the frame hits the axle stops that makes me nervous.

Phred · Jul 29, 2003

Of course your right. The total weight on the tractor is the sum of the loads, and a long heavy implement will create a torque.
But the key question is do the filled tires give as much as the air filled? That is where I understand the key difference is. But then again I may be all wet.... or dry in this case....

This is one issue I would love to be wrong on since window washer fluid in the tires would be a big plus. But swaping one of those big rears in the middle of a muddy field with liquid is a steep price to pay. Even if you drain the liquid you need to refill. And of course the flat will occur on the coldest mudiest day 2 miles from the barn.

I just hear the same story from multiple farmers with a lot of gray hair. May just be the growth and land in my area.

If you look at my ags they have a number of cuts and scar marks that look bad but did not penetrate to create a leak. Would that be worse with filled? Don't know.

Fred

rambler · Jul 29, 2003

Perhaps your ag neighbors are saying that flats are more common in your area, not that you get more flats because of the fluid? More flats, and one would be less inclined to run fluid, I can see that.

One tractor on this farm has had fluid when dad bought it, with tubes, 34 years ago. I assume it had fluid since it was new, back in '55. We had 2 flats, no real rust - no more rust from the CC than from the time the battery blew up. The other tractor has had fluid all it's life in all 4 corners - it's a '77. Had about 4 leaks on that one. I didn't flush it right on the last leak, so a tiny bit of surface rust, but nothing to bother a 26 year old machine. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Often when you get a flat, most of the fluid leaks out, so not such a weight problem. The coop that repairs tires for me prefers service calls, to repair the tire while on the tractor. I prefer CC for fluid, as it's not as hazardous to the enviornment as antifreeze when you do get the flat.... aside from CC being heavier & the right tool for the job.

Where I live, 'cold' is 15 below. How do you get cold & mud at the same time? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

--->Paul

chrisjbell · Jul 29, 2003

And of course the flat will occur on the coldest mudiest day 2 miles from the barn.


And right where you can't get a truck in to haul the flat tire away /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif...

MikeIIA · Jul 29, 2003

There are many reasons and options involved when adding weight (ballast) to any tractor.
If you are using a FEL it is best to have the ballast on your 3 point hitch. This is because this will help take some stress off the front axle while still providing stability. Having it in your rear tires (or cast iron tire weights) will still work however the full weight of what you are picking up with you FEL will rest on the front axle.
If you are pulling an implement it is possible to have too much rear weight. Too much rear weight when pulling an implement can be seen. The tires will not slip at all. There should be some slippage. This "light slippage serves as a safety that stops the extreme stress on the tractor drive train.

chrisjbell · Jul 29, 2003

I almost always have an implement hooked to my 3PH - when doing FEL work I have my blade on the back, since I'm moving gravel or dirt and that way I can use the blade to level out what I drop with the FEL. When I use my brush hog, I usually remove the FEL (for a number of reasons).

I get slippage, even with my loaded tires and implements front and back. I've got a pretty light tractor, and I don't have a problem with having enough torque - I run out of traction first.

But you're right, there are a number of issues involved. But since my additional ballast is in the wheels rather than supported by the frame of the tractor I minimize the stress on the axle(s) itself as opposed to carrying the weight on either the front or rear axle.

JeepOne · Aug 6, 2003

Kevin, around our area, loaded tires are a must. Got lots of steep hills. Sure does make a BIG difference. The tractor seems to be more stable with that added weight. Also, if you plan on doing FEL work I would highly recommend loading. Sure keeps the rear wheels on the ground no matter how much you lift. Loaded tires put the horsepower to the ground instead of wasting it by spinning the tires. The only disadvantage of loaded tires other than flats, IMHO, is the added weight that could damage the lawn when damp. I use a lawn tractor to cut the lawn and keep the tractor for fun projects. Have'nt had any problems yet.

Bottom line: Loading tires is a no brainer when heavy FEL work is expected....

Ken

Phred · Aug 6, 2003

( Where I live, 'cold' is 15 below. How do you get cold & mud at the same time?
)

Murphy....

I tell you what. I will swap you four months of ~100 oF and ~100% humidty for a few months of your cold any day..... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

spanky8N · Aug 6, 2003

My rear tires are filled and I would not have it anyother way. I have heard good things about filling them with foam. Once you do though you have to cut them from the rims if you change your mind.
Good Luck!