Ballast Do I need Ballast?

[KubotaBX1860]

I have owned my new Kubota BX1860 (FEL, Grass catcher, Plow)for less than a week now and I have been trying to learn all I need to know about it. How do I know if I need ballast? The FEL is mainly used as my new wheel barrow and I don't anticipate lifting extremely heavy loads. If I do need ballast what kind is the best? I have been told by some that liquid in the tires is not good for the rims. Would bolt on tire weights offer enough weight? Are bolt on tire weights easily taken on and off?? I would like to hang the weight on the back but the grass catcher will be on most of the year.

Thanks in advance

DJ

 

[Combustix]

If you are not lifting heavy loads you should be okay. You do want some weight on the back to keep the tractor stable. Maybe keep the grass catcher full when moving anything with the FEL.

 

[whistlepig]

I have owned my new Kubota BX1860 (FEL, Grass catcher, Plow)for less than a week now and I have been trying to learn all I need to know about it. How do I know if I need ballast? The FEL is mainly used as my new wheel barrow and I don't anticipate lifting extremely heavy loads. If I do need ballast what kind is the best? I have been told by some that liquid in the tires is not good for the rims. Would bolt on tire weights offer enough weight? Are bolt on tire weights easily taken on and off?? I would like to hang the weight on the back but the grass catcher will be on most of the year.

Thanks in advance

DJ

If the tractor is doing everything you need it to do without ballast I can see no reason to add ballast. I bought a ballast box and chains to help move snow with the FEL. That was a good investment for me.

 

[RaydaKub]

I've had my BX2230 for almost 2 months. I was petrified when I went into a free fall with no weights on a hill. If you have any hill at all, you'll want it. I filled my tires with washer fluid (11 1/2 gallons each). And that wasn't enough. A simple load of landscape rock will convince you.

There are threads all over here discussing ballast.
Avoid calcium chloride - too much rust.
Washer fluid - not as heavy, but resists corrosion.
Water - can freeze if that's a concern.
Rim guard - beat juice - the best. Heavy, doesn't freeze, not poisonous.

Wheel weights are an option, but most are only 50 lbs or less. Not enough for a loader.
Anything heavy hanging on the rear end is good too. Lots of guys use a box scraper.

Happy tractoring and welcome to TBN.

 

[CalG]

Chloride in a tube is a no brainer. cost effective, and efficient.

Actually, chloride in tubeless works fine too, just replace the valve cores when they start to leak.
Steel can not "rust" if deprived of oxygen ;-)

 

[whistlepig]

I wouldn't recommend calcium chloride in tires.

 

[savageactor7]

We work our B model pretty hard and only require ballast for snow removal...mostly for ease and efficiency.

I cobbled this slip on/off tool carrier, in the winter I'll throw either tractor weights of cinder blocks on it makes a huge difference and it's low budget.

Very occasionally you might have the load (not overload) the FEL with something for max 4wd traction...those conditions are rare but it's best to to mindful when they occur.

Nothing more embarrassing when you have to call for help to free up a stuck Kubota due to operator error. But that's all part of the learning curve too. Enjoy your new tractor and may it's productivity be fruitful. :thumbsup:

whoops...you mean ballast as in filled tires?

We use to have filled tires but it didn't work on in our mostly low wet area. Once I put chains on the front we never looked back or ever gave loaded tires a second thought. But for certain applications that can be a useful strategy for getting the job done.

 

[RaydaKub]

I lucked out this weekend. Went to find some weights for my wheels and the guy said he had plates from a broken universal gym. 25 plates, 10lbs each. I bolted them to either side of a 26" drawbar (ok, only 24 of them so far). It is absolutely awesome how much it changed the way it handles. And stayed nice and compact too.

 

[psvines]

I pretty much all the time will attach the rear blade whenever I also attach the FEL. Early on there were too many times that I started tipping, even with only mulch in the bucket. I also have put liquid in the rears, but that is only 80lbs per side.

 

[RoyJackson]

I wouldn't recommend calcium chloride in tires.

Neither would I, but there are a lot of old tractors that have had CaCL in their tires for decades...