Backhoe Filled tires or backhoe as FEL counterbalance?

[carrerascott]

I am buying a new Kubota B7800 shortly and was planning to get the tires filled, but was searching and saw a post from someone saying they didn't need to get their tires filled because their BH was a good counterbalance to the FEL. I would like to keep my tractor as light as possible for yard mowing, so I'm wondering if I should skip the tire fill and just make sure I have the BH on when I use the FEL.

Thanks for any advice!
Scott

 

[KiotiJohn]

That's what I do, although I don't really finish mow much with mine, but the loaded tires are always going to be loaded and you can't just lighten up when you want to.
My backhoe does a great job of ballast for any loading I do, and I even use my tiller or boxblade as well, depending on how much of the max lift I really need.
Loaded is not always the best option.
John

 

[PineRidge]

Don't really like to use the BH unless it's needed for a particular job. I use a box-blade or a set of cast iron wheel weights, sometimes both together. You can take either one off quickly to lighten up your machine.

When I'm using mine for mowing duties I take the FEL off as well. The only time I rut the yard is when it's slush covered and I need to drive over it in the winter, sometimes necessary to get to the burn pile.

 

[pekabu]

If your trying to keep your weight down then there are other ways to counterbalance. With my tractor I find the boxblade not enough, and tend to use the BH most of the time (I have loaded tires). The issue is when going over rough ground. There is ground clearance issues with the sub mount, but I find the back of the bh to be a bigger problem.

Could go with a weight box, or a Boxblade and add weight if necassary.

 

[Henro]

The backhoe is great rear ballast without question.

The problem I have had in the past is having it hit the ground when I have the front wheels up on something, like a bank or when digging a big pile of dirt in a ramp like fashion. I have knocked the grease fitting off the bottom of the pivot point and have had to remember to raise the stick or the bucket digs into the ground.

Any number of times I have had to raise the stick so the bucket would not hit the ground when I was trying to dump to fill up on a bank of some kind.

For a small tractor like the B7800 or my B2910 a box blade seems to work pretty good as a counter weight, expecially with my loaded tires.

You could also make a rear weight that attaches to the 3PH. This is almost the cleanest solution, as it does not stick out as far to the side as a box blade and mobility in tight places is maximized. Some have used a plastic barrel as a form and concrete as the filler material. I guess a weight box as suggested previously would work about as good.

If you are working at odd angles, it is possible that the backhoe might raise the tractor's center of gravity more than something lower on the 3PH would...this might be worth considering depending on your circumstances...

 

[NewHollandOwner]

I was faced with the choice of wheel weights, ballast box or loaded tires when I bought my tractor. Dealer had horror stories about what a mess a simple flat can be with loaded tires and how the fluid is simply GONE at that point. I really wanted the tires loaded anyway, despite his experience. Ended up with 200lbs of wheel weights per side, same price as the fluid, removable (not that I ever will).
I would think it would be hard to get a flat in the R4's that most newer tractors are spec'd with?. Could be wrong on that though. As far as the BH for ballast, works great when it's attached, my father in law's Yanmar is stout when using the loader, take the back hoe off and she'll stand up on you. (without much warning, WHITE KNUCKLE MOMENT)! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[PineRidge]

If you are worried about a BH ground clearance or width problems on a box-blade here's another option for adding rear weight that can be taken off quickly.

 

[ronjhall]

I would recommend a <font color="orange"> Kubota </font>B8160 Ballast Box filled with concrete. It will be all the counterweight needed with a 402 FEL.
Here is a link to a picture of it. Click Here
This link will lead you to some discussion on weight boxes. Click Here.
A weight box allows the maneuverability that a BH will not allow.

 

[Jagmandave]

What a great idea, and should be inexpensive to do as well! Thanks!