Ballast Front weights for CK20S

[Donfi]

Hi I have a CK20S with a back hoe. My property is quite steep 13% grade in parts of my driveway with many changes in slope direction. Manouvering this terrain with the back hoe attached is a challenge. When possible I load the FEL which makes things much better, but this is not always possible.

My question is, has anyone used front mounted weights when working with the back hoe and if so how much do they help? Also can they be mounted with the brush guard installed?

 

[Bousez]

you can get the front tires filled ...

adding some weight to the brush guard... watch for the clearance between the loader and the brus guard ...

 

[Gil Case]

I loaded the front tires with foam, they now weigh 100 lbs each. That is better, but not all better. If you put suit case weights on the front grill, you cannot use the FEL. I am real careful going up hills and back up anything that gives me the willy's.
I have not found the answer, especially if you are taking a fel loads down the hill, then you have to go up the hill with the fel empty. It is pretty spooky when you cannot steer because the front end is so light.

 

[PatasColo]

Just so you know DonFi, I realized the same issue as I went up a part of my drive with my CK20S with backhoe... The tractor felt like it was "floating" just a bit, and then I notice the front wheels just barely touching ground. That backhoe is a real weight out back, especially for the CK20.

I read (I think here on TBN) that there are reasons not to load the front tires.... might even affect the warranty. You'll have to search for and verify that info yourself.

I've been thinking I'd like to have some hooks on my FEL bucket, and use them to chain in a rock or two from my property (since bucket may have to have lip tipped down for backhoe setup/usage - I want rock to stay in).
Let me know if you come up with a better solution.
-Mitch

 

[Donfi]

Thanks for your input. If the suitcase weights eliminate the use of the FEL that is not an option.
I also travel with rocks in the bucket when I can, but usually hauling material one way or the other. My biggest problem is running across the slope. Have been on two wheels more than once, keep one hand on the FEL lever for a quick drop and recovery.

Will likely try loading the rear tires to see if that helps. Don't want to load the fronts if Ican avoid it.

 

[Gil Case]

I was told to load the fronts by my dealer when I inquired about the floating front end. I cannot imagine that it is a warranty problem. Doing a wheely up hills is not an option. I also moved the bucket out about 4" by adding a quick detach that MIE sells, but it is still spooky at times. I thought about folding the back hoe to one side, so it shortens the lever arm, but was told by dealer that would make the tractor too unstable and dangerous.
So back up those steep hills is my only fix at the moment

 

[kiotiken]

I don't know, but I'd be concerned about loading the fronts, that's going to add extra stresses to a bunch of parts. I'm sure most have seen the thread about the broken front axle (now both sides) on a CK20, loading the fronts would make me nervous.

By all means, load the rear tires. It puts A LOT of weight down low, right at the ground, and you'll be astonished at the difference it makes. I don't know how often you remove your bh, but getting enough ballast for loader work without a bh is hard unless the tires are loaded. I won't have a tractor without loaded tires again.

 

[DAY]

When running across a slope, swing the hoe to the uphill side, for "ballast". Works like the outrigger on a catamaran. That said, try to stay away from crossing a slope if possible.

 

[ritcheyvs]

So back up those steep hills is my only fix at the moment

As I recall, backing up steep hills IS the school solution. I would be surprised if loading the front tires made a big difference (They are small. how much can they possibly hold?). You really don't want to test the ROPS and recovery is harder on a steep hill.. Also, there is a risk of hydro-locking the engine (with oil) if it's tipped excessively for any length of time.

 

[PatasColo]

I was told to load the fronts by my dealer when I inquired about the floating front end. I cannot imagine that it is a warranty problem. [...]

I've attached the page I recall that talked about loading the front tires (text is in the box)... Interpret as you see fit. (This is from CK22 manual, which should be the same as the CK20S.. just a different model number overseas).

I also agree with that post about "backing up the slope being the school solution."... My online searches all more or less verify that this is the recommended approach.

In any case, let's all be safe! :thumbsup: It should be known that the weight and leverage of the backhoe in particular on the CK20 models is both a boon (for ballast) and a possible hazard (when going uphill facing forward).
-Mitch