Ballast Front Wheel weights

[Gil Case]

My Kioti 20hst with Fel and 2465 backhoe is light (real light) in the front end when going up short steep hills. I am thinking of putting 62 pounds of foam in each front tire. Will this affect the front end wear and tear? Will I still be able to drive it a top speed (8 mph) on the road? Will this solve the problem?

 

[Gittyup]

I have the same problem on my CK25 with the backhoe on. But, I don't think 120 or so lbs is going to help much. When I need the front traction, I just load my bucket. Or go up backwards. Other than that, I'd go front suitcase. Not sure on the wear and tear thing. Dealer can probably tell you what is/is not acceptable.

 

[natem]

I had this same problem with my ck20. I filled them with liquid. Seemed to help a bit but the front still comes up on hills if your not careful.

 

[Gil Case]

Thanks for the suggestions, loading the bucket only works if you aren't intending to load the bucket at the top of the hill which is usually my case. I was told that you could not use suitcase weights with the fel. Backing up the hill is the best option so far. You would think that the mfgr would have some help if it is a prevalent problem with Kioti's with Backhoes.

 

[Gittyup]

I share your frustrations. My tractor with loaded rears actually has better traction without the backhoe. Makes me wish I had gone with Ag tires sometimes.

Wasn't sure if suitcases could be used with the loader or not. You might be able to rig up weights, attached to the grill guard or something. Also what if the fronts are filled and wheel weights added too?

 

[Gil Case]

I looked at wheel weights and they are awkward and most of them require you to take the weights off to check the tire pressure. With the foam each tire will weigh 100 lbs and I am already concerned about the affect of the weight on the tie rods, steering linkage etc. More tire weight in addition to the foam just doesn't seem to be the way to go. I would like to get the weight further out by the bucket, but then you lower the lifting capacity. That nice hollow tube between the two bucket lift arms looks mighty inviting to fill with something heavy, but I am not clever enough to know what, other than the suggestion that it is about the right size for beer cans.

 

[Gittyup]

Gil,

I agree with your concerns about excess weight on the front end. On the tube idea, you could get a slightly smaller pipe that fits in there and fill it with concrete. Again, I'd think you'd only get a hundred lbs. or so, and you'd have to devise a way to keep it in place. Not many other options:

only work when it's dry (what I do)
take the backhoe off (PITA to put back on)
weight on top of bucket (lowers your capacity)


Maybe a 100 lbs here and 100 lbs there will eventually get you there. Keep your bucket as low to the ground as you can; that helps too.

 

[Gil Case]

Not that there seems to be much interest, in this thread, but I did get the front wheels of my CK20S filled with 62 lbs of foam in each tire (totals about 100 lbs each tire now-more than I can lift anyway). Cost about $150 or so plus tax. I have noticed that it sticks to the ground better on hills, but still light. Contrary to most opinions, I have not noticed much difference with the ride. However, I do not mow with this tractor, so I am not on it for great lengths of time. I am about to pull the backhoe and put on the snow blower, I will see how it goes then.