Help with Loader

[Typhoon]

Ok quick question. I have heard mention that when you are using a loader, you need weight in the rear of the tractor to compensate for it. Is this true? The tractor im talking about is a TC29D with a New Holland loader. The tires are NOT loaded. If rear weight is needed, when is it needed? And where can I find a 3 point hitch weight attachment?? I have seen pictures of a weight that just attaches to your 3pt hitch. Thanks!!
-Brad

 

[snowman]

Having some weight in the back is definitely beneficial. It all depends on what you're doing and how comfortable you feel.

I have a 5" rear blade - I think about 300lbx. Also have a 4" tiller - think around 450 lbs. I usually stick one of those on the back and each is more than sufficient to handle my fully loaded FEL.

The times that I don't want anything on the back is when I have to drive up a dirt pile, for example, as having something on the back hanging out will limit the angle that I can climb (because it scrapes on the ground).

One time when I first got the tractor, I was driving around clearing rocks my the house I had just moved into - sticking them in the FEL. Had nothing on the back as a counterweight. I had the FEL full of rock and threw one more on; the tractor slowly starting tipping over (was not on level ground; FEL was only raised up about 2'). I was able to just push against it to hold it up while I removed some of the rocks from the FEL.

I also had a situation a few weeks ago where I had about an hour of spare time, so I pulled my MMM off and stuck the FEL on with nothing on the back and then went to clear some silt out of a little drainage ditch that I had. Ended up getting stuck because the front wheels sunk a bit in the ditch (I was kind of facing downhill into the ditch). Since I had no weight on the back, I had basically zero traction. I could not even push myself out with the FEL. Ended up sticking boards everywhere and got it out, but had I had something on the back, I would have been able to drive out.

THerefore, if you are getting some 3 pt implements, you probably do not need to spend anymore money on separate weights. If you're going to pay money for weights, you might as well buy an implement instead (for a little more) as at least it will be productive.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color="blue"> If you're going to pay money for weights, you might
as well buy an implement instead (for a little more) as at least it will be productive </font>

That is good advice. We suggest all tractors that have FEL attached have tires loaded or add implement on rear or both for safety concerns--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Why not load the tires? is that your choice? They loaded my tires as part of the deal. when I first got the tractor I was moving gravel at the boat club and I checked to see if they were loaded because she was getting bouncy on me and they were. Has it left yet? Call them Monday and have them load the tires before it leaves. They should do it.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Because it's flat around here, I never have a chance to get all sweaty on the slopes like everyone else. But I did get a chance to have my heart go all pitter-patter when I picked up a heavy load with chains hanging from my bucket and realized I didn't have anything on the back - I have loaded rear tires, but the thing was still so unstable it felt like the load was in control, not me. Never again. At the very least, the box blade is back there. Makes all the difference.

 

[SageBrush]

I'm running R-4's for the mild tread and if I loaded the tires I would tear up the "lawn too much". I loaded my 2wd AG tire tractor, but my 4wd works fine with a blade on the back for loader work.

2wd tractors with loaders have the braking issue when going down hills. I prefer loaded tires and a box blade to keep those back tires planted on my hills or my bucket will hit the ground as a "braking device" too much when I'm working with gravel or full loads of dirt. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I ran a search to figure out why you would not load the tires. I see all the talk about lawn damage mowing with loaded tires. I have only had my tractor about 5 weeks and have not ,nor intend to finish mow with it (at this time). I have a cadet garden tractor bought when we built 5 years ago and pick up a used ZTR 2 winters ago(that's a great mower). I just got a TC30, 7308fel, R-4 loaded tires, my ground is hard clay, I have not notice it tearing up my lawn and I have been driving it almost everyday, but not finish mowing, only brush hogging the back, grading around the latest project, moving hay, dirt, big rocks, and manure. So I might of spoke to soon when I told Typhoon to load his tires. Everybody's situation is different, Typhoon don't listen to me ,listen to these guys, I'm just an excited newie myself. you will enjoy that toy/machine

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> I have heard mention that when you are using a loader, you need weight in the rear of the tractor to compensate for it. Is this true? </font>

Yes. You should have some counter weight. Either a weight box or a heavy implement will do just fine. Be safe. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tdenny]

Typhoon,

I almost always have one of my implements on the back when I'm using the loader (which is practically every time I use the tractor) and my tires are loaded as well. I move tons (literally) of rocks and have moved some without the extra implement on the back and I can definitely feel how light the back end is. I have turf tires and mow my grass and the loaded tires haven't caused any trouble whatsoever. As long as you are careful!! In my opinion you most likely wouldn't even be able to tell the difference if your tires were loaded (except for the positive effect of load balancing).