Is Full Time Use of 4WD a Problem?

[ovrszd]

Oh I understand completely what everyone is alluding to. But like I put in my prior post, the key here is to be sure you have adequate rear-ballast. I realize its not a perfect science but knowing this upfront what your potential heaviest front-load might be, would help the decision making and build/add ballast accordingly. Like you guys have all said, if you dont put enough and the rear tires rise, that front axle assembly is taking it all !

I'm sure I don't do it right. I'm not too bright. I add 3pt ballast to stabilize the tractor. I rarely, if ever, think about lessening the load on the front axle. I'm just trying to stay upright.

 

[ovrszd]

Waxman,, I feel your pain about the load of wood. I'm blessed with my own supply and still have the physical ability to cut it. I'm not picky about the type of wood, don't want to waste anything cut. But I'm very picky about the condition of the wood and that it's seasoned. My stockpile is always shedded from rain. I would have been very upset as well....

 

[WaxMan]

The pallet in the picture is the second pallet load brought into the garage to dry out, the one in the picture was covered since delivery, problem covering frozen wood then removing the cover there is even more condesation on the wood and under the tarp. It did not look that bad at delivery because it was frozen dry. We had a warm day while covered then refroze is what you see. Never ending problem in the winter. It's one thing buying unseasoned wood, it's another when the guy leaves seasoned wood uncovered then sells it in the winter.

 

[Bluegill2]

I'm sure I don't do it right. I'm not too bright. I add 3pt ballast to stabilize the tractor. I rarely, if ever, think about lessening the load on the front axle. I'm just trying to stay upright.

Your tractor is Huge! Larger than 98% of the tractors on this forum! You can get away with little or no 3 pt ballast!

My main reason for using 3 pt ballast is to take weight off the front end. 'Counter' the loader & load in the bucket. So the rear tires are doing most of the work & carrying at least half the load. But this also stabilizes the tractor... Makes it safer, easier to steer & saves the front end...

 

[Bluegill2]

See, I'm actually using the L3800DT as most folks would use a heavier 50hp tractor. I love the size of this rig, but really need a larger one. The way I make this smaller rig work is with a combination of proper ballast, 3 pt counter weight & 4wd.

The only time I wish for a larger rig is when mowing out in the open, or occasionally need a larger bucket on the front. I will get a larger Kubota at some point, but the L3800 isn't goin anywhere. It's a keeper!

 

[LD1]

I try to word things so as many people as possible can understand.

And I agree that on a Mich larger tractor, the rear weight isn't as important as on a small tractor. Though it is still important.

 

[k0ua]

See, I'm actually using the L3800DT as most folks would use a heavier 50hp tractor. I love the size of this rig, but really need a larger one. The way I make this smaller rig work is with a combination of proper ballast, 3 pt counter weight & 4wd.

The only time I wish for a larger rig is when mowing out in the open, or occasionally need a larger bucket on the front. I will get a larger Kubota at some point, but the L3800 isn't goin anywhere. It's a keeper!

Don I know you love your L3800DT, and its a great tractor, but If I could ever get you on a Kioti DK40se hydro.. you would love it.:cool2: I am telling ya, you would want to drag it home. Why don't you come down some time and play with my DK35se hydro. in my gravel pile.. the diesel fuel is on me.. your welcome any time. We might do some shooting into the pile too if you want. I know I am like the "dark side of the force" talking to you, but I believe I could convert you.. And it sounds like you could use a bit larger tractor in your operations. But not one so big as to be cumbersome. Come on down.!

 

[k0ua]

LD1 your welcome too, but I know you are "a bit far"

 

[dragoneggs]

Don I know you love your L3800DT, and its a great tractor, but If I could ever get you on a Kioti DK40se hydro.. you would love it.:cool2: I am telling ya, you would want to drag it home. Why don't you come down some time and play with my DK35se hydro. in my gravel pile.. the diesel fuel is on me.. your welcome any time. We might do some shooting into the pile too if you want. I know I am like the "dark side of the force" talking to you, but I believe I could convert you.. And it sounds like you could use a bit larger tractor in your operations. But not one so big as to be cumbersome. Come on down.!

Dang I wish Branson was a little closer to Seabeck :hissyfit: I want to play in your sandbox!

 

[Bluegill2]

Don I know you love your L3800DT, and its a great tractor, but If I could ever get you on a Kioti DK40se hydro.. you would love it.:cool2: I am telling ya, you would want to drag it home. Why don't you come down some time and play with my DK35se hydro. in my gravel pile.. the diesel fuel is on me.. your welcome any time. We might do some shooting into the pile too if you want. I know I am like the "dark side of the force" talking to you, but I believe I could convert you.. And it sounds like you could use a bit larger tractor in your operations. But not one so big as to be cumbersome. Come on down.!

James, I just might take you up on that. Thank you! I will get a larger tractor at some point, but want larger than a DK35. Probably a MX5100 & keep the 3800. The Kubota force is strong with this one! Shootin sounds good too!!!