Kubota front weights?

[Agrantina]

I have a L3240-no loader- but do have front bumper with 3 weights (50 lbs each).. This past week I was unloading some stuff with the boom pole and the front tires bounced off the ground several times. I have used a 7ft disk and it felt like the front was floating just a little but they never came off the ground. I have a space on the bumper for one more weight to make 4 total.. What are the disadvantages of adding weight to the front? I can buy one for about $55.00

AndyG

 

[easygo]

It sounds like you could only end up better off if add more weight to the front. Other then making it a little harder on the ground I doubt that there are any disadvantages. Imagine the loader weighs at least 3-4 times more then the weights you will have on there. I have the same problem while mowing. Sometimes for moments I loose steering on the steeper uphills. The tires are on the ground but they just get pushed straight tearing up some grass.

 

[284 International]

On a tractor as large as yours, and with power steering, I don't think there will be any perceptible change in soil compaction, steering difficulty or anything like that. That L3240 is designed to run with a loader. A loader will weight MUCH more than 4 55lb suitcase weights, as well as being far in front of the axle, putting more force onto the front end.

There is no danger to your tractor from the weight. Putting more weight on and keeping it from bouncing is actually easier on the tractor than running light and having it bounce. Frankly, I'm surprised you can only get 200 lbs or so on it. Do it. You'll be safer and happier. If it still is light or bouncy you could put front wheel weights on and/or fill the fronts with liquid ballast.

 

[bp fick]

Without the FEL on, you'd likely benefit from front weights. I know on my B2320, sans FEL, and plowing or dragging, the front is too light for proper steering control. It just sort of skids in dirt. I'm on the look out.

 

[Agrantina]

Sounds like I would be good to buy the extra weight. I kind a thought a FEL loader weighted the middle of the tractor but it sure weighs more than 200lbs.. Yes the factory bumper design only allows for 4 weights??... Well just found out this afternoon after I get the extra weight on it..

AndyG

 

[slowzuki]

No the loader hangs way out front, removes weight from the rear axle actually. The loader weighs something like 1800 lbs with bucket and subframe.

 

[284 International]

As slowzuki said, the loader basically makes the tractor into a teeter-totter, with the fulcrum or hinge at the front axle. Lifting something heavy frequently, especially on smaller machines, will make the rear of the tractor lift, rather than the front. A bucket full of dirt-exactly what the loader is designed for- will put a load twice as much as it weighs onto the front axle. So unless the loader will only lift 100lbs, the front weights will always be a lot less load on the axle than a loader will be. You're totally safe. Load that thing up. :thumbsup:

 

[Agrantina]

Well just got the weights on the front-- Just needs to dry out some so I can test her out... Dealer told me that Kubota makes an addtional weight bar so you can add more if you want? He said i needed at least 4 to off set the weight that the L3240 would pick up.. Glad I got the extra weight now...

AndyG

 

[TripleR]

I am sure it will work fine for you, my L5030 gets a little light in the front when I have my Land Pride RCR2672 on and FEL off. I mow with the FEL off on flat ground and it is fine, but on much of an incline it is pretty light.

 

[Johndeere3720]

I have had a similar problem with my little yanmar. Luckily i can put 5 40 pound weights on the front of my tractor and it helps significantly with using my heavier implements. If I were you I would either buy the extra weight bracket from Kubota or make my own (more cost effective) and get a few more weights on the front to even out the load distribution on your tractor.