Comparison Loaded tires or Ballast Box?

[HammA5690]

I'm in the middle of negotiating on a jd 2520. The dealer seems to lean toward loading the tires and says that this will not tear up the lawn while mowing with r4's. I would think that being as light as possible while mowing and as heavy as possible while doing loader work would be best. This is why I would think a ballast box would be best. What are everyones thoughts. Ill be mowing, plowing, loader work, and pulling a trailer of firewood.

Thanks

 

[johnk]

Loaded tires give more stability on uneven ground. Ballast box on back is pretty much standard when doing loader work. With the box it takes weight off the front axle whereas with the loaded back tires it doesn't help the front axle at all but will definitely make the tractor more stable and keep the back tires on the ground..

 

[Gittyup]

Tough call. If I were mowing, I'd go with the weight box. However, for serious loader work loaded tires and a ballast box together is best.

 

[kennyd]

First, loaded tires do not replace a BB for FEL work...the weight needs to be behind the rear axle to properly offset the added weight on the front axle. That said, I agree that having tires loaded is not best for finish mowing and I prefer a concrete filled BB hanging on a iMatch QH.

 

[Runner]

There is another option: wheel weights.

Doesn't put as much weight on the tires as loading, but a heck of a lot easier to remove if you decide you don't need it. I need the traction so have six wheel weights on at all times.

 

[TNTractor1]

Runner, I take it you have been happy with wheel weights? I have decided against filling the tires, and instead plan to buy at least 2 wheel weights per side (maybe the max of 3)... The weights for our tractor (2520) is 60 lbs per weight correct? I am thinking the weights will help with the slopes on my property. Can they be installed even when the wheels are in the "wide/reversed" position?

 

[revitupfaster]

I also have the 2520 with R4's, and I went for the ballast box. One of my main objectives was pushing snow with a blade, and the BB sure does help with traction issues for that job.

That being said, I'm also glad that I can drop off the box when mowing. The 2520 is a fairly heavy machine, and I have found that although the R4's aren't too tough on the lawn, you do have to be careful, especially when turning. I realize that is a front end issue, but still, I wouldn't want any more "permanent" weight on the rear when mowing.

REV

 

[whistlepig]

I like to keep the tractor as light as possible for mowing. I do have my tires filled. But as johnk says I do this for the added stability. To me a tractor just doesn't feel right with out loaded tires. For loader work I use a ballast box. The addition of the loader and the ballast box adds another 1,200 pounds to my tractor. Weight when I need it.

 

[Runner]

"The weights for our tractor (2520) is 60 lbs per weight correct? I am thinking the weights will help with the slopes on my property. Can they be installed even when the wheels are in the "wide/reversed" position?"

Yes. My wheels are in the reversed position and I have three weights per side. And you are correct, they are 60 lbs each.

I started out with two per side and couldn't tell any difference. Three is a little better, but still kind of light. I think it's a fairly good compromise between traction and lawn-friendliness.

 

[Deadman]

Ballast box, so light for lawn, and heavy for loader work.