Nearly went over.

[Gee Ray]

Incorrect.

When the tractor rear comes off the ground, the front axle is the fulcrum and both rear wheel weights and loaded tires provide some counterbalance.

However, the same rear wheel weight and/or loaded rear tire weight on the Three Point Hitch is much more effective due to leverage of weight positioned further to the rear.

The wheel weights and loaded tires do nothing to transfer the weight of the load from the front axle. The front axle remains the fulcrum. This results in the wear and tear of the front axle. It also stress the front tires which results in the tire coming off the rim due to an overload.

Ballast on the rear of the tractor will make the rear axle act as the fulcrum. At this point the larger stronger non-steering axle can hold the weight. The steer axle will now be lighter thus reducing wear and tear as well as reducing the possibility of damage to overloaded front tires.

The weight added to the rear axle allows the tractor to pick up more of a load. However it does not allow the stress of the load to be transferred from the front axle to the rear axle.

A semi truck is setting on a scale and the front axle is to heavy. You can add all the weight you want to the rear axle and the front axle will remain to heavy. Move the 5th wheel behind the rear axle, making the rear axle the fulcrum, and the weight will lighten on the front axle.

 

[cqaigy2]

Generally doesn't the weight on the rear wheels act like a longer lever on the front wheel fulcrum and resist lifting of the rear wheels? Not talking about weight transfer.

 

[Gee Ray]

The problem is more involved then simply making a longer lever so the tractor can lift the load. As you know the front axle is mounted on a pivot. When the front axle is the fulcrum you need to balance both front and back in addition to left and right. This is not ideal. The added weight behind the rear axle is required for stability. With the rear axle as the fulcrum the tractor becomes more stable. The rear tires firmly planted on the ground prevent the twisting of the tractor. This benefit is improved when the rear axle is the fulcrum for the loader. This is addition to reducing the load and wear on the front axle.


People use the larger tractors without the rear ballast but that does not mean they should. Just like speeding down the highway. You get away with it until you do not.

 

[Alien]

I have had a couple of frights when the rear wheel has run onto a rock while I'm working. Fronts offer no stability whatsoever. My little Kioti can only lift about 300 KG but the loaded rears can still lift up if I'm not careful.
Most of the time my Flail mower is on the back which helps a little.

 

[bunyip]

I plan on getting a hay spike or forks for the 3pl so i can pick up a round bale on the back and two on the front next hay cut, will save a few trips a i can fabricate a pallet to put on thus making it a carry all.
Was going to get a flail mower but the council cut the front of our new place every month, that has saved me a bit.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A guy does feel a bit smug when ones saves the day with fast reaction. Not just fast but appropriate reaction.

 

[Alien]

IF you do decide on a Flail, check out the Hayes line. I have been very happy with mine. Hayes are down in Vic. Mine was about $1800 at the time.

 

[bunyip]

Have a few Hayes implements, they are good but pity about the colour

 

[Alien]

I like it!

 

[Aquamoose]

IF you do decide on a Flail, check out the Hayes line. I have been very happy with mine. Hayes are down in Vic. Mine was about $1800 at the time.

Nifty! Is yours with knives or hammers?