New FEL on 2wd tractor

Zoombah · Sep 4, 2006

I recently added a FEL to my 2WD New Holland TN65D and am in the process of figuring out how best to address the counterweight issue. This forum provides many effective solutions. One thing I have not seen discussed is the load bearing capacity of the front tires. My TN65D has 9.50 x 15 6-ply front tires. Front axle capacity (6,600 lbs I believe) should be adequate to handle anything my loader can "theoretically" pick up (around 3,000 lb max - Bush Hog 446). But if I was able to do that would the front tires burst?

roxynoodle · Sep 5, 2006

I'm no expert but I'm going to say probably not unless they are in really bad shape. One thing I have noticed on my tractor is that my front tires are in pretty bad shape these days but the rears have almost no tread wear. So I suspect a loader is hard on front tires. My tractor is also old (25-27 years) and may have the original tires on it. I don't know if the tractor has always had a loader on it or not but I will be buying some new front tires soon. I would expect though that your tires will last many years.

Fredex · Sep 5, 2006

I don't know the load capacity of 6 ply-rated 9.50x15's. But you will probably be OK. Just make sure the air pressure is close to the max rating stamped in the sidewall. If max psi is not noted on the tire, the old rule for 6 ply was 45 psi.

Billy_S · Sep 6, 2006

While it is possible you have 6 ply tires, that is weird, in that size. I have tire data in front of me that lists an 8 ply as carrying 1870 lbs at 48 psi.

john_bud · Sep 8, 2006

Zoombah,

You should plan on 3500-4000 pounds of counter weight. That would include tire fill and wheel weights. But, do put a bunch on the 3pt as that will take weight off of the front axle. It will thank you in the long run!

jb

LeadPoison · Sep 10, 2006

I have a 2 WD Kubota M4900 (54 HP) with a Bush Hog 346 on it.

I loaded the the rear tires with water and anti-freeze which helped.

I also filled the front tires to max psi, however I would get a lot of bounce travelling with a bucket full or no load for that matter.

As luck would have it, we also got a flat tire on the front and we foam fillied the fronts. It took all the bounce out and rides solid, not rough though.

Best thing we have done yet. NOT cheap though at almost $400, but we never have to worry about a flat again.