Tires Newbie Question: To Fill, Or Not to Fill Tires

[GreenAcres]

Please bear with me as I ask another Newbie question:


I am just about sure now that the model I will buy will be a TC40 with a shuttle transmission.

Most of what will be done with this tractor is simple farming of 5 acres.

However, I will need to move two 1000+ pound, very ugly (according to my wife) surplus military generators every now and then from a remote position far out of the site of my wife and neighbors to a position where I can actually use them.

In addition, I will need to move a 1300 pound surplus metal radio shack from its current location to a new location on the farm.

I'm getting the 16LA FEL to help do that.

But now, here's my question.

Should I have the dealer fill the tires with liquid to weight down the tractor or leave them filled with air?

Will liquid filled tires hinder my wife's simple farming chores; ie, tilling, bush hogging, planting seed?

Will air filled tires make it more difficult for me to pick up and move these heavy military surplus items?

Thank you in advance for your insight and information.

 

[AndyMA]

Personally I'd fill the tires with RimGuard. I have filled all of my last 5 tractors rears with either Calcium or RimGuard. That shed sounds more like something that will be dragged since I'm pretty sure that the TC40 won't lift it. I know there is a lot of discussion here about filling tires, and weights, etc. On my 2120 which is one frame size up from the TC40/45, the manual says to use the loader at its rated capacity, requires filling the tires, AND 160# per rear wheel of metal weight AND a 465 # 3 pt hitch counter balance. The Ford bulletin I'm looking at recommends filled tires for all loader operatiions on tractors from the 1110 up to the 2120. I know my dealer requires a customer to sign a wavier if he delivers a loader equiped tractor without filled tires.
I think much of the concern about loaded tires "sinking in" is also overstated. I also keep my tires inflated to their rated pressure even when loaded.
Just my thoughts

Andy

 

[MikePA]

Welcome to TBN, GreenAcres. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

For future reference, it's not necessary to post the same question in multiple forums. I will lock the other one so you do not have to check more than one thread for answers.

 

[DocHeb]

You will not need additional weight for your wife's gardening activities listed. There is a theoretical consideration of additional weight being bad, since it will compact the soil, but again, I'm not sure how much of a real-life consideration this may be.

Many people use an implement (such as a tiller) to add hundreds of lbs as a counterweight when using a loader. The advantage of this is that you can remove it and remove the weight. The disadvantage is that you have to hook it up, and it does stick out the back a bit.

I don't believe a TC40 will lift a 1300 lb shed with the FEL independent of any rear weight or filled tires.

Although the rated lift weight limit for the 16LA is 2000 lbs, that is rated at the bucket pivot. The weight limit at 19.7" forward is 1540 lbs. To lift these amounts at these load points most definitely will require loaded tires or rear counterweights.

I suspect the shed will be extended beyond 19.7", and the increased lever arm out that distance will effectively lower the capacity of the FEL.

The three point hitch might be used to move a shed weighing 1300 lbs by using a three-point pallet fork arrangement. The TC40 3PT capacity is 2300 lbs, 24" behind the balls. You will need weight on the front of the tractor to carry this. Most folks will fill the FEL bucket with gravel or soil to give front-end weight; front end "suitcase" weights are also used as front-end counterweights.

 

[MMILLER]

I purchased a TC40 with shuttle shift in July of 2003. I am very pleased with this Tractor. My dealer will not put one of his tractors out without loading the tires. I have R4's on my setup with the 16LA loader. This past year I was doing a lot of front end work dirt, stone, etc. and even with the loaded tires I still found it nessary for a scrapper blade as extra counter balance. You will find that alot of things can effect Loader tractor balance when moving heavy items, uneven ground,speed, turning, rocks or other things sticking up so as to through the balance off in different direction. One key thing to remeber is keep your heavy load as close to the ground as you can for ground clearance and moving. This way if you become off balance you can lower it to the ground quickly.

 

[RoyJackson]

I would definitely have those tires filled. Considering the weight(s) you need to move, you may still need additional ballast.

Another alternative....is there any way to get those generators on a skid or trailer so you can tow them rather then lift? Same thing with the metal building...maybe jack it up to load on a trailer.

Towing those weights would be much safer and easier on the tractor. Remember, the only safe place to rig any towable unit is to the tractor's drawbar!

But, I'd still get those tires loaded...

 

[PineRidge]

I'm one of those guys that likes wheel weights instead of liquid ballast in the tires also. I think most anyone that has ever had to change or repair a flat rear tire that is liquid filled appreciates removeable wheel weights as well. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[AndyMA]

Mike

I don't disagree that liquid filled tires are a pain to change or repair. The problem is that you just can't get enough weight for serious loader work without filling the tires. On my TN I carry 1600 # of RimGuard plus another 2000# of backhoe. The weight on the 3pt hitch is typically multiplied times 1.5 times weight on the wheel to account for where it is located.

Andy

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Should I have the dealer fill the tires with liquid to weight down the tractor or leave them filled with air?
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If your property has lots of bushes with big thorns (here in Texas, we have mesquite trees) I'd consider wheel weights and a 3PH weight box. Otherwise, if you don't forsee having lots of flat tire hazards, I'd fill those tires really quickly. As others have suggested, use Rimguard or similar product for the best ballast and winter protection.

I'm also going to agree with Chris (DocHeb) that you should consider using your 3PH to lift and move heavy objects. The FEL may be the most convenient, but your 3PH will give you both the most weight lift and the best stability for handling heavy objects. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[henryjacobjosh]

Personally, I would rather use wheel weights and implements to add for counterweight. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Not as permanent as loaded tires. A BH works great for counterweight. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif