Pros and Cons of loaded back tires

[KentT]

No, I don't change it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've just had several tractors -- I still have three and two out of three have loaded tires -- front and rear. I like a little extra weight on the front for using tillers and other heavy rear implements... for example, I have a 46" tiller on a 700lb (stock) tractor.

The other one, without loaded tires, is used almost exclusively for finish mowing and I didn't need or want the added weight.

I don't know how many old ones I've had. I've fixed up and traded or sold a few -- I've lost count. Having dealt with the after-effects of calcium-filled tires, I'll never use it. I have two sets of rusty rear wheels and tires in my barn now that I need to figure out how to safely and legally dispose of... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[KentT]

No, I don't change it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've just had several tractors -- I still have three and two out of three have loaded tires -- front and rear. I like a little extra weight on the front for using tillers and other heavy rear implements... for example, I have a 46" tiller on a 700lb (stock) tractor.

The other one, without loaded tires, is used almost exclusively for finish mowing and I didn't need or want the added weight.

I don't know how many old ones I've had. I've fixed up and traded or sold a few -- I've lost count. Having dealt with the after-effects of calcium-filled tires, I'll never use it. I have two sets of rusty rear wheels and tires in my barn now that I need to figure out how to safely and legally dispose of... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[rdbrumfield]

I didn't read all the posts, but I can understand the needed weight on the older 2wd tractors.
Usually hanging an emplement on the rear is enough for me when using the loader. Lifting a rear wheel to me is a fuse that lets me know to lighten up.
Adding weight to the tires and all we can put on the 3pt really puts a strain on the middle of the tractor, mainly the transmission bolts where they hook to the bellhousing.
The other thing is that it puts more of a strain on the drivetrain. Ever notice how the inside rear tire tends to dig up the ground when in 4wd when turning sharp? Making the machine heavier just makes bigger divots in the yard and makes every gear in the system from the front rubber to the rears, including those little differential cogs, front and rear, take that much more strain.
In my thoughts, by not using weights the tractor will have a much longer life. I can only think of a couple insances where I would use weight, plowing and trailer pulling. Having added weight in the rears for braking and downhill towing would be a great advantage. If you have never had a trailer try to get you sideways on a slippery hill, well, I hope you never do.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I didn't read all the posts, but I can understand the needed weight on the older 2wd tractors.
Usually hanging an emplement on the rear is enough for me when using the loader. Lifting a rear wheel to me is a fuse that lets me know to lighten up.
Adding weight to the tires and all we can put on the 3pt really puts a strain on the middle of the tractor, mainly the transmission bolts where they hook to the bellhousing.
The other thing is that it puts more of a strain on the drivetrain. Ever notice how the inside rear tire tends to dig up the ground when in 4wd when turning sharp? Making the machine heavier just makes bigger divots in the yard and makes every gear in the system from the front rubber to the rears, including those little differential cogs, front and rear, take that much more strain.
In my thoughts, by not using weights the tractor will have a much longer life. I can only think of a couple insances where I would use weight, plowing and trailer pulling. Having added weight in the rears for braking and downhill towing would be a great advantage. If you have never had a trailer try to get you sideways on a slippery hill, well, I hope you never do.

 

[TwinWillows]

On my 40HP tractor I did not load the tires when we bought it. We quickly found that using the FEL the manual was right in recommending rear weights so we used the box blade. This is not always convenient so we loaded the tires during the 50 hour service. What a difference. Now there's no need to hook up the box blade when using the FEL. We don't use the tractor for lawn mowing so there's no worry about tearing up the lawn.

 

[TwinWillows]

On my 40HP tractor I did not load the tires when we bought it. We quickly found that using the FEL the manual was right in recommending rear weights so we used the box blade. This is not always convenient so we loaded the tires during the 50 hour service. What a difference. Now there's no need to hook up the box blade when using the FEL. We don't use the tractor for lawn mowing so there's no worry about tearing up the lawn.

 

[KentT]

Yes, having the loaded tires is more convenient than having to put on a rear attachment to offset weight in the loader. Plus, it is much more maneuverable without something hanging 4' to 6' off the back of the tractor...

There's also the school of thought that having the weight resting on the ground (i.e. loaded tires) is easier on the tractor's frame and driveline than having the same amount of weight hanging on the tractors frame and being transmitted to the ground through axle bearings, etc. Further, having the weight down low, in contact with the ground gives the tractor a lower center of gravity and thus greater stability on sideslopes.

Like most things in life, there's pros and cons to every approach to adding weight...

 

[KentT]

Yes, having the loaded tires is more convenient than having to put on a rear attachment to offset weight in the loader. Plus, it is much more maneuverable without something hanging 4' to 6' off the back of the tractor...

There's also the school of thought that having the weight resting on the ground (i.e. loaded tires) is easier on the tractor's frame and driveline than having the same amount of weight hanging on the tractors frame and being transmitted to the ground through axle bearings, etc. Further, having the weight down low, in contact with the ground gives the tractor a lower center of gravity and thus greater stability on sideslopes.

Like most things in life, there's pros and cons to every approach to adding weight...