Pulling A ''Loaded Trailer'' behind A Ballast Box ??

[Gary Fowler]

I think my big concern would be getting too much weight on the rear and loosing my steering ability on the front end. Just be prepared to use the steering brakes to keep it straight but that can get hairy really really quick. Just keep it in mind when loading the trailer. I would keep it tongue end light so it doesnt add more weight than necessary to the rear. With that ballast box, you should have about all the traction you are going to get with those industrial tires.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think my big concern would be getting too much weight on the rear and loosing my steering ability on the front end. Just be prepared to use the steering brakes to keep it straight but that can get hairy really really quick. Just keep it in mind when loading the trailer. I would keep it tongue end light so it doesnt add more weight than necessary to the rear. With that ballast box, you should have about all the traction you are going to get with those industrial tires.

Since JohnDeere4300 wrote:

I have pulled a loaded trailer up the hill, and get to the top and the tractor slides sideways in 4WD!... That's happened several times trying to haul wood when the hill is wet!...

I'd suggest he add more ballast on the front end (wood in the bucket or ?) to ensure steering capability.
That...and staying off those wet slopes!

 

[jenkinsph]

The axle is moved forwards so I can pull it behind my ATV and not have too much tongue weight!... I've tried just hooking up to the draw-bar, But it didn't help much because of where the axle is now. ??

Bill

If you have a welder and you are handy consider making the rear axle slide to adjust the load on the hitch. You can have it adjust and pin in place, similar to big rigs. The reason I prefer this method is the tractor has less overall weight to deal with compared to adding the heavy ballast box.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm with Roy on the wet slopes, better to stay off of them.

I learned the hardway years ago, you have to pick your days to get the best results and maintain a level of safety.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

I'd suggest he add more ballast on the front end (wood in the bucket or ?) to ensure steering capability.
That...and staying off those wet slopes!

Yeah, I've been hauling split wood in my bucket too!

And I quit hauling wood when the hill is wet!!!

Thanks, Roy!!

If you have a welder and you are handy consider making the rear axle slide to adjust the load on the hitch. You can have it adjust and pin in place, similar to big rigs. The reason I prefer this method is the tractor has less overall weight to deal with compared to adding the heavy ballast box.

That's a great idea, Steve!!! :thumbsup:... Yeah I do a lot of welding, and that would be an easy fix!!!

Thanks!!!

Bill

I'm with Roy on the wet slopes, better to stay off of them.

I learned the hardway years ago, you have to pick your days to get the best results and maintain a level of safety.

No more hauling firewood when the hill is wet!!!

 

[Kodthree]

Sir,
Have you considered lifting your BB to its maximum, and pulling the loaded trailer off of the tractor's drawbar? An extended drawbar might do the trick, or adding the sliding tongue to the trailer as another poster commented could work. Measurements are certainly required. In this scenario, you'd have to make sure you had plenty of clearance between the bottom of the BB and the top of the tongue AND not go over dips or humps that would cause a "vertical" jacknife (?)! This way, you'd have the weight you need, a little less length than trailering off of your BB, and less lateral force acting on your tractor, thereby reducing the likelihood of a jacknife.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Pulling from the drawbar could likely allow you to remove the box blade completely. Most all of the weight on the drawbar transmits directly to the rear tires since it is not way out behind you like it is when attaching to the box blade or ballast box. Pulling from the drawbar is the safest way to move any load even if you overload, then it will pull up the front wheels thus lowering the drawbar which then acts like a lever to raise the rear end up thus reducing traction. You could get a see-saw effect but that would be about all. Ever watch a tractor pull contest, same effect.
IF you really load your trailer heavy on the front, then you might get a little light on the tractor front end. In that case, just throw a few logs into your FEL to hold down the front so you have a balanced load on the tractor.