To load or not to load a CK20?

[CBB]

I am seeking input. All of our tractors have had calcium or some other form of weight including homemade weights on the front end.

The CK20 does not have loaded tires. I am leary of loading them because the one drawback to the CK20 is the power on steep hills. On one hand, loaded tires improves stability and traction on slopes but it takes from the needed power for this small a unit. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of power but I am always pushing the envelope and could use more more more.

Open to suggestions and do I have to haul it to the dealer to load the tires or is their another way? My first choice would be wheel weights but I don't think they are available. Maybe I should leave well enough alone.

Thoughts?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Are you looking for front weights for when the loader is not mounted?

I have a TC24 which is about the same size as the CK20. I put on some wheel weights made out of 9" steel bar stock. The stock was used to slice the stock into 4 weights, each weighing just over 25# apiece. Drilled a hole in the center of them and mounted them on the front wheels using a threaded 1" rod. They are easy to mount when needed, come off in a snap when not needed. They only extend about 2" beyond the rim so they don't get in the way. Adding 100# to the front at such a low point helps keep the tires on the ground when hauling some heavy implement on the rear (especially when climbing steep hills).

 

[IslandTractor]

I have beet juice (Rim Guard) in my rear tires. No complaints and it is both metal and environmentally friendly. I am not sure but I think it adds about 600lbs total to the rear tires. I had the dealer do it before I took delivery and it was part of the deal I negotiated so I don't know what it would cost.

 

[Dmace]

My tires are loaded and I haven't found a hill I can't climb yet. Sometimes, when I am not paying attention, I accidently climb up the vertical face of the large rocks I am piling. I am sure the extra weight makes a huge difference with traction. I went through 12" of mud, and never slipped a tire. There were even dragmarks from the subframe dragging.

You might want removable weights if you are mowing a soft grassy area.

 

[williekioti]

I have my CK30's R4 tires loaded and am very pleased with the performance. I have excellent stability on slope(that's all I have is slope, no flat) and with a load on the FEL. Also has enhanced traction and have no noticeable reduction in hill climbing performance. Mine is a gear with couple more ponies but I would think your 20 would handle them as well.

 

[coasterez]

I have a CK25 with loaded tires. Wouldn't have it any other way - much more stability and traction.

You can load your own tires. There is a kit you can buy that lets you load through the valve stem. I think I saw it on ebay.

Removable weights are nice too if you get one's that are big enough to be effective.

 

[ToadHill]

I live in WNY as well and I've found loaded tires make snow removal a lot easier. I also noted you have chains on the front tires. I was told that you shouldn't use chains on the front wheels of 4 wheel drive tractors, don't ask me why but thats what I was told.

 

[3RRL]

I think you have more than enough power to climb those slopes. You'll run out of traction long before power. So I would load the tires for added traction and stability. Both excellent defenses against those slopes.

 

[CBB]

I don't plan on loading this tractor up and taking it to a dealer anytime soon.

Does anyone know off hand, where I can get a kit to load the tires?

 

[TBDonnelly]

Does anyone know off hand, where I can get a kit to load the tires?

GEMPLER'S

Don