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

 

[IslandTractor]

CBB, with your agricultural use, you may want to strongly consider RimGuard so any leaks don't hurt your bushes. I presume it can be purchased retail and I'm sure you can load tires with it as easily as with any other liquid. It is definitely more expensive than CaCl or antifreeze but it is environmentally much safer (and kinder to the steel than CaCl).

 

[TBDonnelly]

Liquid Tire Ballast & Wheel Weights - Rim Guard™

Don

 

[IslandTractor]

Yup, that's the stuff. But where can it be purchased? My dealer sent my four tires out to be filled commercially. I would imagine you could load tires yourself though as the stuff is essentially completely non toxic.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Yup, that's the stuff. But where can it be purchased?

Contact Rim Guard, Inc.

Don

 

[CBB]

So the Calcium Choride is mixed in what ratio to water and this is the substance which will or will not rust out the rim? By the way, thank you for the link Don.

 

[IslandTractor]

So the Calcium Choride is mixed in what ratio to water and this is the substance which will or will not rust out the rim? By the way, thank you for the link Don.

NO....CaCl is the stuff that WILL rust out your rim. RimGuard (beet juice) is the stuff that will not rust your rims and will also be non toxic to vegetation if it spills or leaks.

 

[TBDonnelly]

This particular tire fill attachment appears to be the most convenient and easiest to use since it 'automatically' releases the air in the tires while filling with your chosen 'mix'.

GEMPLER'S - Quick Fill Tractor Tire Attachment

Don

 

[CBB]

Rim Guard it is. Thanks for the help.

 

[CBB]

I contacted Rim Guard to find a dealer and then sent me a number and I called and the guy is coming tomorrow to the farm to fill the tires.

It is 90 for the service call and 184 total to fill all four tires with RimGuard.

Thanks for all of the advice. I look forward to winter with the added traction and stability of loaded tires.

I will say that one recommendation was to fill the tires with water...Now that seems silly.

 

[IslandTractor]

I will say that one recommendation was to fill the tires with water...Now that seems silly.

For NY State, yes, it was silly. However the guys in Florida and Southern Cal or Hawaii don't have to worry about deep freezes so it is not a completely silly idea. I imagine it would take a day at least of sub freezing weather to freeze water in tires so an occasional frost would not be an issue.