Tractor weights. Is this really significant?

[e.myers]

All weights without loader.

Kubota Grand L4240 44 hp tractor= 3671
Kubota Grand L3940 40.5 hp tractor= 3627
Kubota Standard L4400 44 hp tractor= 3307

So, only 50lbs difference between the two grand L models.
And "only" 364lbs difference between the Standard and Grand L 44hp tractors.

Recognizing that not everyone puts front end loaders on their tractors, when you do put a front end loader on any of these tractors you already make up the difference.

If you take into consideration that everyone doesn't opt for the hydrostat, well that's another 130 lb lighter tractor in each of the models.

Also, once ballast is added to the tires (if ballast weren't added to the other tractor) you'd already pass the weight also.

In the grand scheme of things I guess the question is, is there going to be a noticable difference in the traction of a tractor that is down 364 lbs.

And then, if there is, since a lot of people opt for the R4 tires anyway, am I going to improve traction 364 pounds worth just by switching to the Ag R1's?

I understand that ballast is a part of it also (from a front end loader perspective and probably more so from a heavy rear implement perspective) but that's another topic.

Just curious as to everyones thoughts.

Overthinking as usual.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I will give you my 2 cents on tractor weight. Heavier is better. Unless you have a particular job that requires that your tractor be as light as possible, weight is usually your friend.

I know that for myself, weight is a huge plus factor. I have two Mahindra tractors, one 75HP 7520 4x4 and one 32HP 3215HST 4x4. Both have loaders and R4 tires. Both machines have all 4 tires filled. It is hard to describe the difference in how the tractors feel with the tires filled. The 7520 is almost glued to the ground with the tires filled and almost 900lbs of wheel weights. Waaaaaay easier to load the bucket on the loader and to do ground engaging work with the 3PT implements.

With my 3215, I was going to leave the tires with air only due to how much the tractor will be transported. I thought that it would be nice to have a lighter tractor that I could move around easily, well it was just to light for me, and I was not able to work the tractor to it's potential. So I filled the tires and what a difference that it made, I can now load the bucket much easier and pull my box blade full up hill without any problems.

You asked if 364 lbs was going to make a difference, well about 10% is a plus in my book, but not enough to purchase that tractor just because it weighs more.

I know that all this may not really help you much, but you have been asking for a lot of opinions lately and I figured that I would give you mine on this subject. Are you any closer on you decision?

 

[DmansPadge]

If you are going for best traction definitely opt for the R1s. The R4s are the going thing and some people just love them but they don't compare in most all traction situations.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Personally I'd much rather see a tractor be properly ballasted, rather than just be stupid heavy. You can stall out R4's even on a light machine, so the amount of added traction that you get from raw weight is rather limited in my opinion. It is however very important to have ballast to balance out the implements your using, be that front or rear.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Personally I'd much rather see a tractor be properly ballasted, rather than just be stupid heavy. You can stall out R4's even on a light machine, so the amount of added traction that you get from raw weight is rather limited in my opinion. It is however very important to have ballast to balance out the implements your using, be that front or rear.

Niel, may I ask how much weight is what you would consider stupid heavy?

 

[e.myers]

Hey everyone. I thought everyone knew by now that I was leaning heavily towards the L4400... thus partial reason for the question. I know I've been cluttering up the board enough with posts lately.

Anyway, should be pulling the trigger tomorrow unless something drastic chages. Just got finished discussing with the Wife whether to get the L4400 or the Grand L 4240. Ultimately, 4000 was too much of a difference for me to rationalize. Only real downside for me with the 4400 is the front end loader related stuff, thus all the questions.

I think by loading my tires and using my tiller as a counterweight, I'll be fine moving the red clay I have around. If not, I'll just have to deal with it.

Definitely going with the R1's.

Mtnviewranch-
Well, by your 10% rule of thumb, I guess the 364lb difference is significant after all.

Messick-
Is that almost as simple as adding weight to the front for ground engaging work which includes adding a front end loader (only needed if front end wants to lift) and adding weight to the tires or further back if the back end wants to lift for FEL work (only needed if the back end wants to get squirrely with a full load).

Crossing my fingers!

 

[sunnyside360]

Niel, may I ask how much weight is what you would consider stupid heavy?

I can see where some applications like cutting lawn grass you would not want lots of weight. On the other hand, in just about any ground engaging work more weight is generally better.
I'm not sure what is meant by "stupid heavy" ??

 

[MESSMAKER]

I don't have my tires loaded on my current tractor, due to the increase in transport weight. That being said, I have used tractors in the past with loaded tires and they are better. They lower the center of gravity and make the tires bite better. I think it makes more difference than you would expect. R1 tires do give more traction.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Weight makes all the difference in the world. I have done things with my tractor, 28HP with me on it, rear wheel weights, rears loaded, 4 front suit case weights, and FEL that my neighbors 35 HP tractor could not think of doing. Especially snow removal and loader work. I have R1's and its at 5,200# His tractor, a JD, is only around 4,000# even with the rears loaded running R4's.

The weight and R1's make all the difference.

Chris

 

[biggerten]

If you need more weight, you could eat a few extra potatos.....