Well, my B7800 has been a great asset in doing all of our landscaping and while it has a loooong way to go until retirement it is seeing less heavy work these days. Now it is being used to mow the lawn at least once a week and regrade the gravel drive once a month. I still do some material moving including some pretty large rocks and some box blading on occassion but not what I have in the past. What I am wondering is whether I will notice a big difference in those heavier jobs if I "unload" the tires (I would still use the box blade as ballast of course). I am thinking it would make a much better mower if I could get that extra 500 or so lbs. out of the rear tires and be a bit gentler on the lawn. What do you guys think? Am I going to gain much by draining the tires for mowing and on the flip side am I going to lose much when it comes to loader and box blade work (and snow plowing)? Thanks for any advice.
Because the B7800 is so light, I would worry about the loss of traction that would result from reducing the weight, and damage that might result from spinning tires. I don't see mine marking the ground except when I lose traction. However, I only rarely run on lawn.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Well, my B7800 has been a great asset in doing all of our landscaping and while it has a loooong way to go until retirement it is seeing less heavy work these days. Now it is being used to mow the lawn at least once a week and regrade the gravel drive once a month. I still do some material moving including some pretty large rocks and some box blading on occassion but not what I have in the past. What I am wondering is whether I will notice a big difference in those heavier jobs if I "unload" the tires (I would still use the box blade as ballast of course). I am thinking it would make a much better mower if I could get that extra 500 or so lbs. out of the rear tires and be a bit gentler on the lawn. What do you guys think? Am I going to gain much by draining the tires for mowing and on the flip side am I going to lose much when it comes to loader and box blade work (and snow plowing)? Thanks for any advice.
Matt )</font>
IMHO Matt, I would not unload the tires. However that is a personal preference. It will make a difference in Loader, Box Blade and sno plowing. Think about it like this... with the 500 lbs +/- you will have less traction. Less traction will not allow the full power of your tractor to work.
I tried my tractor (Shibaura 2200 4X4 without loading tires with my loader, plowing and such. Then someone here enlightened me to loading tires. I loaded them and it felt I had a much bigger tractor with much more power, and I am very pleased with my selection now.
I have heard of people having two sets of tires... one set loaded for heavy work and a set for mowing. That might be an option for you.
John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
What kind of tires are on your Kubota? Have you experienced marking on your lawn (other then the grass being flattened by the tires)?
I run a Deere 790 (with Industrial type tires) which is pretty close to your B7800 as far as power and weight. My rear tires are filled. I have experienced little damage to the lawn other then scuffing from the front tires if I'm using the front assist (4WD). Now, I'm not looking for a beautiful lawn...just green. FYI, I do not operate the tractor on the lawn if it is wet and I only use 4WD when I'm backing down and driving up a steeper slope.
My opinion is to leave the tires filled. There are advantages of more stability and traction. There is also advantages when you are doing loader work.
I do not see any disadvantages, unless your lawn is to be as well maintained as a golf course.
