weight gain

[rb4410]

anticipating the first snow fall so i can get out on my 4410 to play/work if you will. i had bought rear wheel weights to the amount of 150lbs. and i am now considering loading the tires for a little extra advantage.hate to do it out of concern for corrosion to the inside of the wheels however i feel it would certainly keep the machine better planted to the ground. i'm sure there are plenty of opinions about this and was looking for that input,also i was considering using windshield washer fluid to do this but had a concern of it freezing.either way,i was also wondering how much to use.everywhere i run this machine is on a grade ,the extra weight i hope will increase my confidence as it gets a little scary at times,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[JerryG]

rb,
You are right 150# is not enough. If you do a search you will find enough to keep you reading until spring about adding weighs and ballast.

 

[Egon]

adding weighs

That is the one thing I have been able to accomplish over the past few weeks.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[dicker]

good morning.

I have a 4310 with an FEL and no weight in the tires. For ballast, I have a 6FT back blade. The blade also does a great job of removing snow. Good luck.
Richard

 

[RoyJackson]

Since you're concerned about corrosion inside the wheels, I assume you're considering using Calcium Chloride. Although I do understand that, you should know that tractors have used calcium chloride for years (decades) with few problems.

Of course, you could use another solution. My tires are filled with windshield washer fluid (not as much weight and more expensive). There's also Beet Juice.
You probably use windshield washer fluid in your car or truck. Never froze up, did it? And, PA doesn't get as cold as other parts of the country, so windshield washer fluid should do fine for you.

Adding weight to those tires does help stability immensely. If you've got to work on grades, I strongly recommend filling the tires.

 

[JDFANATIC]

I have the rear tires on my 2210 loaded with Rim Guard and am very happy with the added weight. Rim Guard is non-corrosive and won't freeze. If you develop a leak, it won't kill the grass or your pets. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rmonio]

I've steered away from adding any fluid to my tires and stuck with carrying my 72" boxblade or weight box if I needed extra ballast. I suppose if I really needed the weight, I could fill the tires but the current combination has handled my snow, grass cutting, rock moving, dirt stuff, etc. pretty well. I'm concerned that if I did fill the tires that I'd do more damage to my grass if I went that route (even with turf tires).

I'd be interested in hearing what others who have turf tires on 4600's have done - if anything at all - as I think the disadvantages would outweigh the advantages if I went to the route of filling the tires for weight vs. what I have now.

Good luck.

-Bob

 

[beenthere]

My impression from experience is that most 'turf' damage is done when a tire slips (loses traction) on the grass or turf, and that the weight in or on the wheels keeps that slippage to a minimum (versus 'crushing' the grass from extra weight).
Each will need to decide, but weight in the some form or combination of ballast box, 3pt attachments, tire fluid, or wheel weights is likely needed when using the FEL.

 

[RoyJackson]

"I've steered away from adding any fluid to my tires and stuck with carrying my 72" box blade or weight box if I needed extra ballast. "

The original post was about weight added to increase stability on slopes. I, too, use my back blade as a counterweight for loader work (although a ballast box would be much handier...more weight too).

However, the 3PH weight could be somewhat counterproductive on a slope as you have to raise it fairly high when you're transporting. Also, if one is using a rear mower...well, that's obvious.

Farmers use the weight to increase the traction when pulling ground engaging implements. I'm sure side slope stability is on the list too (seeing some of the farms in south central PA, you'd know what I mean.

If my lawn was flat...wouldn't have any use for extra ballast (for mowing). However, my lawn is moderately sloped...and that ballast in the tires adds a lot of stability and piece of mind.

 

[RickW]

Being somewht new to all of this, I was wondering how much extra weight is added when filling the tires with liquid. It sounds like there have been lots of posts in the past (which I should probably check) that may answer this.