Wheel spacers or weights for slopes?

[RaydaKub]

Lets not forget, that once the tractor is leaning towards it's side,
as in mowing "side to side", on a slope, the CG is now changed.

That's a great point. And if you think of just the wheel itself, the fixed weight is going to shift its CG much faster than the fluid that sits right on the ground.

 

[CobyRupert]

Lets not forget, that once the tractor is leaning towards it's side,
as in mowing "side to side", on a slope, the CG is now changed.

Unless you add/delete or relocate weight on the object, the location of the object's C.G. is at a fixed location no matter how the object is rotated.

Liquid loading the tires will lower the C.G. more than the equivalent wheel weight centered on the axle.

 

[Texasmark]

I dont see how youre relating highest point to center of gravity.

Reason being an attempt to get a "line of sight" to the rear wheels since they are what keep you from rolling over. Putting a string 2" long 8" off the ground on the tow hitch at the rear of the tractor tells you nothing.

Years ago, I think it was a Toyota Ridgerunner or some kind of narrow, off road, SUV that a friend had and on his dash one of his instruments was just such a readout. I thought it was a very appropriate instrument for a vehicle of the sort.

Pull up some videos (You tube?) of tractor overturns deliberately set to illustrate the hows and whys, and see for yourself. Until you get more weight (force vector if you will) outside the support point than inside it you can't turn over. However, as I said, hitting a bump at a critical time going too fast and all bets are off because you now have acceleration accompanying dead weight.

Rops help, but you need your seat belt for them to be effective. How many use their belt? I don't because tractors are in use on rough terrain a lot and it will beat you to death....no pun intended and the ratchet does just that.....ratchets you into the seat where you can't move. However I do have a cab and don't worry about it. I have used the string and weight thing in my Branson to determine where I am on the slopes and now don't worry about it. And I mow slowly. I can't mow vertically on a lot of it as I have woods and fence rows at the bottom of the slopes in a lot of the areas.

Mark

 

[number9L]

So thinking about the wheel weights...I'm definitely going to add some in addition to the 5" spacers. At this point I'm wondering if the additional 4" rear width will make that much a difference over adding #300+ to the rear wheels. I'm also kinda wondering if 5" spacers are gonna be too much for the bearings to handle. Guess I'll find out on that one, after all bearings are cheaper than major tractor/implement damage from a roll over.....or a funeral.

Lonestar Weights has weights that look just like the OEM Kubota weights but are 60#ea and they are $418 for 3 sets shipped (360#). That's without mounting bolts, he said i could source them cheaper.

My dealer quoted me $492 carry out for 3 sets of OEM weights and they are 64# ea with the OEM bolt kit (384#). So for an extra $74 I'd get OEM Kubota weights, bolt kit and an extra 24#.

I'm leaning toward the Kubota weights.

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[Wolfy]

The OEM wheel weights will look and mount great, and boost tractor resale value as a bonus.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I'm all for liquid tire ballast and wheel spacers but I've got to say for that small steep area between the trees and the pond I'd use a string trimmer after I got what was practical and safe with the tractor. "A man's got to know his limitations".

 

[skyhook]

Unless you add/delete or relocate weight on the object, the location of the object's C.G. is at a fixed location no matter how the object is rotated.

Liquid loading the tires will lower the C.G. more than the equivalent wheel weight centered on the axle.

What I meant was that the CG now "shifts" to the downhill side or slope.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Moving the tires wider isn't going to help with traction backing up that steep slope but the wheel weights should. Are you mowing with it in 4 WD? You should have no problem climbing that hill in 4 WD unless it is much steeper than the photo makes it out to be.
I think you will find you have a very capable tractor for slope mowing when you get the spacers and wheel weights PLUS liquid ballast in the tires. I don't recall if you mentioned having put liquid ballast in your tires, but if not, go ahead and do that also, that is the best thing for weight distribution that you can use as it puts no strain on the axle other than additional torsion due to extra traction.

 

[number9L]

Gary, I do have the tires filled (all 4) and currently have 3" rear wheel spacers.
I don't have any problem going up & down the slopes as far as the tractors ability, BUT when I do, the tires pull the grass lose from the ground or just tear it out if they spin and that leads to erosion and ruts. Mowing side slope doesn't result in that, which is why I prefer to mow that way.

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[number9L]

Called the dealer this morning and had him go ahead and order the Kubota wheel weights, 3 sets at 384# total.
192# extra on each wheel doesn't sound like much, but I guess it's 192# more than is on them now.

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