wheel weights? why not?

[ctgoldwing]

I have read many posts about loading tires but not so about simply adding wheel weights. Is there some reason not to do this? Not enough weight is the only possibility I could see but how much is enough? I am using a L3400 and there are plenty of times I just spin those wheels. . .

 

[crazyal]

I think wheel weights are a good idea. I'm not sure how much they cost and what's out there though. With weights you could take them off if you didn't want the weight while doing something. I don't know how easy they are to put on and take off though. I'm currently using a 55 gallon drum on the 3pt for weight, cheap and I can take it off in less than a minute.

 

[smstonypoint]

Here's a thread that discusses some of the issues involved.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/186299-ballast-box-vs-wheel-weights.html

Steve

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Lots and lots of $$$. If your lucky and can find some after market ones that will work, about a dollar a pound. Weights costs from the tractor manufacturer, :shocked: usually a LOT more.

As far as ease of removal, a few bolts and a broken back will usually get it done. But unless you have a smaller tractor and mowing your lawn, why bother? You would be waaaaaay better off filling your tires. It is almost unbelievable how much better a tractor handles and how much better it's capabilities are with just the tires being filled. Oh, I have 6 sets of factory Mahindra wheel weights on my 7520, not enough weight, I still had to fill my tires. :thumbsup:

 

[klrobert]

My dad has an L3400 with the wheel weights. For some reason, he would not get the tires loaded. Having operated his some, I can say the wheel weights definitely help, but they are not the same as having loaded tires. They help some with traction, but just do not give the same stability that loaded tires do. As you know, the L3400 is fairly narrow and in my opinion is not as stable as some of the larger tractors. I would definitely go for the loaded tires.

 

[k0ua]

Load the tires, And put about 750 lbs on the 3 pt. and your wheel spin days are over. Also your "fear factor" shall we say will go way down, and your ability to push/pull and do other tractor things will go way up! It really is that simple. Just do it.
James K0UA

 

[grnspot110]

Wheel weights might be expensive, but then so are new rims when the calcium chloride eats the old ones up! ~~ grnspot110

 

[TripleR]

As mentioned, there are lots of threads on this. The bottom line is that you absolutely have to have enough weight on the back end to get full use of your machine if you are using a loader or pulling anything.

We have three tractors without any added weight, but they are only used on flat land pulling rotary cutters with a little box blade work on gravel.

 

[TripleR]

Wheel weights might be expensive, but then so are new rims when the calcium chloride eats the old ones up! ~~ grnspot110

Agreed, but there are lots of other options.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you want to use calcium chloride in the water to add weight and keep the water from freezing, then just add a tube to your tires. Lots cheaper than new rims and a tube would be a lot cheaper than beet juice.

 

[20 20]

I believe the biggest reason is $$$, wheel weights cab be very pricey.

 

[radioman]

hmmm. I just gotta say something- I can't remember a thread here that something who owns add on wheel weights actually takes them off and on as season changes . I bet they love the idea of being removable but they actually don't often as they like since its alot of work IMHO.

Whatever you try to do to add rear weight, all you are doing is gaining better traction. taking them off and running into a situation where you could've had the extra weight is just a complete waste of time and money. Nobody can predict things like that everytime so its just easier to have extra weight all the time. Doesnt seem to hurt the tractor.

 

[jonyyuma]

Where do you buy Beet juice? I am considering some Peak antifreeze to the tires? I just drained the front wheel , which was full of water. definitely going to add something to it for rust, because some stayed it it. Previously this unit was in Florida, and is 4x4. Haven't removed or tested the rear wheels yet.?? Jy.

 

[radioman]

check this website for one of the sources for beet juice. Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast

much easier then growing your own beets and pressing for the juice.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

hmmm. I just gotta say something- I can't remember a thread here that something who owns add on wheel weights actually takes them off and on as season changes . I bet they love the idea of being removable but they actually don't often as they like since its alot of work IMHO.

Whatever you try to do to add rear weight, all you are doing is gaining better traction. taking them off and running into a situation where you could've had the extra weight is just a complete waste of time and money. Nobody can predict things like that everytime so its just easier to have extra weight all the time. Doesnt seem to hurt the tractor.

I have to agree, if you have a CUT or bigger, why bother? :confused3: To me the benefits faaaaaarr out weigh the negatives. :laughing:

PineRidge uses a jack to help in removing his weights. Even though he came up with an easy way to remove them, he says that the weights are on 90% of the time.

 

[LD1]

I think the main reason that many dont use wheel weights is cost.

They are about the most expensive form of ballast. And no matter what you do, if you are planning to do a lot of FEL work, you NEED something on the 3PH for a counter weight. Something on the 3PH actually TAKES weight off the front axle. 500lbs on the 3PH will gain you more than 500lbs on the wheels. Simple leverage effect.

I have a 3400 as well, and loaded tires and a 5' bushhog is all you need to be VERY productive with the FEL. Sure I could add wheel weights, but for the little benefit they would provide with already having sufficent ballast, it is not worth the cost IMO.

 

[Gary Fowler]

To OP- you mentioned the tractor came from Florida. Most likely the tires contain plain water. Taste test it if it isnt salty tasting it likely has nothing in it but water which should not hurt your rims. Now if you are using it up in freezing weather, you need to put some antifreeze in there to keep the residual water from freezing. Unless you break down the tire and completely dry it, you will always have a few gallons of water which will freeze and damage your tires if left in the tire.

 

[MarkV]

Although it doesn't apply as much to us non-ag tractor users radial tires are great for traction and should not be filled. In that case weights make sense to me. Otherwise, fill the tires. If you are worried about calcium chloride and rust use environmentally friendly anti-freeze and water. Although you lose a few pounds per gallon it works well and is a cheap do-it-yourself project.

MarkV

 

[bp fick]

To OP- you mentioned the tractor came from Florida. Most likely the tires contain plain water. Taste test it if it isnt salty tasting it likely has nothing in it but water which should not hurt your rims. Now if you are using it up in freezing weather, you need to put some antifreeze in there to keep the residual water from freezing. Unless you break down the tire and completely dry it, you will always have a few gallons of water which will freeze and damage your tires if left in the tire.

Or, drain a cup and stick it in the freezer.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Wheel weights might be expensive, but then so are new rims when the calcium chloride eats the old ones up! ~~ grnspot110

Yeah, every 30+ years at worst.
larry