3130 rear wheel stability

Bruce Switzer · Sep 19, 2006

I just purchased a new 3130 DT with FEL, the first time I bush hogged it felt like real wheels coming off ground on slight incline. Moved bale of hay this weekend and rear wheel came off ground several times while backing up and in first gear going over pasture that was mostly level in; I quit after friend had same problem. Dealer said forgot to put water in tires which he did yesterday and it is better. Anyone have problems with stability of 3130 or suggestions? I have older MF tractor and no problems but it has wider wheelbase.

KennyV · Sep 19, 2006

Hello Bruce…
You should never use your loader without something heavy on the 3point… very easy to tip over when haying. The liquid weight in the rear tires will definitely help, but adding more to the 3pt will only improve stability, set your rear wheels as wide as it is practical to work with.
Your older MF was more likely very heavy in the back compared to this Kubota.
The problem you had while mowing may have been the top link slightly too long, so that when your front tractor wheels started up the incline the trailing wheel on the mower lightly lifted the rear of the tractor, try a shorter top link setting. Arkansas has some very nice rolling hills. Good luck and keep the majority of your tractor wheels on the ground. KennyV.

Ben3130 · Sep 19, 2006

Hi Bruce,

As promised, here are the pics of the 3pt counterweight I made for my 3130. I got the idea from something my grandfather built for his Kubota, and from many great suggestions I read in the Attachments forum. The total weight comes in around 600lbs.

In case you're wondering why I didn't fill it all the way to the top, I use the leftover space in the drum to carry miscellaneous crap I need. You'd be surprised how often you're looking for a place to put something when you're working with your Kubota

In general, with my filled tires I don't have any stability problems doing "normal" or light loader work. But when I really need traction for scraping/digging with the FEL, or for heavy loader work, I bust out the counterweight. With that on the back, I can easily max out my loader before my rear wheels ever leave the ground.

Hope this helps you,
Ben

Little_Grizzly · Sep 20, 2006

Probably a dumb question but what are the four PVC pipes for?

johnk · Sep 20, 2006

Cupholders ?????

Ben3130 · Sep 20, 2006

The 'cupholders' are for storing straight handled tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, etc. Things that come in handy when you are working with dirt.

If you look on the 'Attachments' forum, there are tons of great articles on building counterweights like mine. In fact, the idea for PVC tool holders came from suggestions on that forum.