Tires B3030 - Should I load front tires?

[cart99]

Is there any significant advantage to loading the front tires? I am running R4's, and the rears are already loaded. I use it primarily for bush hogging and some FEL work, and will occasionally be snow clearing 175' gravel driveway with it.

I'd like to be able to bush-hog without the FEL, but I'm doubting loaded fronts will make up for the lost weight of the FEL.

 

[texbaylea]

My L3130 manual says to NOT load front tires, add weights to the front of the tractor. I believe the loader manual also stresses this.

Vernon

 

[guyrj33]

I would use weights, then you have the choice. If you're carrying something in the FEL across soft ground you won't want any additional weight in the front.

 

[wushaw]

I would try it without the FEL first just to see if you really need any weight at all.

 

[MMM]

Hey Vernon, is there any reason stated in the Kubota manuals?

 

[texbaylea]

I did not find a rational for this but I have read elsewhere that it is to avoid overstressing the 4wd and steering. I can not give you a reference for this however. Exactly how having weight in the tires is more stressful than suitcase weights hanging off the front I don't know.

Remember that even if the FEL is off there is still the added weight of the FEL receiver brackets and the reinforcing subframe. You should not need any more weight. I have used my Bush Hog with FEL off and have not felt that the front end is light however I usually just drop off the bucket which gives enough visibility and clearance.

Vernon

 

[BGL990]

I've heard that reasoning before as well and IMHO it's an old wive's tale. It just doesn't make sense if you think about it - the extra weight of a filled tire is supported by the tire itself sitting on the ground. None of that extra weight is carried by the axles, bearings, steering components, etc. The suitcase weights would be felt by all those components so if it were a problem, filling the tires would be the better way to go. It shouldn't be a problem anyway - if the tractor can't handle a couple hundred pounds of extra weight anywhere on the front, you need a better tractor /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I filled all four of my tires (to 75%, don't fill them right up) and haven't looked back ...

 

[blackmajicwoman]

I agree with BGL990. I recently foam filled the fronts on my BX1500. With the tire being a small size (12x7.5x8), the foam fill only added 30#'s to each tire, net toalling 60#'s over all. What does it matter if 60#'s was added to the tires itself, or the 400+#'s that is added when I transport a full bucket of loam! I foam filled the fronts to avoid flats, as well to counter balance the Woods BH6000 backhoe. When the BH is installed, the steerage slips, as the machine is back heavy. The 60#'s is just enough to counter balance. I also notice much better performance when I use 4WD (whether the BH is on or off). I get much better traction. I also notice that the tractor is much more stable on slopes, inclines, and hills, as the COG is even lower. All-in all, I think it is working out for me.

 

[MMM]

I was thinking "they sell front wheel weights?",........but
I think FWA, 4WD tractors are supposed to have "perfect" weight distribution from the factory. Regardless if it's old wives, farmers almanac or other legend, for those who load fronts, I'd check warranty fine print .