So, I have a new-to-me Deere 855 with a model 52 loader. Previous owner kept the tires set narrow (not recommended), and had no weight in or on the rear of the tractor.
The model 52 loader manual seems a little overkill, recommending doing all of the following:
1. Set tires to wide position
2. Fill rear tires at least 75% with calcium
3. Add three sets of wheel weights to rear wheels
4. Add ballast box TY20010 (400 lb.)
Actually, a subtext to that derates the ballast weight to 225 lb. if using turf tires, as I am. I don't understand why, although I suspect it has to do with the assumed ply rating of turfs vs. R1's.
Now, I understand the reasoning for the ballast box (decreasing load seen by front axle), but isn't a ballast box plus calcium tires plus six wheel weights just a little overkill for a heavy little CUT with such a small loader? This is essentially a large lawn tractor with a loader, and used as such. I don't need to be leaving ruts all over my lawn with calcium filled tires and 360 lb. of wheel weights.
Deere no longer makes the TY20010 box, recommending another (50% larger) box in its stead, the BW15073. Filled with just sand or gravel, that box will hit 600 lb., and my 3 point is only rated at 785 lb. Filled with concrete, as most seem to do, the BW15073 is over the half-ton mark.
What to do, to safely operate this loader? My thinking is set the wheels wide, buy the ballast box, and maybe only fill it to the recommended 225 lb. (will be mostly empty!). Maybe add a set or two of wheel weights, but I really don't want to deal with calcium in the tires of this tractor.
The model 52 loader manual seems a little overkill, recommending doing all of the following:
1. Set tires to wide position
2. Fill rear tires at least 75% with calcium
3. Add three sets of wheel weights to rear wheels
4. Add ballast box TY20010 (400 lb.)
Actually, a subtext to that derates the ballast weight to 225 lb. if using turf tires, as I am. I don't understand why, although I suspect it has to do with the assumed ply rating of turfs vs. R1's.
Now, I understand the reasoning for the ballast box (decreasing load seen by front axle), but isn't a ballast box plus calcium tires plus six wheel weights just a little overkill for a heavy little CUT with such a small loader? This is essentially a large lawn tractor with a loader, and used as such. I don't need to be leaving ruts all over my lawn with calcium filled tires and 360 lb. of wheel weights.
Deere no longer makes the TY20010 box, recommending another (50% larger) box in its stead, the BW15073. Filled with just sand or gravel, that box will hit 600 lb., and my 3 point is only rated at 785 lb. Filled with concrete, as most seem to do, the BW15073 is over the half-ton mark.
What to do, to safely operate this loader? My thinking is set the wheels wide, buy the ballast box, and maybe only fill it to the recommended 225 lb. (will be mostly empty!). Maybe add a set or two of wheel weights, but I really don't want to deal with calcium in the tires of this tractor.