Ballast Filling front wheels with water

andyspain · May 5, 2005

Hi Gents, I've decided my 284 lacks weight at the front end. Several reasons for this conclusion really. Plodding up a steep hill the other day with a large rock pinched in the bh when suddenly the front end flipped up, front wheels waving at the seagulls flying overhead. Bit frightening that. However, I can compensate for that by filling the fl, so I don't think that will happen again. My main problem is picking up loose stone. If I go too deep I dig up the lane and ultimately spin the wheels, if I go to high the tractor rides over the top of the pile and I end up with nothing in the bucket. I have a full set of front end weights, but as you probably all know I can't use them because I have the fl. So, I'm thinking of filling the front wheels with water. Its common place here with local farmers. But my tractor's front wheels are not that big and I wonder if it will make much difference. Any suggestions?

beenthere · May 5, 2005

Not sure why weight on the front of the tractor will help you to pick up the loose stone.

Sounds like you will still have to develop the operator skill for better bucket control (not too deep and not too shallow) that comes with experience.
I usually go into loose stone with a slight down angle on the bucket edge, and then curl up slightly when I feel the bucket wants to dive, then keep moving into the pile, and lifting the FEL and curling the bucket some more. Soon the bucket is full to overflowing.
Water in the front wheels (tires) will add some weight but I don't see how that will help using the FEL picking up loose stones. I can see it helping counter-balance the back hoe when it is in use.

andyspain · May 5, 2005

Hi there, I'm sure my tractor is over heavy at the rear end, therefore it rides up quickly with little upward force. I've never seen this happen to a JCB. However, I am no expert as you have guessed, if I don't kill myself before I'm sure I'll be a good operator one day. I do feel that with more weight at the front it would hold the tractor down better. This weight needs to be on the front axal.