Ballast Fluid in the front tires?

[Lt220]

Can anyone tell me if it is O.K. to fill the front tires with liquid ballast on a tractor? Has anyone done this to their tractor to achieve a heavier front end?

 

[beenthere]

That would be one way to get front weight. Should do no harm.

What are you using/doing that needs the weight? Just curious.

 

[Fordman1981]

Not sure this is true but I've been told that if u put fluid in the front tires of a 4wd tractor it will mess up the 4wd

 

[REOClinton]

Improving the traction on the front end and reducing slippage would make it easier on the drive train, reducing shock loading incidents

 

[JD755]

Improving the traction on the front end and reducing slippage would make it easier on the drive train, reducing shock loading incidents

That's actually harder on the drivetrain.

 

[_M_]

I had all 4 of my tires filled when I got my 3320 new in 2005. I've had no problems and I appreciate the added weight, although I admit, it's not a lot of weight.

 

[qball98]

I think it would be harder on the drive train since most 4 wheel drives are designed with the front wheels turning faster than the rear.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For most CUT owners, filling the front tires is not going to give you a lot of weight since the tires are so small. Some mfg. say not to fill front tires especially if you have a FEL as that load must already stress the axles due to underdesign. Most Ag type tractors have all tires filled since they need all the weight they can get for pulling soil engagement implements. If properly filled, you wont see any difference in handling or steering. You may see a little more lift capacity on the rear end, but I cant imagine how 100 or so pounds is going to help much.. There are tire capacity charts available all over the internet that you can consult to see just how much water each tire size will hold. Consult those and then determine if what you will get will be worth while. I cant believe that adding water to a tire would void a warranty as some have mentioned on TBN or cause excess wear on bearings especially given that the bearing are only carrying the load of what is above centerline of the tire (75% fill= 1/4 weight capacity on the wheel axle) IMO, IF you want to fill, go ahead, I would not worry about damage to the machine.

 

[BethesdaEC]

For most CUT owners, filling the front tires is not going to give you a lot of weight since the tires are so small. Some mfg. say not to fill front tires especially if you have a FEL as that load must already stress the axles due to underdesign. Most Ag type tractors have all tires filled since they need all the weight they can get for pulling soil engagement implements. If properly filled, you wont see any difference in handling or steering. You may see a little more lift capacity on the rear end, but I cant imagine how 100 or so pounds is going to help much.. There are tire capacity charts available all over the internet that you can consult to see just how much water each tire size will hold. Consult those and then determine if what you will get will be worth while. I cant believe that adding water to a tire would void a warranty as some have mentioned on TBN or cause excess wear on bearings especially given that the bearing are only carrying the load of what is above centerline of the tire (75% fill= 1/4 weight capacity on the wheel axle) IMO, IF you want to fill, go ahead, I would not worry about damage to the machine.

Filled tires do not apply any static load to the axles. The tire carry it own load whether it is filled or not, the axles attaching to the tire only brings in the load of the tractor above which does not increase when you add fluid.

This is the big advantage of filled tires (or wheel weights) compared to other types of weights.

 

[sunnyside360]

My dealer recommended putting Rimguard in the front tires of the 2010 4320 versus suit case weights on the front because it's about the same weight, cheaper and less stress on the axles. Took his word for it so my fronts are filled with Rimguard.