Ballast Front Weights

[JimBinMI]

spd163,

I have a New Holland TC18, the manual calls for a maximum of 3 weights @ 57 lbs each = 171 lbs. I'm using 2 weights @ approx. 90 lbs. each = 180 lbs.

I have a Woods 5' rear finish mower weighing in at approx. 600 lbs. and a Woods 4' rear rotary mower weighing in at approx. 500 lbs. and I don't have a problem using either one.

My tractor was delivered with the finish mower and one 57 lb. weight on the front. When I informed the dealer that it was really light in the front end, they provided me with the larger weights at no charge. I believe that since they told me that my setup would work OK, that they wanted everything to be "OK".

I do have filled rear tires, since Thanksgiving, but not filled front.

Good Luck, JimBinMI

 

[GlennT]

Rch--You're right. I hadn't thought about the possibility of tipping sideways. I don't have a FEL so any weight I'm carrying is always on the back and never above rear-axle height. Even so, weird things can happen. Thanks for the warning. Besides, I really do feel silly leaning out over the steering wheel to get some extra weight up front. Part of it is laziness, too; my quick hitch extends implements further behind the tractor and provides extra leverage. If I would take off the quick hitch when I use the scoop that might make a significant difference.

 

[RobertN]

I used water; it was during the summer. I removed the water in the fall, right before I got a loader(and before it had a chance to freeze!

You may want to do a search on ballast or weight; the subject has been discussed here numerous times in the past.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif