how much weight do you need on the front ?

[tw30]

on a large tractor 15000-25000 lb range how much weight do you need on the front ? I notcied most suitcase weights are 100 lbs . I was looking at some that were only 41 lbs a piece 2.5" thick 9" tall 10" wide 7 of these would only be 280 lbs or so .would this make a difference or do you need alot more weights ? I know jd made suitcase weights vary by size. do they make/made any bigs ones 2.5" thick ? odd question i know but i kinda like the way the tractors look when the brack is full of weights. but this is a 2wd tractor so to much weights could possibly break somthing

 

[RoyJackson]

on a large tractor 15000-25000 lb range how much weight do you need on the front ? I notcied most suitcase weights are 100 lbs . I was looking at some that were only 41 lbs a piece 2.5" thick 9" tall 10" wide 7 of these would only be 280 lbs or so .would this make a difference or do you need alot more weights ? I know jd made suitcase weights vary by size. do they make/made any bigs ones 2.5" thick ? odd question i know but i kinda like the way the tractors look when the brack is full of weights. but this is a 2wd tractor so to much weights could possibly break somthing

As far as the weights, the 100 lb weights are for full sized utility tractors, the 42 lb weights are for Compact tractors.
As far as how much weight you need (for a full sized Utility Tractor), it really depends on the task at hand.
The compacts I've seen can hold about 6 weights (252 lbs) for counterbalancing 600-800 lb implements. For my Deeres, you could get an extended weight bracket to hold (I think) 4 or 5 more.

 

[jenkinsph]

You need to look at what is available for the specific model you are considering. I have used weights, and at times have used chemical spray tanks depending on the situation. Deere has offered suitcase and larger vee noses weights in the past too. Not sure what you need as ballasting a tractor can get involved, need to be more specific.

 

[CharlieS]

There are many variables in weighting a tractor, though basicly for a 2wd front/rear proportions should be close to 35/65 percent. So the amount of weight needed depends solely on the implements attached at the time, and can only be calculated by weighing the unit with each impliment attached, first by weighing one axle, then total weight and calculating the percentages and adding weight as needed.
To much weight (front or rear) causes needless wear and stress on components, while to little weight causes front end lift or excessive slippage of the drive tires, with the results being, besides as listed above, increased fuel usage, ineffeciency in tool performance, excessive tire wear just to name a few.
Here's a good article that explains the basics of weighting, and its effects.

Optimize Wheel Slip to Save Fuel - eXtension