Loader New Loader for my BX1800

[lawn_king]

If you perform substantial loader work without a rear counterweight, you will kill the front axle seals in a new york minute!

 

[Turbys_1700]

Proper ballast, go slow, keep loaded bucket low, stay in 4wd, etc...
You will get the feel of it as you go...
Just remember, it is a FEL on a compact tractor...
Use it for lifting...
You can push over small stuff but don't over do it...
If the tractor starts to stall then stop...
It is not a bulldozer...

 

[Rfisher7381]

Keep the tips coming but can anyone elaborate on the reasons for the ballast.

 

[George the Beagle]

You need ballast on the rear to counterbalance the weight of the bucket, particularly when its loaded. I loaded my rear tires, that was just enough to do the trick. I will not post any more warnings here, there's been enough of that already. When I bought my tractor w/loader, I thought deep down that it was probably money I could have saved...just an extravagance. In hindsight, it's the smartest money I ever spent. Enjoy!!

 

[Iowan]

it's the smartest money I ever spent. Enjoy!!

I have got to agree, the loader doubles the yearly hrs on my tractor.

 

[Deano]

Rear ballast and get a toothbar!!! best money yo can spend!:thumbsup:

 

[DB Pilot]

Just to add about the ballast. It is a definite need for me. Something that hasn't been discussed yet here is that a very very small movement of your bucket control lever is magnified at the rear wheels. And usually just on one side causing an uncomfortable tip. Seems to me that I don't notice the weight coming off the rear tires until one is actually off the ground. I guess I am only talking about when your bucket is pinned under something like a root or rock. You will find also that a nice full bucket of wet dirt will cause you to lose traction on the rear tires even though all tires are still on the ground. I have very hilly acreage the ballast takes a lot of excitement out of moving stuff around. I would avoid calcium chloride and go for wheel weights, Beet Juice or something non-corrosive. After 10 years I had one salvageable rim and one rusted out useless rim that had to be replaced, an expense I didn't need.
Lastly I like to keep my garage floor clean so I park the tractor in front and sweep the dirt into the bucket. I don't need ballast for that.

 

[DB Pilot]

Gee, I was just trying to help a guy who asked for tips with his first FEL. Things that he might experience without ballast. And a little humor with using your FEL as a dust Pan. Now I get unsolicited advice. WOW! :confused2:

 

[RaydaKub]

Keep the tips coming but can anyone elaborate on the reasons for the ballast.

Adding ballast via loading the tires adds stability because the weight is as low as you can get it and nice and wide. Adding weight this way does not take weight off the front axle, and in fact, can add weight to the front end because it keeps the fulcrum at the front axle.
Adding ballast via the 3ph helps transfer weight off the front axle. It is behind the rear end, so it not only keeps rear down, but enough of it will start to lift the front end (you don't need *THAT* much, but I say it to illustrate the point). Another reason to keep the rear wheels down is so that you are not trying to apply all the power from the engine to the ground with only the front wheels. The front drive train is supposed to help the rear end, not replace it. There are those that say you apply more force to the front by using ballast. You can lift more with ballast. However if you ballast it properly, you put less on the front axle than you would with no ballast at all.

All you need to do is have your rear wheels lift off the ground once to understand the importance of ballast.

 

[Shutesbury]

Here's an older thread that addresses some issues you should be aware of... there are many others. Use the search feature to find some more.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/247110-almost-flipped-tractor-really-need.html

Paul