New To 2WD Tractors.....????

[cartod]

I learned how to operate on a 4wd tractor and have recently acquired a 2wd. I really like the old 2wd tractors but I was wondering how to distribute weight when you are using rear implements. I can feel the front is light when say the brush hog is on, but should I ballast down the front end? Wont this take away from the traction the rear wheels get? Any tips that you can give a newbie on a 2wd is appreciated.

Edit

oh, and should I load all four of the tires? I have a steep part in my road and the 2wd looses traction even with diff locked. I have no weight at all on any of the tractor.

 

[Tx Jim]

I was instructed way back when I was employed by a JD dealer that every # of weights installed on the front equaled 2#s on the rear wheels as far as traction is concerned for 3 pt implements.

 

[Agvg]

Have you problems to steered the tractor?
If its very light in the front you must use some weights, should not be any problem with traction.
The most dangerous problem with 2wd is braking performance, in steep downhils you must be very carefull, I had some quite scary experiences on steep slippery gravel roads.

 

[cartod]

Have you problems to steered the tractor?
If its very light in the front you must use some weights, should not be any problem with traction.
The most dangerous problem with 2wd is braking performance, in steep downhils you must be very carefull, I had some quite scary experiences on steep slippery gravel roads.

Yes, I have already slid down the road I have problems going up. Had to change my drawers. Seems like weight would only make the slide worse. ??

 

[Agvg]

Yes, weight in the front will not be helpful in such situations. More weight in the rear tires can improve traction, but 2wd has its limits in difficult terrain\roads.

 

[deepNdirt]

When it's slippery conditions on a slope grab granny-low, and lock in the Dif.
You'll also find it quite handy knowing how to steer with it's brakes, So practice steering with the brakes,
Recently I had a front wheel spindle to snap-off, luckily I had the FEL on the tractor, I lowered the bucket down in it's most curled position while skidding and steering to my shop with the brakes,

 

[Agvg]

And then the wheels go slow and the tractor goes fast...

 

[bandaidmd]

Have you problems to steered the tractor?
If its very light in the front you must use some weights, should not be any problem with traction.
The most dangerous problem with 2wd is braking performance, in steep downhils you must be very carefull, I had some quite scary experiences on steep slippery gravel roads.

I asssume you are refering to having the tractor in 4 wheeel drive and using the engine for braking? or do your tractors also have front brakes.

 

[Agvg]

2wd tractors is just dangerous in downhill, the only 2wd tractor with frontbrakes I have seen is Fendt witch had large discbrakes.

 

[Agvg]

Here almost all 4WD tractors have front brakes, they have separate brakes in the front diff or engage 4WD when braking.
Only those that goes in 30km or slower can have rear brakes only.