To load or not to load ????
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gordon21
Veteran Member
Fill all four.
If you research the other posts, you will see the never ending debate on what to fill the tires with.
If you research the other posts, you will see the never ending debate on what to fill the tires with.
slaveToHorses
Gold Member
Nuru said:
What is the reasoning for not filling the fronts?
slaveToHorses said:
Gee I knew someone might ask and I neglected to put that in. I believe it has to do with the steering mechanism, and its capability to handle the additional weight that it is not spec'ed for. Potentially could lead to a failure and and an accident.
slaveToHorses
Gold Member
hmm, my dealer suggested that I fill all four tires. Oh well, I think my front end is up to the task (3720) it seems beefy enough. I want all the ballast I can get since I work on hilly property, with FEL and BHoe.
rockyridgefarm
Elite Member
the weight is all below the axle. I always have my fronts filled.
slaveToHorses
Gold Member
rockyridgefarm said:
Yeah, but the steering still has to deal with it. I take it that is their concern. However I think it is fine, but then I am just a customer
As I stated, I think it is beefy enough to deal with it. At worst we may have to replace a tie rod end a little sooner but the benefits are more than worth that minor inconvenience.I should also point out that my dealer not only recommended but actually did deliver my 3720 with all four tires filled. They are a large Ag dealer with 7 locations and seem to know their stuff.
3RRL
Super Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2005
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- 6,931
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- 55HP 4WD KAMA 554 and 4 x 4 Jinma 284
Nuru,
I'm sure you read my post in reply to yours in the Kubota forum? Same issues...same opinion. Maybe some of the JD guys didn't get to read it? Sorry for the repeat post, but then again, it's a repeat question.
I filled the fronts for several reasons:
-to maintain proper weight distribution when carying or pulling an implement because I have 4 wheel drive and want to get as much traction as possible with the fronts.
-for more tire stability (reduced flattening) under loads of heavy FEL work
-for more over-all stability, rigidity and less "bounce" during all operations and working on slopes.
-for overall added weight to the tractor thus less bearing load on axles as opposed to "hanging" extra weight on the tractor for the same reasons.
I used a tractor ballast guide Ballast guide to help attain proper weight distribution. The guide refers to ballasted weight (static) but I figure the theory should still apply when filling tires...I know it's a little different than hanging weight on, but weight is weight and benefits from adding weight should be along the same line. There's also a section that tells you how to determine what proper traction is and how to achieve it. Regardless how you do it, the whole idea behind adding weight is to acheive traction and balance.
There's an interesting example of adding 100lbs in front of the axle.
"Adding ballast to the bracket on the front of a tractor reduces the weight on the rear axle. For example, adding 100 pounds on the front increases total tractor weight by 100 pounds but may increase the weight on the front axle by 150 pounds and reduce the weight on the rear axle by 50 pounds."
Table 1. Front and rear weight distribution.
Tractor design / Implement type Front Rear
Two-wheel drive / Trailing implement 25% 75%
Two-wheel drive / Semi-mounted implement 30% 70%
Two-wheel drive / Mounted implement 35% 65%
Front-wheel assist / Trailing implement 40% 60%
Front-wheel assist / Mounted implement 45% 55%
Four-wheel drive / Trailing implement 55% 45%
Four-wheel drive / Mounted implement 60% 40%
Here's the link to the source: TIRE BALLAST
It's obvious many will dispute front tire filling for fear of hurting the front gear drive train or steering (in this case), but I doubt many will dispute the advantages gained by having more front wheel drive traction that is desired and beneficial when working the tractor. Personally, I use the heck out of my 4 wheel drive option...I'm in 4 wheel drive all the time. I have it so why not use it to it's fullest extent? To me, it's much like a buddy who buys a brand new truck but doesn't want to load anything it or take it hunting for fear of scratching it?
I WANT to use it. If it breaks... well then it breaks and I'll fix it....that's just me. Filling the fronts gives me that much more traction (undesputible) and also for the reasons stated above.
I'm sure you read my post in reply to yours in the Kubota forum? Same issues...same opinion. Maybe some of the JD guys didn't get to read it? Sorry for the repeat post, but then again, it's a repeat question.
I filled the fronts for several reasons:
-to maintain proper weight distribution when carying or pulling an implement because I have 4 wheel drive and want to get as much traction as possible with the fronts.
-for more tire stability (reduced flattening) under loads of heavy FEL work
-for more over-all stability, rigidity and less "bounce" during all operations and working on slopes.
-for overall added weight to the tractor thus less bearing load on axles as opposed to "hanging" extra weight on the tractor for the same reasons.
I used a tractor ballast guide Ballast guide to help attain proper weight distribution. The guide refers to ballasted weight (static) but I figure the theory should still apply when filling tires...I know it's a little different than hanging weight on, but weight is weight and benefits from adding weight should be along the same line. There's also a section that tells you how to determine what proper traction is and how to achieve it. Regardless how you do it, the whole idea behind adding weight is to acheive traction and balance.
There's an interesting example of adding 100lbs in front of the axle.
"Adding ballast to the bracket on the front of a tractor reduces the weight on the rear axle. For example, adding 100 pounds on the front increases total tractor weight by 100 pounds but may increase the weight on the front axle by 150 pounds and reduce the weight on the rear axle by 50 pounds."
Table 1. Front and rear weight distribution.
Tractor design / Implement type Front Rear
Two-wheel drive / Trailing implement 25% 75%
Two-wheel drive / Semi-mounted implement 30% 70%
Two-wheel drive / Mounted implement 35% 65%
Front-wheel assist / Trailing implement 40% 60%
Front-wheel assist / Mounted implement 45% 55%
Four-wheel drive / Trailing implement 55% 45%
Four-wheel drive / Mounted implement 60% 40%
Here's the link to the source: TIRE BALLAST
It's obvious many will dispute front tire filling for fear of hurting the front gear drive train or steering (in this case), but I doubt many will dispute the advantages gained by having more front wheel drive traction that is desired and beneficial when working the tractor. Personally, I use the heck out of my 4 wheel drive option...I'm in 4 wheel drive all the time. I have it so why not use it to it's fullest extent? To me, it's much like a buddy who buys a brand new truck but doesn't want to load anything it or take it hunting for fear of scratching it?
I WANT to use it. If it breaks... well then it breaks and I'll fix it....that's just me. Filling the fronts gives me that much more traction (undesputible) and also for the reasons stated above.
slaveToHorses
Gold Member
Yeah, I really noticed that part about the front tires not deforming as much under load when they are filled. I have the largest materials bucket they have for the 300CX loader and I filled it completely with clay the other day. My front tires were hardly pushed out and the tractor was pretty stable. I did have my backhoe on though.
3RRL, thanks for the response. You have me thinking about it *** I do have an area where I use 4 wheel drive to get up the hill when mowing, and I don't know if filling the fronts will help, but it does sound like it will.
No i did not see your response in the Kubota area as i forgot that I posed a question in there!
No i did not see your response in the Kubota area as i forgot that I posed a question in there!
3RRL
Super Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2005
- Messages
- 6,931
- Tractor
- 55HP 4WD KAMA 554 and 4 x 4 Jinma 284
Nuru,
Mowing up hills is a perfect reason for more traction in front.
Two schools of thought as I mentioned before. It's your decision whether you fill just rears or both... but in any case, fill them. I read your post above where your dealer told you NOT to fill the tires. I couldn't understand THAT advice?
Mowing up hills is a perfect reason for more traction in front.
Two schools of thought as I mentioned before. It's your decision whether you fill just rears or both... but in any case, fill them. I read your post above where your dealer told you NOT to fill the tires. I couldn't understand THAT advice?
.3RRL said:
I thought the dealer was indicating a fear of damaging the steering, but the more I think about it, the way I utilize my tractor, I probably can easily get away with filling the fronts. All I know is that filling the rear tires made the tractor feel quite a bit more stable on the highest incline I have, which is 22 degrees. If I experience any additional issues, I will just go ahead and fill the fronts with recycled Antifreeze too.
