Wheel weight options for B-series

[Verticaltrx]

I'm looking for more weight for the rear of my B3200 (at all times, not just with the loader) and was wonder what options are available as far as rear wheel weights go. As far as I know Kubota neither offers nor recommends them on this tractor, but I'm not sure why. My tires are already filled with fluid. A ballast box would help with loader use, but I also need extra weight when using my rear blade, bush hogging on steep ground, etc.

Any insight would be great.

 

[kuboman]

I think your hooped for any wheel weights or anything. You might find some at JD and then fit them to your rims but Kubota does not offer much for some dumb reason.

 

[DiezNutz]

If your tires are already filled, you've already put as much weight in or on the tires as you should for this tractor, and considering you're sometimes going to have a bushhog back there bouncing around.

It could just be that you're expecting too much out of a B3200.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I don't think I'm expecting too much out of it, it just bothers me that I have to run it in 4wd 90% of the time just to do normal work. The light weight of this tractor combined with having virtually no front axle articulation leaves me stuck a lot. Even something as simple as the edge of the bush hog digging in to the soil as I cross a slight ditch makes me have to engage 4wd. Using 4wd all the time is not how a MFWD tractor was meant to be run. I really like the small size and power of the tractor, but just need more weight on the back end. Any ideas are welcome.

 

[General Lee]

I don't think I'm expecting too much out of it, it just bothers me that I have to run it in 4wd 90% of the time just to do normal work. The light weight of this tractor combined with having virtually no front axle articulation leaves me stuck a lot. Even something as simple as the edge of the bush hog digging in to the soil as I cross a slight ditch makes me have to engage 4wd. Using 4wd all the time is not how a MFWD tractor was meant to be run. I really like the small size and power of the tractor, but just need more weight on the back end. Any ideas are welcome.

I couldn't agree with you more. I have the same issue with my B3200. Just pulling sandy soil with my rake makes me have to use 4wd. I came to the conclusion sub-compact and compact tractors are useless without 4wd. I like my tractor and all, but thank goodness its 4wd. I have found that rear ballast improves FEL work.

 

[DiezNutz]

I have found that rear ballast improves FEL work.

Rear ballast is *required* for FEL work, anything less is unsafe.

Now might be a good time to read your Loader manual, especially the section on "Rear Ballast", and other safety precautions.

 

[MarkV]

There have been those on the forum that have adapted weight lifting weights that can be found at a reasonable cost at garage sales and used them as wheel weights. Also some have made skid plates and frame weights to add more than loaded tires offer on their own. I guess there is always the question of when do you exceed the engineering limits of the particular tractor. That information doesn't seem to be available from Kubota though.

MarkV

 

[donn12]

I think the problem might be with the R4s...they look good and are durable but they have horrible traction. Try some loaded ag tires or rear chains.

 

[funwithahoe]

You could always eat more!

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into building a rear ballast box for loader work. I have never had experience with tractors this small before. I'm used to loader tractors that are large enough that a couple sets of wheel weights and fluid filled tires are all that's needed, even on 2wd tractors.

Weight lifting weights might be a good possibility. I can't imagine that adding another couple hundred pounds to each rear wheel would exceed the strength of the axles. As far as I know Deere offers weights for almost all of their compact tractors and I doubt there is that much difference in strength.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I thought I would update this thread and see if I could get some more info on B-series wheel weights.

I went to the dealer today and ordered a full set of R1's for my B3200, also found out that he could get aftermarket wheel weights that weigh 62lbs each. 2 sets of them would cost about $250. (would have to drill bolt holes in my wheels, not a problem though)

I also found out that Kubota does still make wheel weights for the B-series, but only offers them for the B2320DTN. They cost $250, but I'm not sure how much they weigh. I think they are similar to the old wheel weights like were used on the B7100 etc.

The only thing I can figure out as to why Kubota doesn't offer them for other models is that the new wheels aren't drilled to accept wheel weights. The older tractors (and the B2320DTN) use an adjustable rear axle and those wheels come with 4 square holes in them to bolt wheel weights up to. I also noticed this was the case on a B7500 and B2410 that I saw.


So, anyone know how much the Kubota wheel weights weigh? They didn't even list a code on the quote sheet to find out what they were. Anyone have any old Kubota wheel weights for a 16" wheel they are willing to sell?

I think the fluid filled R1's and about 250lbs of wheel weights should solve my traction problems. :thumbsup:

 

[easygo]

For loader work you should hang about 600-700 lbs of ballast on the 3pt hitch and that will really take care of the problem.

On the other hand I understand your frustration with the lack of wheel weights. I hate the loaded tires because a lot of $$$ can drain out if I get a bad cut on a liquid filled tire. The wheel weights on the other hand would last forever and a few more days beyond that.

 

[Verticaltrx]

For loader work you should hang about 600-700 lbs of ballast on the 3pt hitch and that will really take care of the problem.

On the other hand I understand your frustration with the lack of wheel weights. I hate the loaded tires because a lot of $$$ can drain out if I get a bad cut on a liquid filled tire. The wheel weights on the other hand would last forever and a few more days beyond that.

I my 450lb box blade or 500lb bush hog on for ballast when they can be on, but the times when I run out of traction are:

-pulling trailers without much tongue weight
-pulling ground engaging implements like a box blade, (all of the weight that was ballast is now dragging on the ground)
-driving around 'empty' in the snow, such as gong up to the barn to fetch a round bale with the bale spear, going to pull logs with my log arch without a log on it, etc

I'm going to start with the fluid filled R1's and see how they do. Then I'll add a couple sets of wheel weights.

 

[red4now]

The only thing I can figure out as to why Kubota doesn't offer them for other models is that the new wheels aren't drilled to accept wheel weights. The older tractors (and the B2320DTN) use an adjustable rear axle and those wheels come with 4 square holes in them to bolt wheel weights up to. I also noticed this was the case on a B7500 and B2410 that I saw.
. :thumbsup:

Interesting you mention that. At the dealer a few of months ago a brand new unit was getting fitted for weights - cutting torch for the holes and then weights bolted on. Seemed kind of crude at the time but maybe there is no other option?

I am going to be putting a front end suit case weight bracket on my Omni Combo 3PH hitch to incorporate the front end suitcase weights from one of our retired tractors. Can use its hitch for a drawbar at the same time which is handy. For now I have been using these same suitcase weights with a drawbar through the handles and just put on as many as I need on the 3PH for loader weight. They sit in nice and close compared to the box blade which is handy when I am doing loader work in smaller areas.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Interesting you mention that. At the dealer a few of months ago a brand new unit was getting fitted for weights - cutting torch for the holes and then weights bolted on. Seemed kind of crude at the time but maybe there is no other option?

I am going to be putting a front end suit case weight bracket on my Omni Combo 3PH hitch to incorporate the front end suitcase weights from one of our retired tractors. Can use its hitch for a drawbar at the same time which is handy. For now I have been using these same suitcase weights with a drawbar through the handles and just put on as many as I need on the 3PH for loader weight. They sit in nice and close compared to the box blade which is handy when I am doing loader work in smaller areas.

Were they using Kubota weights or something else? Either way the holes have to be made, I plan on using a drill however. :thumbsup:

 

[red4now]

Were they using Kubota weights or something else? Either way the holes have to be made, I plan on using a drill however. :thumbsup:

I am assuming Kubota weights since they were orange. And the weights covered over the holes after they were bolted on. I just happened to see the one wheel before it was bolted on. Good plan on using a drill.. !!