Ballast Who uses wheel weights?

kiotidk45SE · Aug 28, 2009

I am looking to add a some weight on the rear of my DK45SE to help out with the FEL operations. I would rather use weights intsead of filling the tires. Also has any one flipped the rear tires to make that stance wider?

kenstrac · Aug 28, 2009

The older tractors I had wheel weights they are ok to use but the cost is high, My tires are out to the furthest point DK45.

kiotidk45SE · Aug 28, 2009

Thanks for the quick response. I have a 3pt "cart" that I am thinking of loading weight in it and put it on the rear when I need extra weight. I have not flipped my tires yet but I may this weekend. I believe it will add about 8 inches overall to the width of the tractor.

dking · Aug 28, 2009

my tires are flipped and filled. whenever i load gravel in the pit, I always keep my scrapper blade attachement on, it gives me plenty of counter balance.

wallace · Aug 29, 2009

If you guys are flipping the widths of the tires make sure you keep going back and check the outer mounting bolts as well as the lug nuts especially if you have loaded tires.

jimmyj · Aug 29, 2009

Fellas, what does "flipped" mean and why does someone do it?

IslandTractor · Aug 29, 2009

jimmyj said:
Fellas, what does "flipped" mean and why does someone do it?

Most tractor wheels are asymmetric in the sense that the mounting plate is not precisely in the middle of the wheel/tire. If you put the wheels on with the deep side pointing inward then the tractor track is narrow. If you "flip" the wheels so the deep side points outboard then the track is 8-10 inches wider. Wider track equals more stability on hills which is generally the reason people do this.

kiotidk45SE · Aug 29, 2009

Should I even consider flipping the rear tires? How much difference would I see?

IslandTractor · Aug 31, 2009

kiotidk45SE said:
Should I even consider flipping the rear tires? How much difference would I see?

IMO it would only make sense if you worked on slopes of more than 12-15 degrees and had to traverse. Otherwise the downsides include having you tires wider than you implements which can be a problem and to some extent you add stress to the rear axle. Not sure if there are other downsides.

George in Spokane · Aug 31, 2009

I flipped, filled, and added spacers (search for my name). I realize I am stressing my axles but my land has "compound" slopes so I'm willing to pay a few more dollars down the road.