"To Ballast or Not to Ballast...that is the question"

[andmel]

My L2850DT operator's manual leads me to believe that ballasting the front tires for added weight and stability is okay. But I've noted some opinions that ballasting front tires can lead to premature equipment breakdown in the front axle/shaft/gear assemblies. Anyone had any experience with this? Would I compound the problem with suitcase weights or FEL?

Suggestions?

 

[OldeEnglish]

That question comes up once and a whie. There are some folks on here that have done it and reported no problems. The Wizzards on here that know everything about these tractors don't recommend it. I've asked the same question to a kubota dealer and they said don't do it... I've pondered doing it anyway but honestly I don't want anything to break and have to shell out cash to fix it... But it's a free country... You can do what ever you please

Front weights or a front implement is probably the best choice.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I have foam filled fronts on mine and I love it.
I wouldn't do standard liquid ballated tires on the front, they are fine on the back.
If you work on a lot of hard ground it will send additional shock threw the tractor, but with mine I still get a fair amount of cushion out of my tires.

 

[pendoreille]

I have foam filled fronts on mine and I

Is that for flat protection?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is that for flat protection?

That and traction, just like adding wheel weights.

 

[Tallahassee Kubota Man]

The dealer put water in the front tires on my M5140. He said they don't usually do the front tires, but didn't think it would be a problem. IIRC the manual recommended not doing it. Will probably take most of it out by placing the valve stem at the lowest point, draining the water then fill the necessary air. Won't get all of the water out, but most of it.

 

[FTG-05]

Front tires filled here: Mucho Grande Better!

 

[Tooljunkie]

I cant see any advantages for front tire ballast-except for one.digging with fel.
It wont help with stability,traction or steering. Things will get worse on soft ground. May help with handling a rear heavy implement.

 

[Tallahassee Kubota Man]

I cant see any advantages for front tire ballast-except for one.digging with fel.
It wont help with stability,traction or steering. Things will get worse on soft ground. May help with handling a rear heavy implement.

The reason I originally put the ballast in the front tires was to counterbalance a heavy set of harrows (1200 lbs). I have a loader, but take the bucket or grapple off sometimes when trailering with the harrow.