[56FordGuy]

Filled tires are not an acceptable substitute for a ballast box. Filled tires provide weight for traction but do nothing to counterbalance the strain loader work puts on the front axle.

 

[56FordGuy]

Lenny's and 56, thank you both. I wasn't at the dealership to hear that sales pitch and should have known to ask here before giving my ok. Ballast box to be added asap!

Make no mistake, the filled tires are a worthwhile purchase. They'll help with hill stability and traction. The dealer may have genuinely thought he was helping you (or your husband) save money. Rear ballast is a necessity for loader work though, especially on smaller tractors. We've had two, maybe three members here that have had their machines roll over though the years, and someone just a few days ago posted a photo of a 4 series on three wheels due to the load on the loader with no rear ballast. The physics that require hitch ballast aren't limited to compact tractors, but they are more noticeable. We rebuilt the front axle pivot on a 120 HP Ford tractor due to years of loader use with no rear ballast to take weight off the front axle. Kenny's link is some excellent reading on the subject.

Now we just need to figure out who this Lenny guy is :lolol:

I think he owns a sandwich shop. :unknown:

 

[56FordGuy]

Deere calls for 6 wheel weights or filled tires in addition to 1,100 lbs of three point hitch ballast.