Loaded Tires or Wheel Weights?

**phyxer** · 03-01-2009, 06:08 PM

I am getting ready to order my Kubota B2620 tractor this week. I am going to order with the Industrial tires because as I understand it that is a nice compromise between the extremely agressive ag tires and the very gentle turf tires. My tractor will serve as both primary lawn mower as well as general utilty tractor for tilling, box blading, front loader work and possible bush hog mowing a few acres (nothing too rough). I want added traction for Box Blading and FEL work yet not tear up yards when mowing. Lawns here are fairly tough as far as softness goes. Our clay is pretty hard but if it has been watered heavily or rained recently it will certainly mark up if you aren't careful even with turfs on your normal lawn mower/tractors. I am thinking of asking my dealer to load my tires with Rim Guard but only at the 50% level as opposed to full loading yet again compromising in an effort to hopefully give me some more traction yet not hurt my yard provided I don't go out there and try to mow it the same day it rains. The other option is wheel weights. I have NO experience with these. I forsee them as possibly not being as easily installed and removed all the time as maybe one might think. Those of you who have used them please educate me with your opinions and experience. Looking forward to everyones opinions and experiences and difinitely your recommmendations! Thank you in advance.

Troy

**GreenWannabe** · 03-02-2009, 07:30 AM

Basically, the answer to this one is , YES. To be able to safely use the capacity of your loader, you really need the tires to be loaded, wheel weights, and a concrete-filled weight box or heavy implement on the three point hitch as well. I know that there are folks that will argue that you don't really need all that weight, but then many of the same folks will admit to their tractors feeling "tippy" from time to time with a goodly weight in the bucket, especially if they hit a bump or a hole. Keep your bucket low, with one hand on the control to drop the bucket quickly when the seat of the pants factor jumps in, and be safe out there.

Good luck with your new tractor.

Fred

P.S. Do yourself a favor, and get a tooth bar for your bucket. It will make a world of difference in being able to fill the bucket, especially in your hard clay. Markham makes a very popular one, and one of the least expensive. They have an excellent reputation, and advertise on this site. Everybody says to deal with Melissa, that she is really helpful.

**emerichsales** · 03-02-2009, 08:50 AM

We recommend filling the rear tires with Rimguard ( Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast Product Information )
Gives you the Lowest center of gravity.

Kevin
Emerich Sales & Service inc.

**jbrumberg** · 03-02-2009, 09:30 AM

I agree with the above posts

. The only comment I can add is to keep your load/tractor as level as possible especially when raising a loaded bucket. Jay

**PaulChristenson** · 03-02-2009, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by emerichsales

We recommend filling the rear tires with Rimguard ( Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast Product Information )
Gives you the Lowest center of gravity.

Kevin
Emerich Sales & Service inc.

RimGuard...

**Ducati996** · 03-02-2009, 10:44 AM

RimGuard filled to the maximum allowed (not the 50% you mentioned). As long as the turf is dry, impacting the soil is minimal with this size tractor.
The Rimguard method adds stability, traction and great ballast providing the most cost effective means without putting the weight on the axles ( a big plus). Only draw back is if and when you have a flat - no worries about rust or plant damage (from NaCl), but getting the wheel loaded back up is a task....but its still worth it

**sonofafarmer** · 03-02-2009, 08:49 PM

what does it normally cost to fill the tires? and do you put it in the front tires too?

**phyxer** · 03-02-2009, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by sonofafarmer

what does it normally cost to fill the tires? and do you put it in the front tires too?

It cost me $84 to do my rear tires. I've been advised not to do the fronts.

Troy

**emerichsales** · 03-03-2009, 08:41 AM

Most dealers charge between $3.00 to $5.00 per gallon.

See Chart at Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast

**Mickey** · 03-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Had to repair a leaking tube last yr that had calcium in it. Replaced with Rim-Guard @ $3.25/gal. Took 23 gal.

Tire shop spent more than an hr on the repair and no labor sharge.

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