Originally posted by Kenny
Just bought a new 5205 FWD and I will be bushhogging and clearing trails in the woods on my 88 acre farm. I have some limited experience (about 4 months) with Tractors however nothing this big. I previously owned a Ford 2000 and it did just fine as far as handling goes on my gently rolling hills. However this is a bigger machine and I was wandering about weights and what I might need to navigate these hills more safely. I am already having my dealer widen the wheels to 6 ft. Should I also get the tires loaded with CaCl? What other weights should I consider? Thanks guys
Welcome to Tractor Forum Kenny! :friends: :cheers: Nice machine you have there! :thumbsup: Depending upon the weight and size of the rotary cutter you are using and any FEL if installed; you may or may not need weights.
Obviously you will need to have sufficient down force on the front axles & wheels to allow for good traction especially when turning and most importantly going up slope to prelude the front end rising up on you. (this is a BIG safety concern) Pay close attention to this.
Normally if you have a FEL installed, this is enough weight on the front to address this need with all but the most heavy of implements. If you don't have a FEL installed, you most likely will require the front suit case weight kit and enough weights to compensate for the added weight of the rotary cutter.
<img src="http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/LVP3/LVP3252________UN08FEB02.gif">
The kit comes as part #'s
LVB25135 Kit $132
RFR51680 20 pack of weights $1440 (ouch!)
R51680 If you prefer to buy the weights individually $79.20
Items 4 thru 8 I am not certain come with the kit so I think best to ask your dealer to confirm this.
With respect to filling the rear tires vs. wheel weights; this is a matter of personal preference and costs.
The wheel weights are the most expensive route but have the advantage of not having to deal with the HUGE mess of cleaning up spilled tire fluid after a flat. Let me know if you want cost info. they are pretty expensive.
<img src="http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/LVP5/LVP577_________UN21APR95.gif">
There are 3 types of tire filling materials you can use.
NaCl, which is highly corrosive, the second heaviest tire filling material, second most expensive, and toxic to plant life. You don't want to spill a tires worth on the ground; it will be years before anything grows there again.
Rim Guard (aka windshield wiper fluid). It is the least heaviest, least toxic, and least expensive. It may not meet your rear tire ballast requirements in heavier applications. (I have this fluid in my rear tires for FEL ballast weight)
Lastly, tire foam, which is the heaviest tire filling material, most expensive of the 3, and least toxic. This method also has the great advantage making the tire flat and puncture proof; but some don't like the alledged stiffer ride.
I would suggest the rim guard fluid unless you are operating in an area which causes you frequent flat tires. If you still need more rear ballast weight; you can always add wheel weights. Hope this answered your questions.