First time out with the new LX4020

[Outback101]

Spent some time in the seat today with a Stinger 66" grapple on the FEL and no ballast in the tires. Woah Buddy what a tippy feeling I got. Wasn't on what I would call very uneven ground or much of a slope but I could tell this thing is going to need weight ASAP and maybe some spacers on the rear to make me feel warm and fuzzy. I knew ballast was a must but didn't expect to feel it that much. Getting tires filled Tuesday and can't wait to report on the difference. Not ruling out some wheel weights yet either. Anxious to feel the 500lbs and duplicate todays work.

The tractor operates great and hydraulics were very responsive (20*F outside temp). Loved the way the controls felt and could tell that as soon as I get a couple hours more time in this is going to be an efficient and easy beast. No loud hydro whine!! Forward/Reverse pedal worked best for me with my whole foot on top while using the FEL.

Checking engine oil level is a PIA. They could have made that easier to get to. Unless I am missing something removing the side cover every time isn't conducive to frequent checks.

That's all for now.

 

[je1279]

Congrats on the new machine! In addition to having the rear tires filled, skip wheel weights and purchase a three point hitch ballast box then get the weight (including the box) to ~700-750lbs. That should make any future grapple or loader work far less sketchy.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Ballist box is your friend. Always nice to unload it when not needing it. Nice to have a quick connect to hook up without getting out of the seat.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Congrats!

Where’s the pics?

 

[Mitjam]

Spent some time in the seat today with a Stinger 66" grapple on the FEL and no ballast in the tires. Woah Buddy what a tippy feeling I got. Wasn't on what I would call very uneven ground or much of a slope but I could tell this thing is going to need weight ASAP and maybe some spacers on the rear to make me feel warm and fuzzy. I knew ballast was a must but didn't expect to feel it that much. Getting tires filled Tuesday and can't wait to report on the difference. Not ruling out some wheel weights yet either. Anxious to feel the 500lbs and duplicate todays work.

The tractor operates great and hydraulics were very responsive (20*F outside temp). Loved the way the controls felt and could tell that as soon as I get a couple hours more time in this is going to be an efficient and easy beast. No loud hydro whine!! Forward/Reverse pedal worked best for me with my whole foot on top while using the FEL.

Checking engine oil level is a PIA. They could have made that easier to get to. Unless I am missing something removing the side cover every time isn't conducive to frequent checks.

That's all for now.

Congratulations on the new tractor. I really do like mine for what it is, it’s perfect. Any of the older 10 series wheel spacers will fit the new 20 series if you are looking. There a a couple rub spots where they run coolant lines up to the cab just watch out for. They did cover the hoses in wire loom but I split a piece of bigger hose and just ran over it as well. Passenger side where coolant lines cross over cab mounting frame and also up the cab tubular frame itself. And yes the oil dipstick isn’t ideal to bad they didn’t make an access door. But it’s still a lot better than the lx3310 with a loader on

 

[Nomore67]

Congrats on the new LX!

Weight on the rear is practically a must, if I don't have a PTO implement on the back I use the box scraper with suitcase weights, It works great! And with the quick hitch it's simple to drop off & on.

 

[S-G-R]

Congrats on the new LX!

How do you like those tires in the snow?

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

It's an unwritten rule that;

"One must never, ever, use the front end loader without a rear mounted 3 point counter weight on the tractor"!

Whether its a bucket or a grapple or whatever on your FEL, never use it without a rear counter weight. I ALWAYS have a rear implement or weight when using the FEL. I use a rototiller or at least a scraper.

A wider rear axle with wheel spacers is not the answer.

Fluid filled tires is not the answer.

Your tractor's physical dynamics is like a kids tricycle. With a pivot under the front axle.

A proper and heavy counter balance on the rear is the only safe solution. Unless you are lifting helium balloons.

Be well. Be safe. Tractor on.

 

[Nomore67]

How do you like those tires in the snow?

I've had Kubotas with turf tires and R14's, both have been good (B and BX models)..... These 'new' R4's on the LX4020, I don't have a great past comparison. Without weight the tractor can spin them with ease on dirt or snow when working it... With weight on it, they work great though, on dirt or snow.... So, I can't honestly say if they are great in snow on their own, on the Lx4020 , but with some weight they do work great!!

 

[Botamon]

Congrats!

Where’s the pics?

^This! We're not gonna believe you even own a tractor unless you post a few pictures!

 

[jyoutz]

Congrats on the new machine! In addition to having the rear tires filled, skip wheel weights and purchase a three point hitch ballast box then get the weight (including the box) to ~700-750lbs. That should make any future grapple or loader work far less sketchy.

Or you could just attach a useful implement instead of a ballast box.

 

[jyoutz]

It's an unwritten rule that;

"One must never, ever, use the front end loader without a rear mounted 3 point counter weight on the tractor"!

Whether its a bucket or a grapple or whatever on your FEL, never use it without a rear counter weight. I ALWAYS have a rear implement or weight when using the FEL. I use a rototiller or at least a scraper.

A wider rear axle with wheel spacers is not the answer.

Fluid filled tires is not the answer.

Your tractor's physical dynamics is like a kids tricycle. With a pivot under the front axle.

A proper and heavy counter balance on the rear is the only safe solution. Unless you are lifting helium balloons.

Be well. Be safe. Tractor on.

Filled tires and an implement is the answer. Filled tires increase traction.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Filled tires and an implement is the answer. Filled tires increase traction.

Yes, filled tires do increase traction. But this is about safely using a FEL. Not traction. It's about not flipping the tractor.

OP said it was tippy... that's an understatement. Flip a brand new open station tractor and someone will get hurt in the wallet or worse. Physically. They may die. If the OP wants a short grapple or loader he should have looked into skid steers, not conventional tractors.

IDK where the OP bought the tractor, but the dealer should have made it crystal clear: No FEL use without rear ballast. Not filled tires. Not tire weights, Not wheel spacers. But rear 3 point attached ballast.

It is basic physics. Which somehow seems lost to some.

And... filled tires change the whole situation if you have to pull off the wheel in the field. Most men can shimmy and make it work with an unfilled tire on a 4020. A filled tire, no way without help or a crane. Unless you drain out your $ dollar fill fluid.

And, to the OP: Congrats on the new tractor!!!

Be well. Be SAFE. Tractor on.

 

[jyoutz]

Yes, filled tires do increase traction. But this is about safely using a FEL. Not traction. It's about not flipping the tractor.

OP said it was tippy... that's an understatement. Flip a brand new open station tractor and someone will get hurt in the wallet or worse. Physically. They may die. If the OP wants a short grapple or loader he should have looked into skid steers, not conventional tractors.

IDK where the OP bought the tractor, but the dealer should have made it crystal clear: No FEL use without rear ballast. Not filled tires. Not tire weights, Not wheel spacers. But rear 3 point attached ballast.

It is basic physics. Which somehow seems lost to some.

And... filled tires change the whole situation if you have to pull off the wheel in the field. Most men can shimmy and make it work with an unfilled tire on a 4020. A filled tire, no way without help or a crane. Unless you drain out your $ dollar fill fluid.

And, to the OP: Congrats on the new tractor!!!

Be well. Be SAFE. Tractor on.

Yep, that’s why I stated AND implement.

 

[SDT]

Spent some time in the seat today with a Stinger 66" grapple on the FEL and no ballast in the tires. Woah Buddy what a tippy feeling I got. Wasn't on what I would call very uneven ground or much of a slope but I could tell this thing is going to need weight ASAP and maybe some spacers on the rear to make me feel warm and fuzzy. I knew ballast was a must but didn't expect to feel it that much. Getting tires filled Tuesday and can't wait to report on the difference. Not ruling out some wheel weights yet either. Anxious to feel the 500lbs and duplicate todays work.

The tractor operates great and hydraulics were very responsive (20*F outside temp). Loved the way the controls felt and could tell that as soon as I get a couple hours more time in this is going to be an efficient and easy beast. No loud hydro whine!! Forward/Reverse pedal worked best for me with my whole foot on top while using the FEL.

Checking engine oil level is a PIA. They could have made that easier to get to. Unless I am missing something removing the side cover every time isn't conducive to frequent checks.

That's all for now.

Liquid ballast will help a bit, but serious FEL work will require a counterweight. I recommend a ballast box.

Unless things have changed wheel weights are not offered for the LX series.

 

[Donystoy]

You defiantly need a counterweight when using a loader or grapple. I have an MK Martin weight box that I altered and added a toolbox on top after I was disgusted by the shabby construction.