Cast Iron Wheels Option for ballast - thoughts?

[lobster88]

Anyone have the cast iron wheels you can get from factory? Thinking of ordering an M4D-061 with the cast wheels from factory. I think this would be better than filling tires for ballast. Any thoughts or pros/cons? Thanks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I don't see any downside to doing that.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

In my opinion, especially since they are a "factory" option, I think they would be the "superior choice" over liquid ballast.

In my head, the liquid ballast is/would be MORE susceptible to problems like leaking/corrosion...etc.

Whereas the cast iron inserts would have the added benefit of being able to remove them, unlike their liquid counterpart.

I always thought "cost" was the major downside to that type of ballast?

Just my random thoughts.....

 

[NCL4701]

As a generality, filling the tires adds MUCH more weight than cast wheels or wheel weights. You have to look at the specs for the specific model to determine what the difference is and which is sufficient to meet the needs for your application.

 

[SDT]

Anyone have the cast iron wheels you can get from factory? Thinking of ordering an M4D-061 with the cast wheels from factory. I think this would be better than filling tires for ballast. Any thoughts or pros/cons? Thanks!

I always used cast weights rather than liquid ballast for multiple reasons.

I had both cast centers and two Kubota cast weights on each side of the M9960 that I once owned (same weights as a M4).

Expensive but turnkey.

FWIW, North States makes cast weights for Kubota and others and sells to dealers for considerably less than does Kubota. They do not sell directly to consumers so you must buy through a dealer. Hint: order 1000 Lbs. in a single order or ask your dealer to hold your order until they have other needs to total 1000 Lbs. or more to get free shipping (to the dealer). Order the attachment bolts, etc., at the same time.