LX2610 Manual Says No Tire Fluid When Operating the Loader

[fried1765]

I don't know why they would say that but my only comment about fel use and ballast is loaded tires don't help. Only ballast behind the rear axle relieves pressure on the front axle.

BINGO!
You done broke da code!

 

[hoobie]

The beauty of loaded tires is it doesn't load the axle, the weight is directly on the ground.

 

[nbryan]

BINGO!
You done broke da code!

Tire ballast won't help with loader counterbalancing, true, but the added weight at the tires that it provides will definitely add plenty of traction. That traction would is very useful with ground engaging implements, and also for added force pushing the fel into or through the materials it's handling.

 

[canderson]

Backhoe makes sense - leverage issue; loader must be mis-publication. I suppose in theory, you could operate a backhoe with the loader bucket attached and fill the loader bucket with weight for counterbalance. I run a LX2610 with the larger 15x19.5 tires, filled, plus DIY concrete wheel weights that weigh in at 250 lbs. each. I completely agree that if you don't have a full-time need for ballast weight, the ballast box is the way to go. However, if you have a consistent need for ballast weight, filled tires and wheel weights carry a huge advantage - no weight on the bearings. I have roughly 1,120 lbs. of ballast weight on my machine with zero lbs. of that on the bearings. It's nice being able to work the loader without the need for a box blade or other implement attached to the three point for ballast. I also have a small hobby farm and use my rig for various field management chores that require more weight.

 

[Grandad4]

It's nice being able to work the loader without the need for a box blade or other implement attached to the three point for ballast.

Subject of endless debate. Here's another point of view. Overloading the rear wheel bearings is not the issue, it's the front axle. All or most of the weight of whatever is on the FEL is carried on the front wheels. Something hanging off the back offsets the loader weight to some degree, like a teeter totter, but ballasted tires, while keeping the back end planted, don't relieve any weight up front.

 

[canderson]

Subject of endless debate. Here's another point of view. Overloading the rear wheel bearings is not the issue, it's the front axle. All or most of the weight of whatever is on the FEL is carried on the front wheels. Something hanging off the back offsets the loader weight to some degree, like a teeter totter, but ballasted tires, while keeping the back end planted, don't relieve any weight up front.

That makes sense - I had not considered. Balances the weight across the tires as opposed to acting like a lever with the front axle as the fulcrum. Probably not an issue with light-duty loads, but definitely worth considering if heavy loader tasks are on the to-do list. Great insight.

 

[nbryan]

I've been running without filled tires or wheel weights over the more than 6 years and 1200 hours I've had my B2650HSD since new. All I need is my 60" box scraper on the 3-point as ballast, for as much as the front end loader hydraulics can lift.
And as filled tires are recommended against by Kubota for use when operating my backhoe, I don't see any advantage at all.
I can lift and maneuver the loader's max capacity, so why add wheel weight?

 

[canderson]

I can lift and maneuver the loader's max capacity, so why add wheel weight?

I often move heavy hay wagons out of the field, spread manure and ash, and run a haybine/baler with the 2610 when needed. Need a little extra weight for those bigger chores when called upon.