markslawnmowerworld 4 #26 Posted February 8, 2010 I think you should do what makes you feel happy......... and don't feel over critasized........ NICE garden tractor....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 74 #27 Posted February 8, 2010 Nice tractor and loader!! Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #28 Posted February 8, 2010 Big farm tractors have "huge" tires because they are in scale. If you have 100 hp, and that's not really all that big, and you weigh 12,000 pounds, you can't carry it, nor put the power to ground, with a 15" diameter wheel. You can however sit and spin nicely on ice. B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dodge78 94 #29 Posted February 8, 2010 I have a C160-8 with a Wheelhorse loader. There is 75 lbs on each wheel and about 175 lbs on the back. It had turf tires with 4 link chains, ( it was changed to 2 link because the stuff cost me $15 to do ). When we got 17" of the white stuff, I had no problem moving it around. But it was not the wet sloppy stuff. Using a loader is different than using a plow, and once you get it figured out, it will work out just fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rodco 0 #30 Posted February 8, 2010 WEIGHT, WEIGHT, WEIGHT: With the Loader way out front and snow/weight in it, that is a lot of heavy leverage out front "titer-tottering" on the front wheels and lightening/lifting up on the back wheels. (I have the same setup). With a loader like that, 300# or more is needed on and behind the back axle. First, fill up the perfect weight box you have, with anything heavy, metal/lead, 200# or more if you can. Then fill up the tires, those 25" tires will hold 6+ gallons, "Rim-guard" is the heaviest and best to use (2 tires x 65#@ = 130# more, and you don't need to add tubes (ask at farm/truck tire stores). Lug tires (without chains) are fine, [the smaller the 'footprint' on the ground, the more psi (#/square inch), equals better traction], your lugs are worn down and rounded, but with a lot of weight on the back, they will work OK ("pullers" would roughen the tread up with a rasp or grinder). Chains don't work well with lugs and would harm your cement, turf with 2-link chains would work, but if you use the loader/tractor in summer, the lugs + weight would give you much better traction on dirt & mud. I have LOTS of dead weight (Solid cast Iron ignots), I could add more, but didn't want to overburden the hydro transmission. I mean how much weight can a small garden tractor really take? I DO plan on using the loader in the summertime.. A lot actually to move dirt and mulch around my garden. The clay soil here is like ice when it gets wet..Probably worse than ice.. Clay is very Slick. My other tractor does very well with the turf tires and chains. ROB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #31 Posted February 8, 2010 Weight can be deceptive but doesn't look like 400 pounds in that weight box. To handle much weight in the bucket you do need at least 300 pounds of counterweight. The tires should do ok but Ive never had a set with that tread pattern. If you still have trouble it wouldnt hurt to try chains on the ags. You can always put them on turfs later if need be. Threw this blade together for my loader last year. Haven't really used it much but it did a fairly good job. Some of the loader manuafacturers even had a blade as an option. I believe one of them used a bucket cylinder to hydraulically angle the blade. Blades are nice most of the time but when it gets deep, you cant do this with a blade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-Series14 15 #32 Posted February 9, 2010 I agree with Nick. A FEL is needed when it is deep to move it around. I use my FEL when it's deep and yes, I do spin alot but I don't worry too much about it. I eventually get it going. I have 100 lbs. on the wheels and 320 lbs. on the back with suitcase weights. Pics are on here.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iggy68 28 #33 Posted February 9, 2010 The problem with a loader compared to a blade is a blade lets the snow roll off to the side and a with a bucket you tend to continue to push more weight all the time. My brother had a JD 310 SE backhoe and I had a 69 F100 with a 7' Western plow on it. I could push the snow faster with my truck then he could with the tractor, Until we hit very deep snow. Even then he had to push off to the side all the time. It just gets to heavy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gattonde 2 #34 Posted February 10, 2010 Has anyone tried the rubber chains on AG's. I also slip and slide with my FEL. I was wondering if I would be better off with the rubber chain's or try turf tires. I have dully's and the tires could be pricy. Thanks, Dan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
