How much is too much?

[MalMac 1,328]

I know this has probably been asked on here before but I could not find it. Question being how much weight can you put on the rear axel bearings? On the tractor that I have a FEL on I use suitcase weights. Now with my fat body on there it already starts out at 230lbs now start adding more weight by suitcase or weight box and it starts adding up. So how much is too much before damage to the axel, bearings or maybe even the cast housing. The weights that I use are regular farm suitcase weights. I would say they weight about 75lbs a piece. I use 4 of them. 3 will get the job done but 4 makes a great improvement on traction. I was just starting to wonder if I was doing any damage. So far non is visable.

[kpinnc 10,877]

I don't know if there is an actual posted limit of any kind on your setup, but I do know of others putting 200lbs or more in a weight box.

There are many different things to consider though- Are you running duallies, how wide are the tires, what kind of terrain will you use it on, do you already have substantial wear on your bearings and axles, etc... Many people have snapped the axles right off at the transmission, but usually when using duallies, which compound any weight you have at the axles. They add stability, but it can come at a cost if you're not careful.

Having that kind of weight and extending the width of the tractor will definitely add wear on the bearings and axles. Just take care of what kind of bind you place on the axles, and when you don't need that weight back there, remove it.

[refracman 166]

On my first GT14 FEL I had 5 homemade suitcase weights 80-90 lbs each which hung on the grader box 125lbs, loaded tires about 80lbs each and 100lbs cast iron wheel weights. Ran it for 5 years like that. On the one I use now I have a weight box with the 5 suitcase and another 150lbs or so of steel in it and have been useing it like that for 3 years. I have not had any issues with either. I used the heck out of my first one probably 5 -600 hrs and this one not so much.