Using the Hitch Plate, Tractor Weighting

USING THE HITCH PLATE

Use only the hitch plate (Refer to Figure 23), for towing pull-behind equipment (carts, trailers, etc.) or dragging loads.

Raise the lower links of the three point hitch to their highest position to prevent interference with the towed equipment.

IMPORTANT: When transporting pull-behind equipment on public roadways, always use a safety chain to supplement the connection between the tractor and towed equipment. The safety chain must have a strength rating equal to or greater than the gross weight of the equip- ment being towed.

TRACTOR WEIGHTING

When implements are installed on either the front or rear of the tractor, the normal balance of the tractor is altered.

•As a rear mounted implement is raised to the transport position, the balance point of the tractor shifts rearward, which may result in a loss of steering control and tractor stability.

•When a front mounted implement is raised, the balance point shifts forward and may result in a loss of traction and stability.

To counterbalance these weight shifts, weight should be added to the tractor in the form of either cast iron weights or liquid ballast. However, only enough weight should be added to obtain good traction, control, and stability. Excessive weight will unnecessarily load down the tractor’s engine and transmission.

NOTE: When adding weight to the tractor, it may be necessary to increase the inflation pressure in the tires.

Front Weights

To counterbalance three point hitch mounted equipment, a weight bracket/bumper kit and cast iron weights are available from your Cub Cadet dealer.

When mounting optional Cub Cadet equipment on the rear of the tractor, such as a rotary tiller or rear finish mower, the weight bracket and a minimum of four suitcase weights should be used.

For all other rear mounted equipment, follow the guidelines provided in the implement’s Operator’s Manual to determine how much weight is needed to counterbalance the equipment.

If guidelines are not available, ballast the tractor so that a minimum of approximately 40% of the machine weight is on the front wheels.

Weighting the Rear of the Tractor

Adding weight to the rear of the tractor is not required for most Cub Cadet front mounted equipment currently available for this tractor. However, if installing only the optional front end loader (without the back hoe), weight must be added to the rear of the tractor. The most common methods of adding weight are filling the rear wheels with liquid ballast (usually a calcium chloride and water solution) or mounting a rear weight box.

Liquid Ballast

Properly filling the rear tires with liquid ballast increases the weight of each rear wheel to approximately 200 pounds, which should provide adequate counterbalance.

Because special equipment and a familiarity with the practice is required, only a qualified tire technician should perform this procedure. Consult with your Cub Cadet dealer about having liquid ballast added to your tires, and for any special maintenance instructions after the procedure is performed.

Rear Weight Box

A weight box will provide adequate counterbalance if the following criteria is met:

•The weight box and contents must total a minimum of 200 pounds.

•The weight box must be positioned a minimum of approximately 20 inches rearward of the rear axle, and be carried no more than 12 inches from the ground.

If the weight box is positioned closer to the rear axle or carried higher, additional weight must be added to effectively counterbalance the front loader.