Well I tried some of that magic paint. It's unbelievable how much better the weight works now.
Seriously though, I do not expect anyone to say that anything I make is "pretty". I doubt that the other "people that boast on here how they can make stuff work" do either.
I would guess that most of them show their ideas with the thought in mind that it might help someone else. If someone else can use that idea and make it look real nice, that's great. If someone on a budget or limited time can can use an idea and make something work for them even though it isn't pretty, that's even better. I hope they don't get discouraged by derogatory remarks from some that just want to see the "pretty" ones.
I guess using a pickup isn't the best comparison because it has a
suspension. On a tractor, the air in the tires is the only suspension it has. If anyone by chance has two identical tractors and only one of them has loaded tires, try the bounce test. I guarantee the loaded tires will be a lot stiffer. It is basic physics, air will compress, liquid won't.
As stated below, the manufacturer says it's okay to load the tires. I prefer not to, just as some of you have preferences on other things.
I checked the tractor manual (I know, you're supposed to read the instructions first) and it says when using a front end loader to
put 400 lbs in a weight box with the center of gravity 33" from the center of the rear axle and 20" from the ground.
If the center of gravity of the additional weight is positioned closer to the rear axle and higher from the ground, more weight must be added.
Using those recommendations and measurements, my weight is
almost an exact fit. I don't think they would recommend doing it if they thought it was hard on everything. I'm sure some on this forum could have spent more time and made this actually look nice.
It also says to add 86 lbs of liquid ballast to each tire to be properly weighted. As I said before, I won't argue against ballasting tires, but I do have a reason for needing a light footprint, and it has nothing to do with my yard. I am a pretty big guy, so I''ll substitute my above average weight for the liquid ballast.