The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Weights on the rear wheels seem like a good idea for increasing traction, eg when ploughing, and for stability.

How precisely do they need to be fitted centrally on the wheel centres, so they don't result in out of balance rear wheels, and an interesting ride when road running?

Are they really for field work only?

Water ballast might be rather cheaper and perhaps that is self balancing?

Advice appreciated

Hi
I spend more time taking weights of my new purchase majors to get the weight down for moving them on trailers, and making them easier to work on when restoring them. Most majors here in Canada have the full set of weights and both rears fluid filled. As far as I know when putting weights on as long as the bolts are the right size and the holes are good they pretty much self center.
I have heard of guys putting weights on and it loads the back axle and causes problems with seals and bearings, then they take the weights off and go to fluid and then the problems go away . unless your ploughing or tractor pulling I would leave it alone . it just makes the thing harder to work on if you get a flat tyre , or need to take the wheels off for any reason. I work on customer tractors weighted both ways and I hate doing rear axle work if the wheel has to come off .
The other thing to remember is you should use calcium as an antifreeze in the fluid filled tyre. if you get a weep in the valve stem or tube that crap makes a mess of the rim and paint it's very corrosive . unless there is a more modern replacement for calcium available now in your area.
Regards Robert