Summary: Its usually best to remove the loader from a tractor when doing tasks that don't require it for use or ballast. Doing so has several benefits. It removes weight from the front tires making the tractor easier to steer, makes the tractor lighter reducing ground compaction, and greatly extends tire life when using 4WD. Most modern loader are very easy to remove and some larger machines even have quick attach buckets that can be quickly dropped off the tractor.
