Just bought a 35' draper for my 2588. Would hardly lift the head but I only have 2 lift cylinders. I just turned the pressure up on the cylinders a little bit and problem solved. As for weight on the back, I don't think that I will need any. Played with it in the barnyard quite a bit and didn't seem to think that I need to add any. Maybe that will change when I get the hopper full. I just hate to add any weight unless I absolutley need it. I don't have any hills, table top flat.