Too much ballast?

[Racer71]

Can you have too much rear ballast?

I am doing some heavy digging with the FEL and the back end is light with filled tires and the box blade attached. So I am thinking about building a concrete ballast block. Therefore, I can make it as big as I want.

My current design is 1,300 pounds centered 8 inches behind the lift point. This can easily be changed.

My L3400 is rated at 2,000 pounds at the lift point and 1,400 pounds at 24 inches. Both the tractor manual and loader manual state that the amount of ballast should be matched to the need. That is a big help

 

[Racer71]

Here is the design I'm working with.

 

[bjcsc]

Considering your plan, I would take my design a step further and make your ballast modular, in say 3rds. That way, you can use it in varying degrees...

 

[Mike058]

I don't know if that's too much weight, but if it isn't, what about using a simpler box shape. 22 wide 26 tall 27 deep would get you about 1300 pounds and the form would be simpler to make. I'd think something more box shaped would be less likely to whack something.

 

[Racer71]

Mike058,

You do present some good food for thought.

The 22 wide doesn't fit as far forward between the lift arms so the center of gravity is moving aft. The 27 inches would put the center of gravity at aroung 13 inches which is still within reason. The load would also stick out another 12 inches or so to the rear. The 26 wide starts to bind with the top link when the load is raised.

The "T" shape is designed to fit behind the tires for clearance when backing.

 

[jimmysisson]

Seems like a simpler shape would be less likely to snag on brush, etc. I'd also figure out some way to hang this without making the lift arms bear it, cut down on strain on the lift hydraulics. "Match the need" cuts down on complaints they didn't tell you the right thing for just your requirements. Every ground and operation is a little different. You won't regret the weight, makes an amazing difference in stability and digging power.
Jim

 

[Mike058]

Mike058,

You do present some good food for thought.

The 22 wide doesn't fit as far forward between the lift arms so the center of gravity is moving aft. The 27 inches would put the center of gravity at aroung 13 inches which is still within reason. The load would also stick out another 12 inches or so to the rear. The 26 wide starts to bind with the top link when the load is raised.

The "T" shape is designed to fit behind the tires for clearance when backing.

Doing a little research shows that there's only 18 inches between the toplink pin and the lifting pins, so a block 26" tall would be really tough to squeeze in there Limiting it to 17" tall leaves you with a chunk of concrete 42" long, and not exactly what I'd want to see hanging off any respectable tractor. That's assuming it could be lifted with the hydraulics seeing as where that would put the center of gravity. No, your original design is looking better all the time. Do you think you'll need any rebar across the back to hold up the "ears"?

 

[ronjhall]

Can you have too much rear ballast?

I am doing some heavy digging with the FEL and the back end is light with filled tires and the box blade attached. So I am thinking about building a concrete ballast block. Therefore, I can make it as big as I want.

My current design is 1,300 pounds centered 8 inches behind the lift point. This can easily be changed.

My L3400 is rated at 2,000 pounds at the lift point and 1,400 pounds at 24 inches. Both the tractor manual and loader manual state that the amount of ballast should be matched to the need. That is a big help

I do not think you need 1300 lbs. You box blade probably weighs less than 500 lbs. Try adding some weight to the box blade. With loaded tires it will not take much.
Changing the dimensions of your ballast some will help with counterbalance.
Looks like the pins are set too far in. Move pins to 3" in. This will move the weight further back and give you more counterbalance from the weight of your ballast. Standard width of a Cat 1 attachment is 26" why not make yours closer to that dimension?

 

[Steve_Miller]

I couldn't load your picture for some reason, but here is what I came up with for rear weight. It's only about 400lbs but it is easily picked up or dropped off. Concrete is about 150lbs per cubic foot. I just cast a piece of channel in the form when i poured it with enough gap to mimic the lip on a fork. For what its worth it may or may not help in your quest.

Steve

 

[MarkV]

I don’t think you are planning on too much weight. Many of us with backhoes have that much hanging off the back of the tractor. I would guess your design will work just fine yet it is much more common to stick a draw bar through a plastic garbage can and fill it with concrete.

Do a search for ballast and see some of the ideas others have come up with. Several people have incorporated tool holders, receiver hitches, chain holders and other conveniences into their home built ballast boxes.

MarkV