Grappling Large Square Hay Bales

[pitt_md]

I got my hay baled yesterday and used my WRLong OBG2 grapple to handle the 800 lb. bales. This worked really slick. I opened the grapple all the way and then lowered it straight down on the bale. Close the clamp and roll it up and lift. To be honest I was not sure my MX5000 could handle these bales. they are not light weight items. Never seemed to be strained at all. The grapple was great for stacking these bales three high in my storage shed.

 

[IslandTractor]

Your loader is rated to lift over 2000lbs so those 800lbs bales were well within it's "performance envelope". Nice looking grapple. Love the counterweight. Much nicer than carrying around a bulky implement.

 

[pitt_md]

The counter weight is my "Box of Rocks". Basicly a bunch of quarts rocks my wife wanted to save (for some reason) so I put them to use.

 

[pitt_md]

Your loader is rated to lift over 2000lbs so those 800lbs bales were well within it's "performance envelope". Nice looking grapple. Love the counterweight. Much nicer than carrying around a bulky implement.

Yes I know the tractor SHOULD lift them but when I walked up to the first one I pushed on it and it didn't even wiggle I walked back to the tractor thinking it just might have met it's match.

 

[mark.r]

The counter weight is my "Box of Rocks". Basicly a bunch of quarts rocks my wife wanted to save (for some reason) so I put them to use.

What type of counter weight is that, who makes the box?

 

[IslandTractor]

What type of counter weight is that, who makes the box?

I haven't seen a nice orange one before but I know JD makes a very similar box in a sickly green color. Paint is cheap.

 

[mark.r]

I haven't seen a nice orange one before but I know JD makes a very similar box in a sickly green color. Paint is cheap.

Oooooh, no green for me. Furthermore, something tells me the JD one is more expensive. I'll have to look around and see what I kind find. I'm too lazy to make one.

 

[pitt_md]

What type of counter weight is that, who makes the box?

That is a cat 1/2 Kubota ballast box. It came with my tractor and i am very glad it did. I have been told by more than one person that I am carzy for using rocks in it. everyone says it should be sand.

 

[mark.r]

That is a cat 1/2 Kubota ballast box. It came with my tractor and i am very glad it did. I have been told by more than one person that I am carzy for using rocks in it. everyone says it should be sand.

Hmmm, catergory 1 and 2. I wonder how much the run at the Kubota dealership. MF makes one that is made weights and doesn't need to be filled. Maybe I'll cross shop and see what they both cost.

 

[IslandTractor]

Hmmm, catergory 1 and 2. I wonder how much the run at the Kubota dealership. MF makes one that is made weights and doesn't need to be filled. Maybe I'll cross shop and see what they both cost.

The empty box that you fill with sand or rocks is undoubtedly cheaper than one ballasted with steel or lead. There is a used green one for sale nearby that is going for $100. I'd grab it except that I'm on vacation and not mobile right now.