Front-End Loader lifting bales w/ 460 loader on a 4510

[area123]

I have seen specs for the 460 loader and it states about 2000 lbs capacity at highest lift, which should handle 95% of large bales I would think. But I wonder if it is feasible to try and move large round bales around w/ my 4510? I have plenty of weight on the back, I can put over 1000 lbs back there w/ my sprayer. I've also loaded the 6' bucket w/ a full load of moist top soil and it handles that just fine w/ out having any weight on the back & w/o even using the front wheel assist, but I'm not sure how that top soil weight compares w/ a 1500+lb hay bale. THese are the 5x5.5 round bales that my neighbor baled for me w/ his NH baler, blue stem hay and I have to move them about 1000' across farily smooth pasture and load them on a long narrow bale trailer so I won't have to lift them very high typically.

Second question, where is the best place to get a bale spear? Deere dealer, atwoods, or other farm supply? I'll call the dealer but I'm sure I'll pay a premium for Deere implements and a bale spear would seem to be something that woudln't have to necessarily be green..

thanks.

 

[RoyJackson]

It's not just the weight of the bale to consider. Consider how far forward the bale will be...rear ballast will be essential to counterbalance the hay bales to keep the tractor balanced and reduce as much stress of the front axle as you can.

 

[area123]

Ok, I understand that. I thought some folks here might have experience w/ moving bales around w/ some of these smaller tractors. The dealer wasn't much help on capacity. The loader spec only says how much weight can be lifted in the bucket, it doesn't say anything about pallet forks or hay spears, which I understand increase the moment arm on the loader. I would think the spec would state those things..

 

[Mistyridgefarm]

You should be fine as long as you keep weight on the back and don't drive like a race car. I might suggest you add a three point spear and add your rear weight while moving two bales at a time. Also make sure you get a real spear and not one that clamps on your bucket. This keeps the weight tucked in closer. Oh, you said it was flat but good practice to keep the bale low, just above the ground.

There are plenty of aftermarket spears. Make sure you get one that is solid and not tube, as it penetrates tight bales better.

Be careful and have fun!

 

[dws]

Deere does not recommend lifting large round bales with this loader. According to the 460 Loader Operator's Manual: "Do not handle bales that are heavier than 700 lbs which will exceed the lift capacity of the loader for bales." Also: "Do not carry a bale larger than 48" diameter which will reduce the visibility."

 

[area123]

Deere does not recommend lifting large round bales with this loader. According to the 460 Loader Operator's Manual: "Do not handle bales that are heavier than 700 lbs which will exceed the lift capacity of the loader for bales." Also: "Do not carry a bale larger than 48" diameter which will reduce the visibility."

Ok that's good info. Where did you find that? The bucket capacity is like 2000 lbs but it doesn't stick out 5' either.

 

[dws]

Ok that's good info. Where did you find that? The bucket capacity is like 2000 lbs but it doesn't stick out 5' either.

I found this information on pages 35-4 and 35-6 in OMW44980. For later serial number 460 loaders (01311, it is section 5 (Safety) of OMW49766 - Transporting Round or Large Square Bales Safely.

The capacity limits (700 lbs.) for lifting bales are still the same for the 400CX loaders.

I was also considering using my tractor for transporting bales until I read the limitations in the manual.

 

[magicheater]

I just moved some bales with by B7800, Don't know why you could or should not with your tractor. Bales vary in size and weight, these were 5'-5.5' in diameter and less than 900 lbs.

 

[rubicon79]

My girlfriends father has a JD 4500 with a 460 loader he bought new in 2000. He has used it to put out large round bales since he bought it. They buy 12-20 bales every year and his neighbor has used it whenever his tractor has broken down and he has several head of cattle. I have personally put out over 10 bales and the tractor handles them great in my opinion. We always keep a heavy duty bush hog on the back for ballast. Plenty of loader capacity and really a non issue.

I just bought a new Mahindra 3616 cab which is smaller and lighter. One of the conditions I had before I bought it was if it would handle round bales. I loaded one up and took it to the dealer to make sure. He was able to unload it out of my truck without loaded tires or anything on the 3 pt. I don't intend to do that but just shows these CUTs are pretty capable.

 

[area123]

I just moved some bales with by B7800, Don't know why you could or should not with your tractor. Bales vary in size and weight, these were 5'-5.5' in diameter and less than 900 lbs.

I think the 700lbs is very conservative assuming the operator wont ballast , etc. that b7800 is half the weight of the 4510 so I imagine it would handle one of these big bales ok. Won't hurt to try. I only have 20 bales at most per season and I just sell it and would be nice to load it without calling the neighbors.