Cat '0' 540 PTO Sprayer

[Anonymous Poster]

Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Looking for a resource for a Cat 0 3-point PTO sprayer for my JD445. I can live with 25 gallon but would prefer 50 gallon w/10' boom and spray gun (the tractor will handle the weight w/ front counterweight). I have been told to go ahead an buy a small Cat 1 and modify the pins and/or frame. Any advice or company reference would be appreciated. Live in Delaware and would pay shipping if necessary.

Thanks in advance--Pete
bigpete@dmv.com

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

<font color=blue>...Cat 0 3-point PTO sprayer for my JD445...</font color=blue>

Hi Pete,

I'm not aware of any "CAT 0" 3-pt sprayer...

However, you may want to consider...

I feel it would be economically unfeasible to convert your garden tractor from Cat 0 ---> Cat I, besides most Cat I implements would cause rear/tire/ballast interference being mounted on a garden tractor...

Finally, it's a safety issue..., if you were successful in converting and installing a 50 gallon sprayer{3pt. mounted}, you've got 400 lbs. of liquid + the weight of the sprayer dangling off the rear of that garden tractor... how do you expect to control/steer this unit...?

I would reconsider, and go with a tow sprayer unit with a 12 vdc. electric pump that should do the job as well and safer... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[ecard]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

I agree with John. That sounds like a lot of weight for cat 0 and most of the cat 0 3ph I am use to are manual lift - wow that would be a challenge.

While we are on this subject, does anyone know how to use cat 0 implements on a cat 1? I have a cultivator for my sears tractor and would like to use it behind my TC33D.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[bigpete]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Thanks. Actually, the tractor can handle the weight and many Cat 0/1 implements, as long as the pins are removeable on the attachment and the attachment frame can accommodate the 26" spread of the lift arms. JD offers a Cat 0/1 tiller weighing in near 400 lbs. The front end of the tractor accommodates 360 lbs of suitcase weights in a JD stock bracket. The company-written specs state that the total tractor weight can be increased by about 1,500 lbs (rider, attachment and weights). My land is flat and my useage is at the "estate" level. Just looking to take care of about four acres of good fescue.

It certainly isn't a compact utility and I don't have that much work for it. JD makes a loader for this unit that is of limited use. The unit has almost the same weight and wheelbase specs as the Kubota BX series which has somehow found a way to offer a Cat 1. If I find that much work I'll move up to the 4100+ models.

Best regards,
Pete

 

[bigpete]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Eric,

The 400 series has full hydraulics - 600+ lbs lift capacity. The tractor weighs about 1,000 lbs; 20 to 22 hp gas or diesel. Pushes a 60" belly mower without hesitation. Some call it a sub-compact size. I call it a gonzo garden tractor.

Some of the Cat 0/1 attachments use sleeves to "shim up" the attachement pins to the appropriate diameter for cat 1 lifts (5/8" to 7/8", I think). Find the right size pipe (I.D. & O.D) and cut to length.

Pete

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Here you go:
http://www.agspray.com/paint.htm

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Here's another
http://www.ketchum-hurricane.com/agspray.htm

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

<font color=blue>...The 400 series has full hydraulics - 600+ lbs lift capacity...</font color=blue>

Pete,

You're not confusing loader 'breakout force" with 3-pt. lift capacity on that garden tractor are you...?

I don't mean to bang you over the head or anything but... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I have a Satoh compact tractor, about 2100 lbs, with maybe another 500-600 lbs. of rear loaded tires & about 120 lbs. loaded front tires and the right rear implements of 500+ lbs. can lift my nose up... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Again, we are talking garden tractors here... I believe on the JD garden tractors with a loader, the full height lift capacity is about 200 lbs. with all else being equal, & being properly ballasted. {and the Cat 0 3-pt is normally less}

I look at a tractor as a big lever... you hang so much weight off the back of that lever without doing something to the front {ballast}...well the front just goes airborne like a kid's seesaw... then you hang too much weight off the front to compensate... you've now far exceeded the ratings and have an upside down "U" {^} or almost broken seesaw... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Not to come full circle or anything, but I'd go back to a "tow sprayer" because a heavy attachment on the back end of that garden tractor just won't cut the mustard... /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

{I know you are proud of your JD445... you should be, it's a fine machine... but everything has it's limitations... I just want you to see the safety issues involved here. We all can talk spec's until we're <font color=blue>blue</font color=blue> in the face... I'm coming from a practical and experience standpoint... I just don't want to see ya get hurt Pete.../w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif}

 

[bigpete]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Thanks, John. A little credit though, please. Pride has nothing to do with my decsision making process and I'm certainly not trying to make this tractor into something it is not. I'm not going to hurt myself or my tractor (I'm far to frugal and I love my kids). My concerns are the same. That's why I'm working with my dealer, Deere, and asking you guys questions. BTW, I am used to everybody telling me to pull stuff, but Deere put the hitch and PTO on that tractor for a reason--limited, as it is. For two years I have been safely using a stock Cat 0 Befco PTO 3 1/2 bushel (226 lbs + 65 lbs) spreader, stock Vassar 5 1/2 bushel (450 lbs loaded) Cat 0 reversible rear scoop. I bought these through my dealer when I bought the tractor, warrantees included. It is in no way a compact utility, but its a great and powerfull little estate tractor--not for ag or construction.

The specs are accurate, and I do not intend to push them. Nor would Deere sell an attachment that would put them in a liability position. They offer 3-point collection sytems for this line that weigh over 400lbs loaded--that is why they offer the 360 lb weight bracket for the front--Designed by Deere--not a modification--not stretching it.

The 25 gallon version is the logical candidate after what I am hearing and seeing.

To harmonize with you notions on the tractor's abilities, I repeat:

It certainly isn't a compact utility and I don't have that much work for it. JD makes a loader for this unit that is of limited use (215 lbs max--worthless to most anyone). The unit has almost the same weight and wheelbase specs as the Kubota BX series which has somehow found a way to offer a Cat 1. If I find that much work I'll move up to the 4100+ models.

Have a great weekend,
Pete

 

[ecard]

Re: Cat \'0\' 540 PTO Sprayer

Sounds like the 400 series is a serious machine - it would be nice to have around my vegetable garden. I do remember my father in law (a serious farmer 800 + acres) telling me about sprayers and he recommended a sprayer with wheels (Trailer) because the possibility of getting stuck. I don't remember the exact conversation but that moght be another advantage with regard to ruts or damage to a lawn/garden.

I personally like the 3ph and come spring I will be in the market for a 50 or 100 gal model for my TC33D.

Eric