Loader Bobcat CT 235 Loader Lifting Capacity

[Fred Barbour]

I'm thinking of changing from small bales to large square bales (3x4x8 ft). I think they will weigh in at around 1100 lbs. Does anyone out there lift these with my size tractor and if so, what bale forks are you using and what do they weigh? Thanks in advance.

Fred

[Not Retired Yet]

I've got a Kioti CK27 (twin frame to the BC 235 but with a little less HP). I can lift and move 5x5 round bales that weigh 1,000 to maybe 1,200. I can do this without having the box blade on for ballast but my tires are filled too. My guess is you'll be ok so long as you have enough ballast (of any type) to keep the back tires down.

[tcartwri]

My 235 would not pick up a 1200lb skid. I could slightly curl it back and then drag it around on the ground. That was with a 700 lb snow blower for ballast.

Not sure how you could move a 1200lb bale with just filled tires.

[lilranch2001]

My 235 would not pick up a 1200lb skid. I could slightly curl it back and then drag it around on the ground. That was with a 700 lb snow blower for ballast.

Not sure how you could move a 1200lb bale with just filled tires.

I can split a 2500 pound pallet of brick in two, and carry both half's (separately) but the skids have to be pretty equal. I can only get it up about 4 foot tho.
Maybe your pressure relief is set slightly lower than mine

[Not Retired Yet]

I was only able to curl a 5x5 round bale a small amount but it was enough to keep it from sliding off when I lifted it. I was also going across mostly level ground.

[IndyIan]

I'm thinking of changing from small bales to large square bales (3x4x8 ft). I think they will weigh in at around 1100 lbs. Does anyone out there lift these with my size tractor and if so, what bale forks are you using and what do they weigh? Thanks in advance.

Fred

I get 96 cubic feet for your squares and 80 cubic feet for a 5x5 round....
Sounds like its not going to work if the tractor can just squeek the round bale off the ground.
Maybe the 3pth has a chance? But how do you off-load a trailer or truck?
In my area 4x5 rounds are common, maybe try for those? It sounds like you could off-load them more easily too.

[LD1]

I dont have that tractor, but it sounds as from others that it would be right at the limit of the machines ability.

Probabally allright if just a once or twice thing. But if you plan on doing this routienely, I would explore other options. It would most likely be cheaper in the long run and much safer vs working the equipment at the limit ALL the time.

[Fred Barbour]

Thanks for your input. It sounds as if I will be cutting it close. I just don't want to spend money on bale forks just to find out I can't move the bales around.

I was always under the impression the loader specs were intentionally very conservative due to liability issues. It would appear that the lift specs on these tractors are accurate.

Fred

[duckhunter27]

I have a Bobcat CT 335 and I can move the big bails but it is alittle tippy. I had my bush hog on back. You might beable to move them around I just would'nt want to move them very far or on rough ground.

[qed-cat225]

do you have the new or old style loader, that will also make a difference