Loader Determining FEL lift capacity

[HobbleCreek]

I thought this question might have been answered previously but several minutes of search have not yielded an answer. I am wondering whether my 4720 with a 400x loader can lift 1850 lb. hay bales high enough to stack them three high. That would put the bottom of the highest bale at 8 feet. The FEL capacities listed by Deere are:

Lift capacity at full height, lb. (kg) ---
Measured at pivot (U) 2368 (1074)
Measured at 500 mm ahead of pivot (V) 1742 (790)
Measured at 800 mm ahead of pivot (V)
---
Lift capacity at 59 in. (1500 mm), lb. (kg) ---
Measured at pivot (W) 2734 (1240)
Measured at 500 mm ahead of pivot (X) 2181 (981)
Measured at 800 mm ahead of pivot (X)
---

I'm not sure what is meant by "at pivot" and therefore don't know where 500 mm ahead of pivot would be. I'm sorry if this is a knuckle head question.

Thanks,

 

[Zebrafive]

Pivot is your lower bucket pin, or the pin at the end of your loader boom.

 

[arlen4720]

I thought this question might have been answered previously but several minutes of search have not yielded an answer. I am wondering whether my 4720 with a 400x loader can lift 1850 lb. hay bales high enough to stack them three high. That would put the bottom of the highest bale at 8 feet. The FEL capacities listed by Deere are:

Lift capacity at full height, lb. (kg) ---
Measured at pivot (U) 2368 (1074)
Measured at 500 mm ahead of pivot (V) 1742 (790)
Measured at 800 mm ahead of pivot (V)
---
Lift capacity at 59 in. (1500 mm), lb. (kg) ---
Measured at pivot (W) 2734 (1240)
Measured at 500 mm ahead of pivot (X) 2181 (981)
Measured at 800 mm ahead of pivot (X)
---

I'm not sure what is meant by "at pivot" and therefore don't know where 500 mm ahead of pivot would be. I'm sorry if this is a knuckle head question.

Thanks,

My 4720 with a 400cx will get the pivot to a little over 9 ft. With my bale spear, that would have the bottom of the bale at about 8.5 to 8.75 feet. I'm sure if you choose your bale handling implement carefully, you will be good height wise. Make sure you have plenty of ballast I think you will have more trouble with weight than height, since the bale spear will be over 300 lbs, and the load will be forward of the pivot. I think you will have a useful lift somewhere around 1500 or 1600 lbs

 

[HobbleCreek]

Thank you both. That is helpful information. I agree that weight is the bigger issue than height. The reason I included the height issue is that it appears from the JD table that my lifting capacity decreases as I go higher.

Also, any suggestions on figuring the proper amount of ballast? I agree that's critical. Will my backhoe attachment be enough?

 

[LD1]

I posted in the other thread you just asked a question in, so I'll keep this reply a little shorter now that I know why you are asking...

First, It all depends on what type of hay spear you are using. Are you using one that you take the bucket OFF to use, or are you using one that clamps on the bucket. IF you use one that clamps on the bucket, I would say that you will get NOWHERE close to the 1800#. IF you use one that you take the bucket off, I'd say you'll be real close. Tractors relief valves are all set a tad differently when leaving the factory. But again, it will be close, so you will just have to try it.

As to the ballast, get a 3PH bale spear. They arent too $$$. An 1800# bale on the back is more than enough to ballast for the bale on the FEL especially if you load the tires.

 

[HobbleCreek]

My bale spears replace the bucket. I'm guessing I will get it to 59", which will be high enough to stack the bales 2 high.

 

[arlen4720]

My bale spears replace the bucket. I'm guessing I will get it to 59", which will be high enough to stack the bales 2 high.

Are you talking round bales?
I have 220 lbs on each wheel, and I have about 500 lbs on the rear. Even though I can stack round bales 2 high with absolutely no problem, I KNOW I should have 1000 pounds in my ballast box. My round bales run 1500 lbs or so, and I have a 400 cx which gives me a little more lift. I really like the idea of using a bale in back for ballast:thumbsup: Something that I intend on doing at some point.

 

[DT86]

...since the bale spear will be over 300 lbs,...

What kind of bale spear are you using that weighs 300lbs?

 

[arlen4720]

What kind of bale spear are you using that weighs 300lbs?

They are the John Deere Worksite Pro skid steer ones. I have one for square bales, which is 375 pounds, and one for big rounds which is 200 pounds.

 

[DT86]

I wouldn't have thought they weighed that much.

What does a hay spear for square bales look like? I'm assuming you mean the large squares not the small ones most horse owners use?