Ballast L series doesn't feel safe with bucket on

[RoyJackson]

THAT right there is the difference.

A backhoe is the ultimate counterweight. If you are used to running a tractor with a hoe on the back, it is a BIG change to drive one without.

Can't say I agree with that...backhoes are heavy, but the boom really ups the center of gravity.

 

[WaxMan]

THAT right there is the difference.

A backhoe is the ultimate counterweight. If you are used to running a tractor with a hoe on the back, it is a BIG change to drive one without.

Yes the backhoe is, but, Between a empty bucket and no bucket? I doubt he can tell the difference, I know he can't tell the difference, it's all in his head.
A full bucket load Yes, but he is not talking about a full bucket load. He was talking about No bucket and a empty bucket.
Everyone is replying like he is overloading his bucket and his back end is coming off the ground.
I think he should put some more hrs on it, with the bucket on, why is he riding around without a bucket? If anything I feel more uncomfortable without a bucket on.

But mine you, this is with a 1,000 rear ballast, and he can tell the difference? of an empty bucket?

I have a 3540 cab 724 QA FEL HD bucket R4's and 1000lb ballast box filled w/ sand.

 

[rmorey]

Can't say I agree with that...backhoes are heavy, but the boom really ups the center of gravity.

I'm not an engineer, but doesnt the fact that the boom is further back than most other rear mounted implements, negate some of the effects on COG that the height creates?

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm not an engineer, but doesn't the fact that the boom is further back than most other rear mounted implements, negate some of the effects on COG that the height creates?

Nope...above the axle center line is above above the axle center line.
I spent a year operating a backhoe (Ford)...a real one, not a tractor with an implement. I sure knew the 'hoe was back there driving across the construction site!

 

[rmorey]

Nope...above the axle center line is above above the axle center line.
I spent a year operating a backhoe (Ford)...a real one, not a tractor with an implement. I sure knew the 'hoe was back there driving across the construction site!

So Roy, are you saying the tractor is less stable with the hoe than without? We have an 8' hoe (1,100 lbs) and its always on the tractor, except in winter, then its the 6' blower. I havent noticed a difference in stability.

 

[sdef]

New owner here and I would like to add some stats to this post from my owners manual for the OP to compare with his tractor's stats.

My FEL has a capacity of 2,761 pounds at the pins, at a height of 107.8". Also according to the manual, I need a counterbalance of 1046 pounds at the 3PH pins to compensate.

In my current state with loaded rear tires, 710# rollover BB and 550 pound grapple bucket, my weight is ~ 7,250 pounds. I just built a frame support for a Bostich FatMax 28" toolbox right behnd the back seat so lets add another 100 pounds for the tools. Front tire pressure is at the loader maximum of 45 pounds and the rear are at 18 pounds, as delivered by my very knowledgeable dealer. My rear tire prints on a level, hard surface are great in this scenario and I see no reason to change them yet, even though the operator's manual suggests 35 pounds. I have read way too many posts on TBN with the folks suggesting ~ 11 - 12 pounds in the rear tires, so have no intention of adding more air.

I have not lifted any very heavy loads yet as I am still figuring out all of the dynamics involved, but have lifted maybe an additional 350 pounds or so, several times. Once was lifting a large, downed oak limb I scooped into the grapple bucket with the tractor pointed downward on a 10 degree or so slope. I then backed up that same slope and moved the limb across the slope and then turned left, down to the dumping point. My tractor never felt tipsy or insecure in any manner.

With nothing in the bucket I whip the tractor around pretty comfortably now and have been using the scarifiers on the BB to rip out some large, invasive roots of some type that are climbing my trees. The tractor is moving around a bit as the roots are grabbed and then break free, sometimes bringing the tractor to a complete halt quickly. I have never felt uneasy with how the tractor was handling.

I am learning I have to make a conscious effort to watch out for all of the trees on my densely wooded property... I am finding the FEL to be a long ways away from where I am sitting and it tends to meet up with a tree on occasion as I am watching my rearward travels setting up the BB for another vine root run. But still, the tractor never feel unstable.

 

[94BULLITT]

Not sure if I'm reading this right , Sorry if I'm not , I Kinda think your playing us, nothing in the bucket , come on really?

The bucket may be full of BS:confused3:

 

[k0ua]

Perhaps the OP is just a cautious person. Let me give you an example. My wife was never comfortable operating our old B7500dt. It was all in her head but she felt like she was sitting on top of the little tractor, and she did not like that feeling. She felt much better with the L3400hst we traded for, as its fenders came up a few more inches around her. Quite simply it was a larger tractor and the seat was nestled down in the fenders a few more inches. Like I said it was all in her head, as the B7500dt was plenty stable, but it is what it is. There is no arguing with "feelings".

James K0UA

 

[xring100]

Perhaps the OP is just a cautious person. Let me give you an example. My wife was never comfortable operating our old B7500dt. It was all in her head but she felt like she was sitting on top of the little tractor, and she did not like that feeling. She felt much better with the L3400hst we traded for, as its fenders came up a few more inches around her. Quite simply it was a larger tractor and the seat was nestled down in the fenders a few more inches. Like I said it was all in her head, as the B7500dt was plenty stable, but it is what it is. There is no arguing with "feelings".

James K0UA

I agree he said he is new to operating. Operating my tractor even modest cross slopes is still a little unnerving to me when using the loader i keep it low and have proven myself its fine. My rear tires are at the narrowest setting to keep them inside of the 84" bucket cut. I've never had a problem lifting a rear wheel while rolling i'd like to keep it that way. with my head sitting about 7.5' off the ground on over 9000 lbs of equipment i feel much more uncomfortable on my M8540 than i do when using my buddies much smaller and narrower and shorter JD2040 I know that a lot of this is just perception.

 

[LD1]

A BH does increase the cog, but it is fully.adjustable