Handling big square bales with small tractor FEL

ModernIronworks · Aug 23, 2015

Hi guys, I thought the haying forum might be the best place to find somebody with first hand experience on this.
Just got a Kubota MX5800, (58 hp) and need to move some 1200+ lb 3'x4'x8' square bales with it using a loader frame mount triple bale spear. It's got plenty of power and hydraulics but naturally gets a little light on the rear tires which are ballasted.
I am going to build a ballast box for counterweight to go on the 3 point and the question is how much weight would be appropriate? The 3 point is rated for about 2400 lbs @ 24" out.
Thanks for any input.

RedNeckRacin · Aug 23, 2015

I'd go as heavy as possible. I made one that was about 1700lbs for my jd and it wasn't quite heavy enough. I tried to make mine compact so I could manure without it swinging and hitting something. If it would have stuck out farther like my Mx10 which also weighs around 1700lbs, it would have been much more effective! So it's a trade off, heavier weight closer, or lighter weight farther away. I'd suggest something that is atleast the weight of what you are going to try and pickup if not more to take weight off the front axle.

bcp · Aug 23, 2015

As heavy as possible but not too heavy.

In my BX manual it listed maximum counterweight weight for front and rear. Do you have your manual or a dealer nearby?

Bruce

ModernIronworks · Aug 23, 2015

I may have missed something in the manual but all I found was tire ballast and wheel weights, nothing about a 3 pt counterweight. I'm thinking of making it about 1,000 lbs with a provision to stack more on when needed.

bcp · Aug 23, 2015

Maybe in the loader manual?

Bruce

wmonroe · Aug 23, 2015

Are you going to make it out of concrete or something else? A 1400 lb concrete weight with provision to add steel weights if needed would be useful. I'd add a couple slots to easily move it around with pallet forks also.

ModernIronworks · Aug 23, 2015

bcp said:
Maybe in the loader manual?

Bruce

Getting closer

The loader manual shows weights of different 3 point implements that can be used as counterweight but no specific recomendations for how much to use with a max FEL load. I guess I'll wing it and just keep adding until it seems right.

ModernIronworks · Aug 23, 2015

wmonroe said:
Are you going to make it out of concrete or something else? A 1400 lb concrete weight with provision to add steel weights if needed would be useful. I'd add a couple slots to easily move it around with pallet forks also.

My plan at this point is to pour a concrete block and insert a big steel rod pointing up in the center. Then for extra weight I'll pour a few concrete donuts that can just drop on over the rod as needed.
Fork slots yes, good idea. I have a 3 point frame that used to be a pallet fork, then it was cut up and made into a log skidding arch, now it will hold the counterweight block.

4570Man · Aug 23, 2015

I use my backhoe and loaded tires for counter weight. The backhoe weight 2500 pounds and there is 900 pounds of fluid in the tires. My loader only lifts 1800 pounds.