You need balast or you will trash your front axle!!!! really?

[gladehound]

Here ya go... This is 4th year Guzintas....

That was interesting. Now if I only knew how close to yield strength I'm getting on my front axle components in my applications... :confused3:

 

[ovrszd]

I apologize for using hp to describe tractor size because it annoys me as well. I really didn't need to use hp at all. My point was simply that one may be better off to go bigger (whatever that means for the application) and have margin than smaller (near minimum required to complete task).

The 4025 is a beast - a tribute to the days of heavy lower hp tractors.

No apology required.

When my 30 year old Ford was built no one considered CUT tractors. Almost all tractors were built as AG tractors and you just adjusted up and down as necessary.

Now, as typical with us Americans, everyone wants more HP. So different models/brands are offered with higher HP and lower weight. For example, my Kubota M9540, bare tractor, weighs 5512lbs. It's a Utility class tractor. Definitely requires added rear ballast weight to be productivity to it's potential.

Notice the 2012 95HP Utility Kubota weighs the same as the 1984 47HP AG Ford.

 

[zzvyb6]

Just put a fish scale and a come-a-long on your spindle and apply load until it goes plastic (permanent deformation). That will be your yield moment. Do the same thing to the other side for confirmation. That will also keep your tractor looking and driving symmetric. Could be a problem for the cast iron components, though...

 

[cayote1]

I'm going to assert this: You will be taking chances if you start using ballast. When you pick up a load on your FEL and your rig starts to tip forward (without ballast), your picking up too much. If you start using counter weights and you increase those weights you do run risks of front end damage.
I'm sure the kubota people know owners are going to attempt this. So let's ask the Manufacturers what they think. They all know the physics and metallurgy going into the build.
I'll try to contact Kubota. If anyone else can contact their manufacturers, we should all be able to reach agreement on this subject.
-Lar-

 

[gladehound]

Just put a fish scale and a come-a-long on your spindle and apply load until it goes plastic (permanent deformation). That will be your yield moment. Do the same thing to the other side for confirmation. That will also keep your tractor looking and driving symmetric. Could be a problem for the cast iron components, though...

Darn, don't have a fish scale. I'll tell you what! you do it on your tractor, and let me know how it works out :laughing:

 

[k0ua]

I'm going to assert this: You will be taking chances if you start using ballast. When you pick up a load on your FEL and your rig starts to tip forward (without ballast), your picking up too much. If you start using counter weights and you increase those weights you do run risks of front end damage.
I'm sure the kubota people know owners are going to attempt this. So let's ask the Manufacturers what they think. They all know the physics and metallurgy going into the build.
I'll try to contact Kubota. If anyone else can contact their manufacturers, we should all be able to reach agreement on this subject.
-Lar-

The manufactures all recommend 3 pt ballast. My manual recommends 1047 lbs. Operating your loader without ballast is unsafe and foolhardy. Newbies, take note* DO NOT DO THIS.

 

[ovrszd]

The manufactures all recommend 3 pt ballast. My manual recommends 1047 lbs. Operating your loader without ballast is unsafe and foolhardy. Newbies, take note* DO NOT DO THIS.

Is that your Safety Disclaimer James????

 

[k0ua]

Is that your Safety Disclaimer James????

Yes, it is. Most newbies learn the hard way about 3pt ballast, sometimes with turned over tractors. I am just trying to give some new guy the benefit of my experience. Since new loader operators all like to drive around with their loader bucket up in the air, if You Tube is any gauge of operating skill of newbies, which only compounds the likely hood of a turn over. And we all know that keeping the shiny side of the tractor upright is a good everyday goal of tractor operation.

 

[ovrszd]

Yes, it is. Most newbies learn the hard way about 3pt ballast, sometimes with turned over tractors. I am just trying to give some new guy the benefit of my experience. Since new loader operators all like to drive around with their loader bucket up in the air, if You Tube is any gauge of operating skill of newbies, which only compounds the likely hood of a turn over. And we all know that keeping the shiny side of the tractor upright is a good everyday goal of tractor operation.

Well said and with ample brevity.

 

[k0ua]

Well said and with ample brevity.

You know me well.:laughing: