3-PT Concrete Counterweight

Anonymous Poster · Nov 19, 2001

Hello all,

I have a L3010HST with a FEL and am considering the fabrication of a concrete block counterweight for my 3-PT hitch. According to the manual, the hitch should be able to handle 1,000 pounds with no problem. Do you feel that this poses any problem to the hitch mechanics/longevity?

Thanks for the input,

Frank06

JJT · Nov 19, 2001

Loaded tires and a rear implement are the way to go. The CaCl in my tires added over 1000#, (55 gallons each), and I usually have the box scraper or rake on the back anytime I'm doing serious FEL work. If you're looking to keep tractor weight down for mowing and you don't have a heavy rear implement, build yourself a rear counter weight, otherwise load the tires.

CamshaftLF · Nov 19, 2001

Frank06:
Hi, I made a counterweight out of a hyd tank, off of a piece of const. equip. poured it full of concrete works ok about 500lbs, If I need the room to move around, I use it. If not I leave 3ph mower on. Like JJT said if your doing a lot of FEL work load the tires!!!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Camshaft inPa.

RSeymour · Nov 20, 2001

Frank, I work the same way as Camshaft, except I went to the John Deere dealer & got their 3PH ballast box & filled it w/concrete. It holds 600 to 800 lbs. of concrete. I do a lot of mowing & did not want to go w/filled tires.

Youare · Nov 20, 2001

I have almost the same weight tractor as the L3101, I have a L3000DT with FEL. The rear tires are loaded and for most light loader work on fairly flat ground that is enough. When I put my Farmi winch on, the weight from that is more than enough to compensate for any loader work.

I am a firm believer that more weight is not always better, it produces more stress on other parts of the machine. I can lift a full bucket of dirt and move around with no problem with the weight I have. The extra weight on the 3PH would maybe give more traction to push into a dirt pile better but puts more strain on every thing else.

Randy

TWINKLE_TOES · Nov 20, 2001

Frank, <font color=blue>hitch mechanics/longevity?</font color=blue>
The attached link touched on this a little Read This You might consider check chains.
Al

gerard · Nov 20, 2001

I think the post ttoes refers to was great info. I have check chains I bought for mowing but can also use them on other implements and will from now on. I got them on line for about $20 but if you can weld they're easily made from some chain and plate steel.

TerryinMD · Nov 20, 2001

I too use a concrete filled ballast box.

JD recommends it and has one displayed on the tractor in their FEL owners manual. One of the things that JD points out the maximum ballast for each tractor/FEL combination.

To be on the safe side, I would check on what the tractor manufacturer recommends and not exceed their recommendation.

Terry

Anonymous Poster · Nov 20, 2001

The primary reason for my interest in utilizing the 3-PT hitch is so I can easily remove the weight when not required. Echoing one of the replies, there are times I need the added weight, yet need to get into tight spaces. Those two criteria pointed me in the direction of the 3PT concrete weight. The check chains sound like a good idea that I will have to explore further.

Thanks to all and have a great holiday.

Frank06

TonyC · Nov 21, 2001

I agree, Frank. I feel the same way as you...I want an easy-on, easy-off weight that doesn't extend the length of the tractor much. I can't answer your question on the stress factors, but I thought I'd offer you this link on someone who made a counterweight. Good Luck! http://www.mgsweb.com/tractor/hacker/trweight.htm

sdkubota · Aug 21, 2012

I just built a custom fitting 3PH, 1,000 lb concrete counter weight for my L3400. It is curing in the garage wrapped in plastic. Once curred, I will submit photos of my new baby!

alaskakubota · Aug 22, 2012

I have the 5740, but with the grapple on the front picking up 35' logs to cut and the rear tires are filled, the tractor is tippy. My 8' box scraper or my kubota ballast box only adds between 500-700 lbs. So I took some solid 8" steel stock x 4 by the width of the 3 point hitch arms, welded a CAT 1 pins to it, and it adds 2200 lbs to the rear of the tractor and it is very small. Easy to hook up too. If you are going to lift heavy in front, put heavy in rear. Esp with logs that overhang on each side of the grapple.

Soundguy · Aug 22, 2012

very cheap and usefull. i love casting concrete weights..

can't wait to see your pics!

sdkubota · Aug 22, 2012

Soundguy said:
very cheap and usefull. i love casting concrete weights..

can't wait to see your pics!

Still in garage but will post outside pics later:

Soundguy · Aug 22, 2012

thanks. looks nice

94BULLITT · Aug 22, 2012

sdkubota said:
Still in garage but will post outside pics later:

View attachment 277711

It looks nice, now I want to make some.

Dr Dave · Aug 22, 2012

sdkubota said:
I just built a custom fitting 3PH, 1,000 lb concrete counter weight for my L3400. It is curing in the garage wrapped in plastic. Once curred, I will submit photos of my new baby!

Looks good, cheap too.:thumbsup: Is the speedway still going over there? Thats were I caught the racing bug, expensive habit.

Dave

94BULLITT · Aug 22, 2012

I might start grabbing up all of the busted bags at lowes and home dept to make one.

sdkubota · Aug 23, 2012

Dr Dave said:
Looks good, cheap too.:thumbsup: Is the speedway still going over there? Thats were I caught the racing bug, expensive habit.

Dave

I have at most $50 into it...How can they manufacture, bag, and ship a 60 lb bag of concrete mix then sell it for $2.25?

Still racing at Hartford and Hussets.