3-PT Concrete Counterweight

[Anonymous Poster]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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