3 pt hitch counter weight

BC2009 · Oct 31, 2019

Hey all, I have a Massey 1035 and have an opportunity to pick up a 3 pt hitch counter weight that weighs 1300lbs. Forks can lift 2200 lbs as per the specs. Can't find anywhere info showing what is too much or too little. Any opinions appreciated....thanks in advance

Zebrafive · Oct 31, 2019

If your 3pt can handle it, get it.

jeff9366 · Oct 31, 2019

Check your tractor specs again:

Massey Ferguson 1035
1986 - 1991
Compact Utility tractor

Loader:
Loader type: Massey Ferguson 1016
Height (to pin): 90.5 inches [229 cm]
Clearance, dumped bucket: 70.75 inches [179 cm]
Dump reach: 13.25 inches [33 cm]
Dump angle: 42
Reach at ground: 60.75 inches [154 cm]
Rollback at ground: 3
Breakout force (at pin): 1130 lbs [512 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 750 lbs [340 kg]
Bucket width: 48 inches [121 cm]
60 inches [152 cm]

Your pallet forks probably weigh ~~150 pounds, so your FEL net lift capacity will be 600 pounds AT THE PINS.

With air inflated rear tires I suggest a Three Point Hitch counterbalance of ~~500 pounds, based on 750 pounds FEL lift.

With liquid in the rear tires I suggest a Three Point Hitch counterbalance of ~~400 pounds, based on 750 pounds FEL lift.

On a thirty year old tractor pump wear, cylinder wear and pin friction has probably reduced 750 pound FEL lift capacity to ~~675 pounds in real life.

KennyG · Oct 31, 2019

Since you are talking about the 3 point, the specs say it will lift over 2200 lbs on the 3 point, not the forks, so you should be able to use the counterweight. It's probably twice as much weight as you need, but it won't hurt anything except really bogging down the rear in the mud.

jeff9366 · Nov 1, 2019

I speculate a 1,300 pound weight on your Three Point Hitch will handicap fuel consumption by ~~5% on level ground, additional handicap on hills. Your 1.5L engine produces peak horsepower at 2,600 RPM, fairly high revs for a diesel tractor engine.

You will have to be cautious moving up slopes or loading tractor into a trailer using ramps with 1,300 pounds on the rear without weight in the bucket, lest front end lift from the ground.

Massey Ferguson 1035
1986 - 1991
Compact Utility tractor
Distributor: Massey Ferguson
Manufacturer: Toyosha
Original price (USD): $12,400 (1991)

Massey Ferguson 1035 Engine:
Toyosha 1.5L 3-cyl diesel
Engine Detail:
Toyosha
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
91.8 ci [1.5 L]
Power: 31 hp [23.1 kW]
Rated RPM: 2600

Capacity:
Fuel: 7.1 gal [26.9 L]

Massey Ferguson 1035 Tires:
Standard tires (ag): Front: 5.00-15. Rear: 13.6-24 (2WD)
Front: 7.00-16. Rear: 13.6-24 (4WD)
Lawn/turf front: 27x8.50-15
Lawn/turf rear: 43x13.5-22

Dimensions:
Weight: 2711 lbs [1229 kg] (2WD)
2935 lbs [1331 kg] (4WD)
Wheelbase: 67.3 inches [170 cm]
Length: 116.9 inches [296 cm]
Width: 59.3 inches [150 cm]

seville009 · Nov 1, 2019

what do you need the counterweight for? I just attach one of my 3pt implements (usually my brush hog) when doing loader work. Just avoids having an extra 3pt attachment sitting around that eventually gets buried in the overgrown brush.....

repete · Nov 1, 2019

The counterweight idea sounds really good but it seems like I change implements daily. Almost every time I need the tractor I would be taking it off.

jaydee325 · Nov 1, 2019

For the loader specs on the OP's tractor, seems to me that a 1300# counterweight is overkill.

I think a better approach is to load the rear tires and carry an implement off the 3 point hitch as was suggested.

Rebeldad1 · Nov 1, 2019

Have you already added weight to your rear tires and now need more counter weight?
A 1300lb weight added to the 3point would be like the tail wagging the dog on everything you do.
Will greatly change steering control since the counterweight is about 1/2 the weight of the tractor.
Would also be only needed if you were loading the loader bucket to max capability.

If you havnt done it already fill the rear tires. A lot of times you will be wishing you had done so but it will be too late to go back and add the counterweight.