3pt lifting capacity Ford 3000

[Bee Farmer]

We recently purchased a transplanter that is a CATII hitch. When the tanks are 1/2 full it will weigh in at 1700 lbs which according to tractor data is the max lifting capacity for my Ford 3000 (CATI).
Question: Aside from changing the lift pins to CATI and being extra careful, does anyone see anything wrong with my plan to use the Ford? I'd rather not have a catastrophic failure of some sort. Thanks for your input.

 

[jeff9366]

Because a tractor has a 1,700 pound lift capacity new, do not automatically expect it has 1,700 pound lift capacity used. Lift capacity may have decreased 5% to 15%.

You will likely need to carry around a scoop of dirt, possibly moist dirt in your FEL bucket, or add front weights to the tractor to keep the front end securely on the ground.

 

[TomSeller]

I think your hydraulics driving the 3 pt will stall before anything is damaged. As mentioned the front could get light so keep some weight up there and see how it goes.

 

[tylertown]

On the back of your lift cylinder under the lift cover you have a saftey valve to where if you get in a bind lifting to heavy and pump is working hard it will bleed off excess pressure. I don't see how you can mess it up unless the valve is bad. Those are good old machines. It'll pick it up or it won't. Worst case scenario is you blow an O-ring cheap fixes though.

 

[Texasmark]

We recently purchased a transplanter that is a CATII hitch. When the tanks are 1/2 full it will weigh in at 1700 lbs which according to tractor data is the max lifting capacity for my Ford 3000 (CATI).
Question: Aside from changing the lift pins to CATI and being extra careful, does anyone see anything wrong with my plan to use the Ford? I'd rather not have a catastrophic failure of some sort. Thanks for your input.

I have a 3000 and PO installed Cat II lift arms which are longer. The Fords have low GPM pumps. Lift capability is ft-lbs. Multiply length times weight for capability. Most lift ratings are at the lift pin connectors for OEM arms. Some mfgrs also indicate a capacity some distance out from the lift arms....getting into the ft-lbs thing.

I have redone the hydraulics in mine and still, with a heavy load, you have to get the GPMs up (get the engine rpms up) to do any lifting of any sort, but that's how it is with any load on any tractor, question is, just how much and how much.

In short, I wouldn't do it with the Ford!