850 pound couter weight on tc35a

Parfleche · Aug 31, 2006

Hello,
After reading the "tractor broke in half" thread I have a question. Am I putting my tractor in the position for this type of problem by having an 850 pound counter weight hooked to the three point? It is made with a barrel and has a top link. I used it when using the loader to do dirt work and when using the forks.

Another question, although it may be hard to qualify is;

How much is to much for the tractor? In other words at what point is one going over the edge with say my tc35? (doing dirtwork, etc?)

Your expert opinions are much appreciated and thanks for being a great and informative bunch.

Best Regards,
Steve

daTeacha · Aug 31, 2006

In my opinion, if you can lift the weight with the 3 point it is not too much unless it makes the tractor really doggy to drive. I usually have more than that. The broke in half thread I remember had to do with a very large load being dumped on the tractor as a result of a truck accident while the guy was mowing. The damage to the tractor was not caused by a load being carried on either end of the tractor itself.

I carry about 900 lb. of concrete on the hitch of my DX29 in addition to 130 lb on each wheel when doing loader work on my uneven ground. I have 150 lb of grapple on the QA bucket before I even pick anything up. I run 9 psi of air in the rear tires, 35 in the 6 ply front tires. The tires are not loaded. The tractor seems quite content with the load on the rear when I use the FEL. I noticed more roll stability from the addition of the wheel weights than from the rear weight, but you go with what you've got and I just happened to have the 900 lb concrete weight sitting around, so used it.

Soundguy · Sep 3, 2006

If the 3pt lifts it.. it's probably ok as a static load. "break in halves' are generally dynamic loads.. like 3pt backhoes..

Here's my 51 year old ford 660 with a 1-arm front end laoder rated to lift 1000# toting 600# or so of concrete as a counterweight on the rear..... I think you will be fine..

Soundguy

Parfleche said:
Hello,
After reading the "tractor broke in half" thread I have a question. Am I putting my tractor in the position for this type of problem by having an 850 pound counter weight hooked to the three point? It is made with a barrel and has a top link. I used it when using the loader to do dirt work and when using the forks.

Another question, although it may be hard to qualify is;

How much is to much for the tractor? In other words at what point is one going over the edge with say my tc35? (doing dirtwork, etc?)

Your expert opinions are much appreciated and thanks for being a great and informative bunch.

Best Regards,
Steve

Parfleche · Sep 3, 2006

Rich and Soundguy,
Thanks a lot for the information. Seeing photos of the dreaded "break in half" tractors had me running scarred. I am feeling better now! I would still like to know if this has happened with a subframe mounted backhoe or not?

Best Regards,
Steve

have_blue · Sep 3, 2006

Steve,

I have been running a 700 pound brush hog on my TC35a for 3 years. I think it's a lot worse than an 800 pound counterweight. That's because the brush hog sticks way out back, putting a lot more strain on the 3PH than a simple counterweight when it's being transported.

I don't think you have anything to worry about... except for a tiny hidden air bubble or slag inclusion in the castings.

Soundguy · Sep 5, 2006

I believe it was Jinman who did the last bit of sleuthing and found that it was a 9000 series hoe.. which i believe is 3pt. hit the thread again towards the end for a looksee.. i think there is even a link posted to it..

fo all intents and purposes.. your 3pt lift is safe with any load it can lift...As the other poster pointed out.. leverage becomes a concern that father fromt he pivot point you get..

Soundguy

Parfleche said:
Rich and Soundguy,
Thanks a lot for the information. Seeing photos of the dreaded "break in half" tractors had me running scarred. I am feeling better now! I would still like to know if this has happened with a subframe mounted backhoe or not?

Best Regards,
Steve