Ballast weight - how high can I go?

[FTG-05]

I added a 520 lb weight block to the back of my Lowery HD box blade. 410 lbs consisting of a 8"x8" steel tube filled with steel, lead and concrete; then I added my 110 lbs 6' Ratchet Rake to the back of that. According to LMC, my BB weighs 675 lbs. Add 520 lbs to that for a total of 1195 lbs. Plus, of course, the 6' or so feet of 135 lb rail I previously added to the BB prior tot he weight block.

Pics:

 

[ovrszd]

Exactly. I'm surprised at how many people that don't understand that adding ballast actually increases the front axel load in most cases. It would take A LOT of weight in a ballast box to lighten the front axel a notable amount. I don't recommend not running ballast, but thinking you're doing your front axel any favors is wrong. At least in the form of weight reduction. In the right conditions you could put less load on the front axel drive components.

I'm with ya. I've had some pretty heated discussions about that on here. I stared out the window a lot during Math classes but I paid enough attention to understand this.

 

[Fastball]

I’m not OVERLY loading the FEL. Just the usual soil, sand or wood, and occasionally a load of rocks. I just thought having 5, 6, 700 pounds of ballast would improve my traction when pulling out shrubs and stumps... and maybe even out the ride a bit. I am on somewhat of a slope, so I definitely don’t want to be too top-heavy.
If I’m wasting my time, please let me know.

 

[ovrszd]

I’m not OVERLY loading the FEL. Just the usual soil, sand or wood, and occasionally a load of rocks. I just thought having 5, 6, 700 pounds of ballast would improve my traction when pulling out shrubs and stumps... and maybe even out the ride a bit. I am on somewhat of a slope, so I definitely don’t want to be too top-heavy.
If I’m wasting my time, please let me know.

No you are not wasting your time. Yes your tractor will be soooo much more stable with some ballast. I have cast iron wheel centers, cast iron wheel weights and fluid and still use 3pt ballast at times.

I prefer adjustable ballast weight because it becomes easy to find the sweet spot in regards to how much you need. Too much ballast and you start losing control uphill with no load on the FEL.

 

[2ndhalf]

Exactly. I'm surprised at how many people that don't understand that adding ballast actually increases the front axel load in most cases. It would take A LOT of weight in a ballast box to lighten the front axel a notable amount. I don't recommend not running ballast, but thinking you're doing your front axel any favors is wrong. At least in the form of weight reduction. In the right conditions you could put less load on the front axel drive components.

I wouldn't have even thought about this but after hearing it explained it makes sense. This thread is very interesting and one that all new to tractor w/loader ownership should read front to back.

My tractor is small and couldn't lift my rear end even without ballast; at least it hasn't yet and I have maxed out my loader. Once you get into the bigger tractors though this is a real consideration

My loader lift:
Breakout force (lift): 950 lbs [430 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 678 lbs [307 kg]

 

[LD1]

I'm with ya. I've had some pretty heated discussions about that on here. I stared out the window a lot during Math classes but I paid enough attention to understand this.

Those are always fund discussions.

 

[Oldoak]

I wouldn't have even thought about this but after hearing it explained it makes sense. This thread is very interesting and one that all new to tractor w/loader ownership should read front to back.

My tractor is small and couldn't lift my rear end even without ballast; at least it hasn't yet and I have maxed out my loader. Once you get into the bigger tractors though this is a real consideration

My loader lift:
Breakout force (lift): 950 lbs [430 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 678 lbs [307 kg]

Although good tips can be found on the internet, I always found the Owners (Operators) Manual to be the best source of information on the proper operation of any tractor or piece of equipment.

Many times there are differences of opinion. "When all else fails, read the instructions."

 

[case580c]

I have lifted right at 3000# with my grapple

What Loader do you have? is it a LA1153 Thanks

 

[oosik]

case580c - Yes, my loader is a LA1153.

 

[Fastball]

Yeah...I’m thinking about a half-barrel of cement, with a bunch of rocks/iron that I can take off/on as needs be.