Ballast Weights - How much is too much?

[mattellis2]

I recently put a FEL on my little Branson tractor. The tractor weighs 3700 lbs, and the loader (a newly redesigned OEM model) has a lift capacity of about 2k. I can stick the bucket in a pile of dirt, and lift the back wheels, even with a 500 lb finish mower hanging on the back.

My solution was to build a reinforced concrete 3 point weight. I built a form box, tied my rebar, and poured my concrete a week ago this evening. I have been wet curing it ever since. Tonight, I stripped the forms, hooked it up, and tried it out. I have to say, the tractor is a lot more stable with 1200 lbs hanging off the 3 point. The tractor's 3 point is rated around 2500 lbs. That being said, I heard some creaking and popping of the hitch (I think) when the tractor was in motion, and the counterweight would shift from side to side. I do have sway limiters, but the do allow some movement. The weight also noticeably flattened the rear tires when I lifted it, but the lift itself had no problems picking it up. I need to check the air pressure in the rears too, but didn't get to it before it got dark tonight.

So what do you all think? Too much weight? Build another one? or just use the big one when I REALLY need the ballast? FWIW, I also have a KK tiller that is pretty heavy (650 lbs, maybe) that I could use, but it is a PITA to hook up.

-matt

 

[rekees4300]

This old thread may be useful

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/30574-rookies-fels-read-tractor-ballast.html

 

[k0ua]

I am no expert, but I would think the 1200 would be fine if your loader can really lift 2000 lbs. I would check the air pressure as you mentioned, and I would also tighten up the turnbuckles/check-chains. if possible.. also one other thing. any chance the wheel lug nuts on your rear wheels could be a little loose causing the creaking sound?
James K0UA

 

[kennyd]

1200lbs is only 1/2 of the rated capacity of your 3PH...you are good to go as long as you can't easily lift the rear tires off the ground in that dirt pile:thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

The relationship between FEL capacity and total amount of ballast that i can recall is 1x to 1.5x with 1.5x being better than 1x.

So if you can lift 2000#, you would want TOTAL ballast to be equal to about 3000#. Some combination of filled tires, wheel weights and rear attachment. The range is due to the potential length of the 3pt attachment effectively moving the weight farther back making it act like a heavier weight closer. It's also better to have weight behind the rear axle and not just filled tires + wheel weights as the back weight will help lighten the load on the front axle.

Remember that when you lift the rear wheels the entire weight of the tractor plus ballast plus a large portion of the bucket load is on the front axle. It's not designed for that load - neither are the tires.

I would keep the cement weight and also fill the tires. That will get you close, but probably won't allow you full stability with a fully loaded bucket. The squeaks & groans may be from un-greased 3pt parts rubbing under the load. Grease up the balls, the pins, sway links, etc. The advice on loose wheel lugs is also very good.

jb

 

[easygo]

I think you should be set with the #1200 of concrete. Check the tire pressure and set the sway control so there is very little play. My tractor has a lift capacity of about #900 and I have about #650 ballast on the 3ph plus loaded tires. I don't have a problem lifting the rear off the ground. The tires should hardly change shape when you lift up the 3ph weight.

 

[CurlyDave]

T
Remember that when you lift the rear wheels the entire weight of the tractor plus ballast plus a large portion of the bucket load is on the front axle. It's not designed for that load - neither are the tires...

jb

I don't think adding rear weight reduces the load on the front axle.

The total weight increases so that some remains on the rear, but the front axle load doesn't decrease.

 

[bp fick]

I don't think adding rear weight reduces the load on the front axle.

The total weight increases so that some remains on the rear, but the front axle load doesn't decrease.

Yeah, that is the debate, isn't it. Obviously, filling tires weights/lowers the CG, but the rear axle is merely the fulcrum. Filling rear tires cannot take weight off the front axle, that's pretty much common knowledge.

But, does adding rear ballast, behind the rear axle fulcrum, lever any weight off the front axle? Some say absolutely. I'd like more information on this myself from engineer types, not just my own or other's idle speculation.

 

[rjkobbeman]

But, does adding rear ballast, behind the rear axle fulcrum, lever any weight off the front axle? Some say absolutely. I'd like more information on this myself from engineer types, not just my own or other's idle speculation.

This is common knowledge as well.

How much weight you put behind the rear axle and how far back behind the rear axle you put that weight will change how much weight to lever off of the front axle. Put enought weight and/or far enough behind, you will do a wheelie. Obviously you don't want to do that, but it is for illustration.

 

[Trails2004]

........I'd like more information on this myself from engineer types, not just my own or other's idle speculation.

Ditto- this also includes, those who stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night