Ballast

[milesaweigh]

Is there such a thing as too much ballast on the three pt. for loader work? I have a 15x15x30 in. steel box full of lead wheel weights. They are packed very tightly inside so void space would be minimal. This box is permanently mounted on an old set of forks (heavy) along with a 12000 lb. winch that weighs 75 lbs. and a 60 lb. battery. If the box had no airspace it would weigh 2760 lbs. alone. Surprised the tractor will lift it. Should I reduce the weight?

 

[jeff9366]

A GL3540 with LA514 FEL has a lift capacity of 1,021 pounds 500mm forward of the pivot pins. Personally, I would counterbalance for 75% of 1,021 pounds = 765 pounds.

((This assumes you have air filled rear tires.))

 

[milesaweigh]

Rear tires are loaded with CaCl. Loader is La 724.

 

[jeff9366]

Rear tires are loaded with CaCl. Loader is La 724.

With loaded rear tires, 400 pounds to 500 pounds of Three Point Hitch ballast should be ample and this only when you anticipate FEL work. This will probably be an implement and implements vary considerably in how far to the rear they cantilever. The farther to the rear ballast is cantilevered, the more effective it is.

Why 3,100 pounds of total ballast when your total LA724 lift is a tad over 1,500 pounds and 90% of lifts will be less than max?? Tractors are tough but no use building in equipment strain before starting work.


I have GL3560 with LA805 FEL. Air in R4/industrial tires. I carry a 60" / 700 pound Three Point Hitch Cultipacker as ballast most of the time. It is ample for 1,000 pound lifts. If I anticipate an unusual max lit, I mount a heavier implement.

I do not make many lifts greater than 1,000 pounds. Usually I split a potential one ton lift into two 1,000 pound lifts.

However, I NEVER have mud to deal with as a traction issue. After heavy rain my sandy-loam soil is ~~dry~~ an hour later.

 

[jeff9366]

12/01/2016​

Photo #1 + Photo #2 This wood was all one stump. I could not pull it entire, partly anchored in the dirt as it was, so I cut it in to four pieces to make two loads for the Debris Forks.

I dragged the stump in Photo #1 with Grade 70, 5/16" chain. The ground was too uneven in the woods to attempt a heavy FEL lift.

Photo #3 Chain(s) attached to tractor at rear center drawbar using TSC 1/2" clevis Grab Hook pinned on drawbar.

Photo #4 After dragging the stump to an accessible location I loaded it onto the Debris Fords and transported stump to the community burn pile.

Photo #5 + Photo #6 I wrestled out the three partially buried, residual stump pieces in two loads, then placed pieces against the base of an Oak and picked up all three pieces with the Debris Forks for transport 1/2 mile to the community burn pile.

 

[Leejohn]

That much weight you don't need 4wd.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would take half the weight out and see how it squats the tires.

I made a weight box with concrete for my JD3720 (45 HP) and it weighed 1500# on the scale. I used it but the first chance I had I gave it to my neighbor and ,made on that weighs 8-900# or so and it just seems to ride better and don't seem to buck the tractor quite so much. But that is subjective on my part and the owners manual says around 1100#. Check the manual to be sure. Don't want to break anything as long as it is easy to make it lighter.

 

[milesaweigh]

That much weight you don't need 4wd.

That is correct.


I have very sloping and uneven property and the ballast makes the tractor very stable. The ride is not a problem.


As far as loader lift capacity is concerned, I have no idea what a LA 724 will lift to full height but I do know it will lift more than 2000 lbs. to 3 ft.
When moving on a slope or uneven ground the extra weight is a safety factor I would rather not give up.
As far as using an implement for ballast I have nothing as heavy or compact.
Talked to my local Kubota dealer this morning and asked for his opinion. He says if it will lift it it isn't too heavy.

 

[jeff9366]

I have very sloping and uneven property and the ballast makes the tractor very stable.

When moving on a slope or uneven ground the extra weight is a safety factor I would rather not give up.

Why did you not include this relevant information in your opening post?

Have your wheels been spaced at the widest increment?

 

[milesaweigh]

Why did you not include this relevant information in your opening post?

Have your wheels been spaced at the widest increment?

Figured the post was long enough.
Also, I'm old and forgot.


72 in. to outside of rear tires which are R4's.