Loader CK 20s and round bales

[dengar256]

I have a CK 20s and love it. I have a question about loading (FEL or 3 point). This summer I am looking at getting a couple of beef cattle and will most likely be feeding them round bales this winter. My guess is the the FEL on my CK 20s won't be able to handle the weight but I was wondering if I could put on a spear on the 3 point and work that way. Or could I get the farmer who will do the work for me make the bales "small tractor friendly"? My other option is to "encourage" my father-in-law to keep his CK 30 in my new shed for the winter (assuming I find the time to build it this summer).

I think I saw a thread on this a while back but could not find it so sorry if this is a re-post.

Thanks for the help.

 

[sweettractors]

CK 20 and round bales won't be a safe combination. Also, a good way to mess up the hydraulics on the tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[Duffster]

The 3pt capacity is listed as 1300 pounds so I don't see why small rounds won't work.

If you could get big squares made would be better yet.

 

[sweettractors]

The 3pt capacity is listed as 1300 pounds so I don't see why small rounds won't work.

If you could get big squares made would be better yet.

From Specs, You could theoretically lift the round bales, you would just be unsafe and also break the tractor. We sold those exact tractors for several years. Ken Sweet

 

[Duffster]

From Specs, You could theoretically lift the round bales, you would just be unsafe and also break the tractor. We sold those exact tractors for several years. Ken Sweet

The rated lift capicity will break the tractor? If so I guess they are some real POS.

 

[sweettractors]

The rated lift capicity will break the tractor? If so I guess thet are some real POS.

The main problem is the narrow track width of the tractor. Makes for VERY unstable tractor with a 1300 lb round bale on the front or back. Ken Sweet

 

[jimmyj]

You could do it IF you kept your bales small. I would not push my luck.

 

[Duffster]

The main problem is the narrow track width of the tractor. Makes for VERY unstable tractor with a 1300 lb round bale on the front or back. Ken Sweet

So what is the problem that they are unstable or it will break the tractor?

I wouldn't suggest a 1300 pounder anyway. I am thinking something like an 800 pounder. That is why I suggested squares, can be made smaller yet and kept closer to the tractor.

 

[jimmyj]

I used to move 500lb ish rounds with a wee tiny Allis Chalmers 616. It was not easy to lift them, but once I did it was fine. Then I'd tip the bale feeder on its side, drop the bale beside it and push the feeder over it. Worked fine for years.

Just don't get over-confident because before you know it you can be doing the old "oh ya, I can do that" and things get busted.

 

[sweettractors]

So what is the problem that they are unstable or it will break the tractor?

I wouldn't suggest a 1300 pounder anyway. I am thinking something like an 800 pounder. That is why I suggested squares, can be made smaller yet and kept closer to the tractor.

When the tractor turns over, then it breaks. Ken Sweet

 

[Duffster]

When the tractor turns over, then it breaks. Ken Sweet

So if he can pick up a bale without rolling the tractor over will it still break or will it be OK?

 

[dengar256]

Thanks for all the help. I figured it couldn't do it but was just hopeful. I guess I will just have to build the shed and convince my father-in-law to board his tractor here for the winter.

 

[sweettractors]

Thanks for all the help. I figured it couldn't do it but was just hopeful. I guess I will just have to build the shed and convince my father-in-law to board his tractor here for the winter.

If you are feeding limited numbers of rolled hay bales, there is a way to feed them without the use of a tractor. Put the bales in the corner of the winter pasture field and line them up in single file and leave about a few feet between each bale. Then run a hot wire across in front of the first bale. When that bale is eat, move the electric cross fence back 1 more bale and when that bale is eat, move the wire back one more bale. I have a BIL that has used this method for many years. He does not even own a tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[dengar256]

Ken that is a great idea. to start off with we will only have 3 - 4 cattle so I think this would work. I will have to remember this when I build the fence this summer.

 

[sweettractors]

Ken that is a great idea. to start off with we will only have 3 - 4 cattle so I think this would work. I will have to remember this when I build the fence this summer.

Here is a rough drawing to show one way to feed round bale hay without a tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[MMagis]

Bale grazing works well (the method Ken mentioned), or you can also just hook a tow strap or chain around a bale and pull it. I’ve had to do than when I had a flat on the tractor. Cows need to eat regardless. I don’t know anything about that particular tractor, but I do have some experience moving round bales near the lift capacity of my tractor. When the bales are new, it’s a little dicey on the hills, but not all that bad. But, in the winter and the bales now have a lot of moisture/ice/snow (weight), they’re all of sudden very tricky to move. Sometimes I have to back up hills just so I can steer. Remember, the lift capacity is typically at one certain point. A very large round bale is going to extend beyond that, reducing the capacity. If the farmer is able to make them smaller, great, but not everyone can or will.

 

[JonKioti]

At this rate, perhaps it's easier to move the cattle to the hay?

Thanks for your entertaining but accurate answers Ken. A good laugh is always welcome.

 

[sweettractors]

At this rate, perhaps it's easier to move the cattle to the hay?

Thanks for your entertaining but accurate answers Ken. A good laugh is always welcome.

Thanks JonKioti, I can't remember the last time I have been called entertaining. I think I like it LOL Ken Sweet

 

[ustmd]

The method Ken suggested works great.

An alternative is to get a single bale hay buggy with a hand crank winch and pull it with your tractor. It may still tip over, but only the buggy will go and not the tractor.

 

[pilonidal]

My ck20 lifts round bales with out any problems using the bale spear on the 3 pt hitch. But some bales can be a problem if its pretty green stuff and it's rolled to big