Counterweight Question

Anonymous Poster · Apr 2, 2003

My owners manual doesn't really give a recommended weight, just load the tires or put anywhere from 154 to 285 lbs on the 3ph. One thing I did read was that the effective counterbalance weight on the 3ph is 1.5 time the actual weight.
The "large implement" I was refering to was my mower, which should be delivered this week, and the only implement I"ll have until I can convince the boss I need something else. She has already agreed to the snow blower in the fall.
I just got the tractor and am just beginning to scrounge for "accessories". /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Thanks

OkieG · Apr 2, 2003

Tracking down "good deals" on tractor implements/accessories is half the fun of tractor ownership. The other half of the fun is using them. Good luck!!

<font color="blue"> the effective counterbalance weight on the 3ph is 1.5 time the actual weight.
</font>
When carrying a rear implement, the length of the 3ph arms plus the length of the tractor act as a lever to counterbalance a load in the FEL. With a loaded FEL, the "pivot point" of interest (ie. where the tractor will pivot if the FEL is too heavy/rear counterweight is too light) is the front tires. A rear implement is farther behind the front tires than the FEL load is in front. On your tractor, that increases the effective weight at the 3ph by a factor of 1.5 over the actual weight. Perhaps, that is obvious from the comment in your owner's manual, but this weighting issue has been confusing for me, until recently. I think I have the mechanics sorted out, now. A lengthy rear implement, like your mower deck, will have an even more profound effect on the "effective" weight versus the actual weight (even though a rear mowing deck makes an awkward counterweight). Clear as mud??

By the way, unless your red paint (?) is very heavy, <font color="red"> anywhere from 154 to 285 lbs on the 3ph. </font> sounds pretty light for a counterweight on a tractor the size of a TC-33D. In fact, almost any Boxblade, sized appropriately for your tractor, will weigh more than that.

OkieG

Anonymous Poster · Apr 2, 2003

Yeh, I kind of figured the pivot point part out. I did more research in old post and came up with more considerations for the design, but think I'll go in the area of 700lbs when I'm ready.
Anywhere near Norman OkieG? I get to spend some time there every year.

Ron