Ballast Figured I'd use the mower arms to block crap hitting my cooling fan...GC17xx

[GC1710]

I bought some 125 lb weights at an auction I was going to use for rear ballast when I take the hoe off. My tractor spends most of it's days in the woods and no matter how careful I am I have had a few very small twigs hit the cooling fan on the Hydraulic unit. Long story short I figured out my "Oliver Starter Weights" were the same width as my mower lift arms, so I killed two birds with one stone.....added 125lbs of ballast low and near the rear and blocked twigs from my cooling fan....

If anyone has driven a TLB just off camber you know the pucker factor...I can attest that adding 125lbs lower and centered has allowed me to relax a bit. Also I can lower the weight to drop it or change the filter as needed. I also don't have a mower nor will I ever for this tractor so that is a non issue.

If anyone is interested find an "Oliver starter weight" at auction...they are 20" wide and 125 lbs....not messing around for sure. Just had to drill some 5/8 holes and the iron was very soft so it was pretty easy. Having the ability to quickly drop it for filter change is also very nice....

 

[AxleHub]

Bro tek makes under body armor forthegc1700s to protect the whole under area and still be tucked up tight to the frame.

In addition, while the weight underneath can work while you have the backhoe on. . You've already got plenty of weight with the hoe. But when the hoe is off, 125 lbs. Centered in front of the rear wheels is not very much compared to having 200 lbs behind the rear wheels.

 

[frugalangler]

Bro tek makes under body armor forthegc1700s to protect the whole under area and still be tucked up tight to the frame.

In addition, while the weight underneath can work while you have the backhoe on. . You've already got plenty of weight with the hoe. But when the hoe is off, 125 lbs. Centered in front of the rear wheels is not very much compared to having 200 lbs behind the rear wheels.

I purchased one of the Bro-Tek pans, but they've changed the GC1720 frame and it doesn't fit - doesn't come close. If yours is an older one it might fit, I'd make a deal on mine

 

[irvingj]

frugal angler -- Late model 2310s had a minor change to the BH dipper tube so my Bro-Tek thumb didn't fit correctly-- I called, and Mr. Breault was very happy to work with me to resolve the issue. You might try calling him--

 

[coldsteelva]

You may find it easier to just pick up a square of expanded mesh, shape it to fit and secure it with some bolts or wingnuts.

 

[GC1710]

You may find it easier to just pick up a square of expanded mesh, shape it to fit and secure it with some bolts or wingnuts.

I actually did it more for weight then for protection. The 125 pounds low and centered towards the rear really helps for off chamber times, and pulling ground engaging 3 point implements.

 

[AxleHub]

I actually did it more for weight then for protection. The 125 pounds low and centered towards the rear really helps for off chamber times, and pulling ground engaging 3 point implements.

That makes sense. Do you have your rear tires loaded too?

Another thing you can do that offers some nice benefits is to add a quick hitch to your 3ph to get 2 benefits:

1. You gain very quick easy hookup and detach for your 3pt implements.

2. The quick hitch adds some nice weight to the rear end for not alot of money a exactly in a good location.

But a caution on a quick hitch. . . . Some are designed with weight limits that are rather low while others can accommodate the full 3ph capacity . . . So check it's rating.

 

[plowhog]

I need a recommendation on a quick hitch. Due to past medical issues, the crawling around and switching from the backhoe to the rotary cutter is exhausting. I dread having to do it .....

I've heard of pat's quick hitch but know nothing about quick hitches. Would pat's be a good one to consider? Will a typical quick hitch accommodate a GC1710 backhoe, rotary cutter, box scraper, and landscape rake?

 

[coldsteelva]

You will NOT be able to have on and leave on a quick hitch on the GC1710 and still mount the backhoe. In order to mount up the backhoe, you must raise/drop/fold-up the 3-point lift arms, top-link and stabilizers.