Ballast GC1705 Ballast Question

[ON84]

Thanks to all the TBN members who posted information about the Massey sub compacts. We took delivery of a new GC1705, and I was wondering how much ballast do I need for the loader.

 

[DMW]

I use a 300 lb boxblade. If using a weight box, 400-500 lbs as it is closer to the 3pt lifting eyes, reducing the lever effect.

 

[atsah]

I have a weight box with 400lbs in it and the box weights 90lbs and my tires are loaded, seems to be about right for the tasks I complete..

 

[ON84]

Thank you DMW and Atsah. I'll take your advice. I have the SSQA and an HLA bucket, so it is really light on the rear tires.

 

[atsah]

If you fill the bucket with gravel it will come off the ground. The GC can lift nearly 900lbs, you need ballast for your tractor.

 

[WranglerX]

I made a 2x2x1 foot box (4 cubic feet) filled with concrete for my GC 1715... Concrete weighs in about 150 pounds per cubic foot... Box should weigh in about 600 pounds... BUT mine took eight 60 pounds bags of Quickcrete (480 lbs ?)...

This comes from manual and how to calculate weight of ballast...



This is what I made....



Used 2 inch black ABS tubing cast in concrete for tool holders, rattle can caps keeps "stuff" from accumulation it tubes...

Might also consider moving tail and turnsignal lights in board..... Damage one, and its $127 to replace....



Don't ask!...


Dale

 

[ON84]

Thanks Dale. The ballast box looks great. I love what you did with the lights. I'll try to do the same with my lights.
Also, the headlights are not very bright. I'll try to find some LED bulb replacements and add some additional lights on the ROPs.

 

[oosik]

Be very careful at first. I tried lifting a bucket full of wet sand. Bucket remained down - rear tires began to elevate. Not a great feeling.

 

[DMW]

Loading the rear tires, or adding wheel weights adds mass down low that improves the stability of the tractor while on slopes, but keeps the full weight of the bucket on the front axle. Using a counter weight on the 3pt uses the rear tires as a fulcrum, reducing the stress on the front axle. Without the counterweight, it is possible to lift the rear wheels enough so they have no traction, and the tractor will just spin the rears, even though they look to be on the ground. It will chew up turf pretty quick. It is not advisable to use only the front tires for traction in 4wd to move around. I've done it from necessity, but really didn't like doing it.
There are no brakes on front tires in 4WD, and if no traction on rears, no braking or stopping in 2WD. A load in the bucket on a slope with no counterweight is dangerous, it may allow the tractor to roll down a slope without any control.

 

[WranglerX]

Thanks Dale. The ballast box looks great. I love what you did with the lights. I'll try to do the same with my lights.
Also, the headlights are not very bright. I'll try to find some LED bulb replacements and add some additional lights on the ROPs.

You have to swap the left and right side lights to get them inside... I used a couple of washers between ROPs and lamp fixture to keep from crushing wires and just used ties to tie wires down ROPS...

Dale