How much rear ballast?

[Skyfair]

I've found a concrete-filled drum set up for a three point hitch, left by a previous owner, on our property. I estimate it weighs approximately 1,000 lbs. I own a Mahindra 1635 Shuttle with ballasted rear tires. My dealer says it can take that amount of weight. I would consider using it when plowing our gravel driveway this winter, which is about 1000 ft and has several moderate/steep pitches. However, I wonder what others' experience is with using that amount of ballast. What are the pros and cons? How might it affect maneuverability? Is it too much weight (and thus why the previous owner didn't take it with him)?

 

[oosik]

If it's a 55 gallon drum full - it's probably closer to 850 pounds. What does your Owners Manual say about max weight on the 3-point.

Honestly - with ballasted rear tires and 4WD-??....... you probably don't need that much weight on the 3-point. It might have negative effects on steering and control of the tractor. JMHO

 

[TMGT]

Your tractor is very close in specs to my l3240, 1000lbs is no problem, I use a 1200lb box blade or 1200lb aerator on mine and also have loaded tires.

I imagine the barrel would be more maneuverable then my 78" box blade.

 

[RickB]

You will love it.

 

[sea2summit]

Sort of off topic, what FEL mounted plow do you use?

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't think you're going to want that much weight on the 3 point while you are plowing snow with a FEL mounted plow. It will be counter productive by taking more weight off of the front steer tires where you're already going to be battling the effect of the angled plow "pushing" your steer (front) tires sideways when you push into heavier snow. Front chains (and rear chains obviously) will help much more than rear ballast.

However, when you are just lifting things (with forks, bucket loads of dirt, grapple work, etc) you will find that much ballast on the 3 point very beneficial to keeping the load balanced and your front axle from getting damaged.

 

[PILOON]

Your tractor is very close in specs to my l3240, 1000lbs is no problem, I use a 1200lb box blade or 1200lb aerator on mine and also have loaded tires.

I imagine the barrel would be more maneuverable then my 78" box blade.

In my case for my CUT I lucked out having found an elevator weight that weighs 300 lbs.
Nice and compact and combined with filled rears I can do whatever I want with my FEL.
I rigged that weight such as to incorporate a receiver for trailer hitches or whatever I mount on 2 x 2 inserts, (like even a winch or my carry basket that also fits my car)
AND, no computer, just plain old relays and switches.
Well no seat switch any more!

 

[TMGT]

I'd hope your ballast weight wouldn't have any electronics in it!

 

[Jchonline]

As Oosik mentioned, just be wary of a light front end. It may be just fine but starting out up and down hills go slow and pay attention to front end weight. If the front end gets light in certain scenarios you might need to make some adjustments to the way you are traveling or remove ballast. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

 

[Jchonline]

I'd hope your ballast weight wouldn't have any electronics in it!

What you don't have a rear camera on your concrete filled drum?