How much weight is too much ?

[gbpackerfan]

I have only used a FEL for about 40 hrs. It is a 16LA loader on a NH TC45D. I have used a 6' bush hog at times for ballast but find it limiting in tight places so lately I have been using a 3 pt. mounted platform that measures 45" by 55" that is made out of 3" angle iron sheeted with 5/4 treated wood. I figure it weighs about 250 lbs. For added weight I put two 320 lb. blocks of concrete that I use for my aereator. I stack them on top of each other so they will be close to the tractor. I have not had any problems but at times I still feel the rearend light when I'm going straight down a hill with a loaded bucket. (bucket is low as it can be) I think this tractor has a rear lift capacity of 2330 lbs. at 24" from the balls. My 3 questions are: Would I have more stability if I placed the weights side by side with one wt. being further back from the tractor than the wts. being stacked? I stack them now because I think there is less stress on the 3 pt. hitch. I have a third 320 lb. cube that I would like to use. I would stack 2 and put the third cube next to the others but further from the tractor. This would be approx. 1210 lbs. Is this too much wt. for this tractor's 3pt. hitch? Also, if I do not stack the weights is the center of gravity of the tractor lower since the top of the weights are never over 33" from the ground? How much wt. back there is too much stress for this size tractor? Sorry ahead of time if this thread is confusing but I'm confused.

 

[beenthere]

Just think of a teeter-totter. The further back the weight is from the fulcrum, the more effect it will have keeping the front end down.

 

[gbpackerfan]

Makes sense but I guess I worry about the stress on the hitch particularly where the lower arms attach to the tractor.

 

[KennyV]

You should be able to put 2000 lbs. on there. If this is too much you will not lift it…Then just take some off.

The point that the lower arms attach to the tractor are probably the strongest link on a 3pt. As beenthere said… farther out longer leaver.
Don’t get bouncing around. Secure your counter balance and keep both bucket and 3pt. as low as you are able to work with.. Air your tires for the load. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifHave fun....KennyV.

 

[rambler]

Your tractor should handle a ton back there fine. To take some stress off your hydraulics, you can use limiter chains like some rear mowers use. They hook to the upper link & take the weight off the hyd. Would also move some weight from the lower arms to the upper link.

Have you considered filling the tires with fluid? Makes a _world_ of difference. Does not add weight to the tractor frame, so you can still pick up more...

I would not stack the weights. Keeping things low is the key. Well if you use all three you probably have to stack one - but, for sure keep the weight low.

Any weight farther back is a good thing, and helps 'teetertotter' weight off of your front axle, which recieves much more stress than your 3pt. Moving the weight back is a good thing. Check out the weight of your 6' brush hog, and think of how far back that hangs - don't worry about the 3pt!!!!!

First & foremost, you need to be safe. Get that tractor anchored in the rear. Weight, lots, low, & back. Those are the right things to do.

--->Paul

 

[dmp437]

Have you considered filling the tires with fluid? Makes a _world_ of difference.

My thoughts exactly. I was prepared to buy a 3 point ballast box when I bought my tractor and load it with drill head counterweights (lead plates, about 4000 lbs total....oops that would have killed the 3 pt.) and was talked out of it by the dealer in favor of loading the tires. I've been very happy with the result. The tractor is very stable and the center of gravity has been lowered to boot. Also consider wheel weights in addition to anything else you decide to do.