Ballast How to add Ballast with 3pt in use?

[hawkeye08]

I plan on adding flat bar on my 3pt somehow to allow me to use the weights that normally hang on front of tractor. I was able to get 5 of the Kubota ones (I think they are 40lbs each) and 4 from a IHC tractor (70lbs each). Seems a QH would be a good starting point and would allow me to use the weights with or without an implement...

 

[jenkinsph]

My take on all of this is to use Roy's first method of swapping out the stump grinder with a weight box as needed. I would also add that an IMatch or similar quick hitch would speed up the process of implement/weight box changes.

About leaving the implements in the field while using them. If I know I am going to switch between a couple of implements while clearing an area I would depot the implements in a staging area. I would not waste my time moving them back and forth to the barn. Might need to use the fel to make a smooth place to hitch up though.

If at the end of the day you are riding the tractor back to the barn then latch onto the grinder and bring it with you, leave the ballast box at the work area.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Do you really need the stump grinder everyday?

Can't you do the loader/ grapple work with a dedicated ballast box, then go back and do the stump grinding all at once, every couple of days or so ?

Or is it so tight in there you have to grind as you go?

JB

It is not the tightness of space driving my work style, it is the unsteady surface.

I am working on top of a layer of slash and mulching debris where I cannot stt the stumps as I am clearing the debris. What happens is one wheel hits the stump, and the other sinks into mud and the tractor tilts... I grind the stump I just discovered, and keep clearing...

That is my process thus far.

I am looking into a ballast box...

Thanks,

David

 

[foggy1111]

I own a similar grinder and tractor / loader. When operating my loader and grapple or doing other tractor functions, I typically take my stump grinder off and put on a more compact, and heavier rear implement. Most often if I need ballast for FEL work, my weighted box blade gets the nod. (I also have loaded R4 rear tires.)

Even with my loaded tires and weighted box blade (I have a 60" KK with 300 lbs of suitcase weights hanging on it) I have some situations where my rear tires can come off the ground. :confused2: The 300cx loader and the grapple can pick up quite a load.

I cant envision spending much time with the stump grinder hooked up on the back and doing loader work.......too long and light weight for me.

I have the PAT's EZ hitch on my 3 point.....so I can make fairly easy implement changes. However the stump grinder has more hydraulic connections and I use my joystick to operate it.....so I dont relish having to swap it out regularly. For me.....I put the grinder on when I will do a day or more work with the grinder....and take it off for other work. I suppose it may take me 15 to 20 minutes to swap the grinder out for another implement.

I am considering either adding more suitcase weights for my box blade or getting a super-heavy ballast box due to the loader's ability on this tractor.

Long story short.......I think you should have more ballast than the grinder for loader work.