I need a 3 point hitch geometry lesson.

[Hooked_on_HP]

If 50lbs of garbage makes it front heavy what is going to happen when you get a bucket of dirt. Even if you add balast it is going to nose dive. Is the loader mounted to far forward or is it to big for the tractor.
Bill

 

[Camo]

Well I have a 300lb 3pt capacity, and I am actually just under specs. The Bush Hog FEL is specifically made for my tractor and works well, but the reason for my unnerving experiance was because when you are dealing with a 1,300 lb empty tractor, it is VERY critical anytime any weight is added, removed, or just moved. Also running the steep concrete grade downhill in 2wd was a little stupid on my part too. Since then with my ballast on, I've run many many bucket loads of sod and topsoil and rock on that same slope with absolutely zero problems. Would I have a non-experianced operator on it and send them down there? Heck no, but that is the difference in operators.

 

[ACERXP]

Thanks! The CAT 1 dimensions should be close to the same. Ideally you should have the top and bottom pivot points parallel but this is not possible with the barrel set up. Would you be somewhere close to 2 or 3 inches away from the edge of the barrel on your top pivot point? Is the distance between pivot points around 16 inches? Another question I have would be what is the distance you put the bottom bar from the front and bottom of the barrel? I hate to be a pest but if you built a good working unit then why not share?

I would like to add a drawing but I'm not sure how on this site

Mike

 

[Camo]

Thanks! The CAT 1 dimensions should be close to the same. Ideally you should have the top and bottom pivot points parallel but this is not possible with the barrel set up. Would you be somewhere close to 2 or 3 inches away from the edge of the barrel on your top pivot point? Is the distance between pivot points around 16 inches? Another question I have would be what is the distance you put the bottom bar from the front and bottom of the barrel? I hate to be a pest but if you built a good working unit then why not share?

I would like to add a drawing but I'm not sure how on this site

Mike

Mine worked out about right, according to my measurements. The bottom bar is favored to the front of the tractor on mine to more weight out back.

As for drawings, take a close up picture and post it.

 

[ACERXP]

Camo,
I was able to attach a drawing. Would you be willing to fill in the dimensions?

Mike

 

[Camo]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/build-yourself/99662d1207449180-concrete-curing-ballast-weight-dsc00893.jpg

 

[David Devuono]

Id like to see a picture of the FEL. It must be heavy. I built my FEL with a 36" bucket for my B4200. I run about 200" counter weight (48" blade with 100LB of bar bell weights. I can heap my bucket and I use counterweights more for steering a non-power steering tractor then for stability, though its a bonus.

 

[Camo]

Here is the rest of my B5200. I really like it alot. Acerxp, I have been a little under the weather lately with the flu bug, and that is why I haven't got you dimensions yet. Just looking at the ballast pic, you should see where you need to go. Measurements can vary as the top link adjusts for any variances.

My FEL is rated for around 800lb of lift, and my counter balance offsets that to the point that if the FEL maxxes out and can't lift, the rear rires stay on the ground, with me in the seat of course.........Never tried it otherwise. My counter weight is at it's lightest, as it is about 3/4 of the way full, but will accept sand if ever needed.

 

[Camo]

Here is the frame I built inside on the counterweights. Yeah, two of them..

 

[J_J]

You mentioned in an earlier post that you wanted 1000 lbs counter weight. Are you sure you can lift 1000 lbs on your 3pt. For ref, a 55 gal drum of water weighs in at 440 lbs. What do you think will happen to the front end with nothing in the FEL. Your pivot point is on the front axle/wheels, and any weight behind that is counter weight. I believe I would try water in a barrel first and find the right combination of filled tires and additional weight needed. An empty barrel is easier to handle.