Ballast Kubota B7510 FEL - how much weight on 3 point?

[DavHank]

I have a new (to me) Kubota B7510 with a FEL and am using mostly to haul firewood, rocks and moving some dirt. I live in the mountains of NC and, while I have established tractor paths with safe inclines, I have been going slow and easy learning what I can safely carry up and down the grades. My R4 tires are loaded but I want to add some ballast to the 3 point and would like an idea how much weight I should be trying to add. Also, is there a danger of harming the tractor by adding too much weight to the rear - I mean the physics of it - will the structure of the tractor be safe with a load on the front and on the back. Be kind - I'm a newbiehttp://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[k0ua]

I would put about 500 lbs on the rear. on that tractor. check you loader manual, I am thinking maybe 600 lbs on the loader? so 450 to 500 I would think would be about right, I would guess the 3pt is good for 1200 or more?
Just guessing, but its my best guess. I dont see anything but improved safety and traction for the weight add, should be no problem at all for the tractor.
James K0UA

 

[Thomas]

Does your manual give max weight if so maybe half weight,for you may want to tow trailer etc. at some point on the slopes..also keep eye out for set of rear tire chains..traction.

 

[bp fick]

Others here, with great experience, will tell you that wheel weighting is good for many things, but it is not a counter balance for your FEL. The loader turns the tractor into a teeter totter and only counter weight on the 3 pt makes the teeter totter balanced enough to prevent excessive wear and tear on the front axle.

If the teeter totter analogy is correct, then basically, one should have a ballast box or heavy implement on the 3 pt that counter weights whatever is loaded in the FEL. Basically, 400 lbs on front? Have 400 lbs on rear. Simple without being over analytical about it.

 

[Johnbro]

According to this the lift capacity of the 3PH is 1356 lbs at the lift point.

 

[DavHank]

Does your manual give max weight if so maybe half weight,for you may want to tow trailer etc. at some point on the slopes..also keep eye out for set of rear tire chains..traction.

The manual says: Lower link end max wt - 660 lbs. I guess the 1356 lbs is at the pivot point?

 

[DavHank]

Others here, with great experience, will tell you that wheel weighting is good for many things, but it is not a counter balance for your FEL. The loader turns the tractor into a teeter totter and only counter weight on the 3 pt makes the teeter totter balanced enough to prevent excessive wear and tear on the front axle.

If the teeter totter analogy is correct, then basically, one should have a ballast box or heavy implement on the 3 pt that counter weights whatever is loaded in the FEL. Basically, 400 lbs on front? Have 400 lbs on rear. Simple without being over analytical about it.

Thanks for clearing that up. I knew that I needed weight on the 3 pt - just wasn't sure how much.

 

[DavHank]

Thanks, James - that 400-500 lb number seems to be what everyone is saying. Wanted to use suitcase weights but that might break the bank. Guess I'll be building a box.