When is rear ballast needed with a FEL?

markie61 · May 5, 2003

( they said that 450lbs of that weight is the mounting kit to strengthen the tractor frame, so even when the loader is detached, I've got an extra 450lbs on the tractor. )

Wouldn't you think that this weight would be between the axles and actally HELP balance out the load? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I agree: That is not a lot of sand in that bucket....

Mark

Mosey · May 5, 2003

"Wouldn't you think that this weight would be between the axles and actally HELP balance out the load? I agree: That is not a lot of sand in that bucket...."

Mark - I agree, some of it will help balance, but it's not very far back. I just looked up the actual numbers again and the total weight of the loader is 1453lbs, so I shouldn't have rounded up to 1500lbs, I should have rounded it to 1450lbs. The bad thing is that the rest of the loader weighs about 1000lbs, which is more than the total weight of the New Holland 7308 or the Woods 1012/1016! That amount of sand that's in the picture was the most I could handle and I had to keep the bucket low and didn't dare get on a slope. It was twice that amount that I couldn't even pick up because the rear end came up instead.

JohnMiller3 · May 5, 2003

...It was twice that amount that I couldn't even pick up because the rear end came up instead... 

Is this loader recommended for your tractor model by Bush Hog? ... or is this a "can fit" situation...?

Do you have it in "writing"?

How about getting on the horn and calling Bush Hog customer service and ask what their recommendations are...

Same thing with the purchasing dealer... get some input from them... a special order loader will be hard to return... but it's looking like the geometry match-up between this "after-market" loader and your tractor model... Don't Match....! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Look at the mid-mount loader mounts closely... can they be placed into a different position further back towards the operator...? Is it possible, it's mounted in the "wrong" position...?

Take a ride down to a NH dealer with your exact tractor and NH 7308 loader mounted and test it out for comparison to be absolutely sure of the difference...

Something is not right with this setup... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Mosey · May 5, 2003

JohnMiller3 - Good questions! I'll take your advice and do some calling. The loader is still new (all I've done is move 1 rock with a chain and that little bit of sand), so I'll see if I even have the option of returning it.

MikePA · May 5, 2003

According to the Bush Hog web site, they rate their FELs based upon the hp of the tractor which seems kind of odd. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Perhaps they assume that higher hp tractors weigh more? There's an M146 (15 - 25 hp) with a pivot pin lifting capacity of 825 pounds, which is similar to the 7308. Mosey's M246 (20 - 30 hp) has a pivot pin lift capacity of 1,530 pounds.

My 25D (roughly the same weight as Mosey's tractor), without any ballast, without the mmm and unloaded tires has no problem handling a 60" bucket full of limestone with the 7308 FEL. I am not lifting it very high, to be sure, but driving into the pile of stone, curling the bucket to fill it, then slightly raising the bucket for transport causes no problems. Mosey and I weigh the same as well. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mosey · May 5, 2003

( Mosey and I weigh the same as well. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

There's an idea, I'll just eat more and get my weight up to 450 lbs or so, then when I'm on the tractor seat I'll be able to lift more with the loader!

Mosey · May 5, 2003

By the way, that 1,530 number is what I was remembering wrong as the total weight of the loader. The total weight is not on the web site, but is on the brochure I got with the loader. I was aware of the M146 and would have gotten it except for 2 things. 1) It only reaches 86" compared to the M246 which reaches 103". 2) It doesn't have the Skid Steer Quick Attach bucket option.

I was narrowed down to the Bush Hog M246 (or Great Bend 2130 which is the same loader with a different name tag) and the Woods 1012 at one time, because they were both priced about $1000 less than the New Holland 7308. I went with the M246 because it was about $200 less than the Woods and had better specs, except for the total weight which I didn't know about at the time. If I can return the M246, I'll look closer at the Woods 1012/1016, but certainly won't buy one unless I can see one in the flesh or see some good pictures of one mounted on a TC25/29/33 or the Case equivalent of them (which I think is the DX25/29/33).

JohnMiller3 · May 5, 2003

...If I can return the M246, I'll look closer at the Woods ... 

Ahhhhhhhhh.... Danny...

If you can return the Bush Hog loader & get this resolved... I'd stick with the proven NH 7308 in your case... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Mosey · May 5, 2003

You're probably right, John! I'll still look at the Woods though, just to see how it compares.

Or, I just might go back to plan A, which was to get an antique with a loader and have 2 tractors. I just couldn't find anything that was in decent shape for under $5000, but I might if I keep looking. That way the TC29D can still stay light for mowing.

bnixon · May 5, 2003

I would have to agree with John on this one. I have the 7308 on my TC33D and have had no problems lifting 1000lb. of concrete with out anything on the rear (clearance would not allow my box blade to be mounted) just loaded tires. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The rear was a little light but the loader didn't even seem to strain. I think the NH specs on this loader are very conservative. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

just my $.02