Ballast ?

[totouchantler]

I'll soon be buying a L3901. I have a question about safety and weight distribution. One of the heaviest implements i ask my tractor to lift at the three point hitch is a brillion seeder (aprox 1300lbs). Im getting all tires loaded at the dealer. Will I want to also carry weight in my bucket loader? If so how much? Thanks in advance. You guys have been so helpful.

Chris

 

[lostcreekranch]

I wouldn't load front tires, just unneeded stress on front axel. If 1300 lbs. is too heavy for 3-point on that tractor you should consider a slightly larger tractor.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm with Rick. Not being familiar with the tractor I have no opinion about whether you are overloading it or not. If the seeder use is rare and it seems light in the front, load the bucket with dirt or whatever. Then when not using the seeder you can rid the tractor of the weight. Adding fluid to the front means your footprint is always heavier and can't be lightened.

I don't like to do much 3pt work with my FEL on. So I remove it a lot. I built a weight rack for the front and have 1200lbs of suitcase weights I can add if/when needed.

 

[totouchantler]

Hi Rick. From what I have researched the tractor is rated to lift close to 2000lbs at the hitch. What am I missing here? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mysfyt]

Haven't done much 3 point work with mine so I can't really help with your specific question, but for front end loader work, rear ballast is mandatory. Along with filling my rear tires, I added 1000 lbs extra with wheel weights and the stability is excellent.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Hi Rick. From what I have researched the tractor is rated to lift close to 2000lbs at the hitch. What am I missing here? Thanks in advance.

Not familiar with your tractor of choice, you are probably ok. Just not a great idea to put fluid in front tires.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

If you have a loader, it is very unlikely you'll need additional front ballast especially if the drill has limited ground engagement.

 

[totouchantler]

Rick. Thanks for the advice. I'll tell the dealer to only load the rear tires.

Mysfyt... how much in wheel weights would you add to the machine I'm buying. The tractor's weight is aprox 2700 lbs w/o loader (which I'm getting, it will be put on at the dealership or factory). I'm not sure how much the FEL weighs....the the gross wight will be 2700 lbs + loaded rear tires + the weight of the FEL.

Thanks guys!

 

[lostcreekranch]

Rick. Thanks for the advice. I'll tell the dealer to only load the rear tires.

Mysfyt... how much in wheel weights would you add to the machine I'm buying. The tractor's weight is aprox 2700 lbs w/o loader (which I'm getting, it will be put on at the dealership or factory). I'm not sure how much the FEL weighs....the the gross wight will be 2700 lbs + loaded rear tires + the weight of the FEL.

Thanks guys!

You might consider loading your rear tires, then operate it for a while, before adding wheel weights. You may not need them.

I have an LS XR4046HC with loaded rear tires and no wheel weights. Very stable operation.

 

[totouchantler]

Thanks rick... good idea. Looks like your LS is a bit more tractor than the one I have targeted for my needs. I'll do as you say and see how it goes. Sure does look like you keep your tractor busy!

 

[motownbrowne]

I don't think you'll need extra weight beyond just the loader. Loaders are convenient front weight because they're already on the tractor in most cases, but as Richard mentioned, it's nicer to do 3 point work without the loader mounted. It's very easy to remove it, and it makes the tractor much more nimble and pleasurable to operate. Suitcase weights can be added if you need help keeping the front end down. Unfortunately suitcase weights are stupid expensive. You can fab something up to do the same job, if you like.

If you'll be doing lots of work with the seeder, consider dropping the loader and getting some weights. If it's only a little use, just leave the loader on there and get 'er done. One other thing to try is leaving the loader on but dropping the bucket. Due to laziness, this is my most used configuration. I get better maneuverability than with the bucket, but don't spend as much time dinking around with the loader.

 

[bcp]

Your new tractor's manual should have a "not over" number for implement counterweight, and your loader's manual should have a "not over" number for loader counterweight.

Bruce

 

[lostcreekranch]

Here's a TBN Original thought ..... Get a grapple! They weigh more than buckets!

625 lbs. and 980 lbs.

 

[CobyRupert]

We don't know how far back from the rear axle that 1300lb drill's center of gravity is compared to the center of gravity of that 2700 pound tractor.
If the distance is twice as far (or even close to that) you want front ballast. If you can (too easily) pop wheelies, you need ballast. As long as you don't knock out fence posts why not leave it on for counter weight or add dirt if front is lite. Keep it low if you have hills.

 

[totouchantler]

Here's a TBN Original thought ..... Get a grapple! They weigh more than buckets!

625 lbs. and 980 lbs.

View attachment 463558

Ha ha .. I often thought over the past couple of weeks.... A grapple would be nice at times.... but it would be like trying to shovel snow with a pitch fork in our brutal Central New York winters!

 

[motownbrowne]

Ha ha .. I often thought over the past couple of weeks.... A grapple would be nice at times.... but it would be like trying to shovel snow with a pitch fork in our brutal Central New York winters!

Well, you can't have only a grapple. Obviously you'll need a grapple, your regular bucket with a tooth bar, a light materials bucket for mulch and firewood, a snow pusher or plow blade, and pallet forks. Better add a stump bucket too.

 

[Mysfyt]

Rick. Thanks for the advice. I'll tell the dealer to only load the rear tires.

Mysfyt... how much in wheel weights would you add to the machine I'm buying. The tractor's weight is aprox 2700 lbs w/o loader (which I'm getting, it will be put on at the dealership or factory). I'm not sure how much the FEL weighs....the the gross wight will be 2700 lbs + loaded rear tires + the weight of the FEL.

Thanks guys!

Here are a couple of pictures of the wheel weights that I made. You may not need to add this much for FEL work, but for grapple work it just made things operate so much smoother. Just love this tractor, BTW.

 

[k0ua]

Here are a couple of pictures of the wheel weights that I made. You may not need to add this much for FEL work, but for grapple work it just made things operate so much smoother. Just love this tractor, BTW.

Those look very nice!

 

[ovrszd]

Yes they do. Steel plates?

 

[buickanddeere]

Loading with ?