new & frustrated

[Sumthin nu]

Hi folks, found this forum while searching the net for some assistance with a problem I'm having.

Doing some routine road maintenance with a new 3032E, moving chat, gravel and dirt. Will eventually be bush hogging on sometimes less than level ground.

The problem I'm having is that when I get the bucket loaded, the rear end of the tractor is, depending upon how I'm situated, very unstable. I find that I cannot go forward or in reverse with a loaded bucket, without approaching any change in grade at precisely 90 degree angle, without one of the rear wheels coming up off of the ground.

I am thinking I need weights on the back when moving materials in the bucket, but see several options for wheel weights, and a box attachment to the hitch that carries weights.

Anyone care to weigh in on which is better for use when moving materials. I might also need to fill my tires, another option I saw posted.

Many thanks from Jonesboro!
Jim

 

[topbuilder]

Yes, you need weight. You can leave the cutter hooked up, add liquid to the tires or make a weight box that hooks to your 3 PT hitch. You don't want the front axle doing all the work.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

topbuilder, and you yourself, have got it right. You need to counterbalance the load in the bucket... or off the 3 point hitch (3PH) when using that. Loading the tyres will assist but, even then, counterbalancing is best.

For the time being, mount your box cutter or slasher and keep the bucket load as low to the ground as possible. Low & slow is the mantra. There are several threads here on ballast boxes or pick up an OEM one (that's what I've got).

 

[jeff9366]

Your experience is completely normal.

Yes, you need ballast.

Two factors to consider for ballast on the Three Point Hitch, the most effective kind, is weight and extension to the rear.

The farther to the rear ballast extends, the more effective the weight is because of leverage.

For that reason Rotary Cutters and Box Blades are the two most commonly carried ballasts.

Three Point Hitch ballast also relieves stress on the front axle and wheel bearings when loader is burdened.

Rather than a Ballast Box, if you want weight close in, consider a Cultipacker.

Photo #1-2 Cultipacker used for rolling in seed; 960 pounds. Photo #3-4 Rollover Box Blade as ballast; 625 pounds.

Soggy Water Oak in Photo #3 weighed 1,400 to 1,600 pounds.


Jonesboro tells us nothing about your soil or weather. Show your state, like your respondents.

 

[TripleR]

You can "get by" on fluid filled tires o flat ground and less than full bucket, yes I've done it, BUT I sure don't recommend it. I have fluid in my tires and added wheel weights, but always add counter balance on my 3PH, much safer and easier on your tractor.

If for some reason, you don't want fluid in your tires, just put plenty of weight on your 3PH.

 

[k0ua]

Jonesboro= North Eastern Arkansas.

Yes, you need a large implement or heavy weight box on the 3 point hitch or as you have noted yourself it is a matter of time before you turn over your tractor.
As a tractor comes off of the delivery truck from the dealer, they are about worthless for Front End Loader work..Gotta have ballast.

 

[jeff9366]

Jonesboro = five miles west of Gainesville, Florida.

Jonesboro = North Carolina, too.


List of cities named Jonesboro:
Jonesboro, ME 04648
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Jonesboro, IN 46938
Jonesboro, IL 62952
Jonesboro, LA 71251
Jonesboro, AR 72404
Jonesboro, TX 76538

 

[k0ua]

Jonesboro = five miles west of Gainesville, Florida.

Jonesboro = North Carolina, too.

Lets see who is right if he will tell us..

 

[newbury]

Go whole hog, get a backhoe!

 

[Sumthin nu]

My apologies, thought I had filled in all the blanks on the registration. We live in Jonesboro, AR. Far Northeast corner, up next to the bootheel of MO.

I do have a small tiller that attaches via the 3pt hitch, but didn't really figure that would be much of a help?

 

[murphy1244]

Lets see who is right if he will tell us..

James you are GOOD!

 

[k0ua]

My apologies, thought I had filled in all the blanks on the registration. We live in Jonesboro, AR. Far Northeast corner, up next to the bootheel of MO.

I do have a small tiller that attaches via the 3pt hitch, but didn't really figure that would be much of a help?

Tillers are fairly heavy.. Keep it on when using the FEL, and report back to us what you think. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised

 

[k0ua]

James you are GOOD!

Yep, Good looking too!.. Now you know I am lying...

 

[check]

Go whole hog, get a backhoe!

Let's hear it for backhoes!

 

[newbury]

Yep, Good looking too!.. Now you know I am lying...

Don't start it.

I never trust someone who tells me they "never lie" or "always tell the truth" because those statements alone are usually lies.

 

[Sumthin nu]

Thanks for all the advice. I believe I will start with attaching the tiller for a rear ballast, and then begin searching the forum for rear weights. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

 

[TripleR]

Wheel weights are pretty expensive, check Anything Attachments, I got a killer deal on mine when they quoted me the wrong price, I brought it to their attention and they said not to worry about it and thy even mounted them.

 

[TBN Support]

:welcome:

:tractor: I'm going to move this thread over to the John Deere section.

 

[Zebrafive]

The owners manual for the loader should spec the amount and type of ballast the loader requires. It may list "either/or" for rear tire/axle ballast or rear 3pt hitch ballast or required a combination of both.

 

[Fallon]

3pt ballast unloads the front axle decreasing the force on it & letting you lift more on a weak axle. Filling the tires increases stability & resists pitching forward, but does nothing for the weaker, more complex & more expensive front axle.

Always put a good ballast on the rear if you lift much with the loader.