How much ballast for a 40hp machine (TC40DA)

[Handloader109]

I've a 26hp subcompact, and I while I have a cobbled rear weight of about $300 pounds, I just keep my tiller on the rear. Balances enough for what I should lift. If it feels bouncy, I'm too loaded up front. Drop the amount of wood by 20%.

 

[jonsstihl]

any ballast on the rear is better than none, someone already mentioned it but your hydraulics are individually actuated, you can lift with the loader to full capacity and then lift the 3pt hitch to full capacity with both loads in the air at the same time but you can't lift with the loader and the 3 pt at the same time. more ballast equals more stability. I would go as heavy as you can package in a reasonable size for your intended use while taking into account the maneuverability of the tractor as a whole. my heaviest attachement is a snowblower that weights 1200 pounds but it is kind of wide. I use a counterweight that probably weighs 600-800lbs that I built for my B7800. it was great for my B that had 1300LBS 3pt lift capacity but it is a little small for my L4740 that can lift ± 2400 lbs

 

[newbury]

Get a good 6' flail mower and keep it on.

 

[bearthebruce]

I had thought about that. Problem is that its currently behind all of my firewood (Ooops! Poor planning on my end), and I think mine sticks out further than most. It would make it pretty difficult to navigate around where I'm currently trying to work.

I used to use my Hog as a counterweight - very effective... But as you say, hard to maneuver especially in the woods.

We bought a ballast box, filed it with rocks and stones from the property. Estimated weight is 600+lbs. It is almost as effective as the hog but far easier to maneuver.

Lots of relatively inexpensive boxes out there if you don't want to make a concrete drum. Search for tractor ballast box. You will not regret having it.

Tires on our Massey are not loaded... too many stumps and sharp rocks... not interested in punctured tires... The property is a mountain property with trails still being developed. (Wish we had a small dozer - would make the work so much easier!)