Tractor Sizing 1500-1800 pound hay bales

[tmarch]

Will the Bobcat tractors (ct440-ct4500) handle 1500-1800 pound hay bales on the 3 point? Dealer says it would be real close. Trying to get an idea if I can use one before i spend the $.
THANKS

 

[sweettractors]

I agree with your dealer. Keep in mind the hay will be heavier in the summer than after it is ready to feed in the winter. Ken Sweet

 

[tinman955]

Ive done it all day long, the loader will put them anywhere you want also...

 

[robertwhite]

3 point will carry them around and the Front loader will easily lift them. BUT, with a 6x6 bale (1500+lbs) you had better weigh the rear down, either with weight, implements or loaded tires. My CT335 will easily lift a 5x5 (1000-1200) but the azz end gets real floaty during sudden moves with the FEL. I only have a box blade and non weighted tires though.

 

[LD1]

My gut reaction is that a 1800lb bale should be NO problem for a tractor that size. But then you mentioned that your dealer said it would be close so I looked it up.

Sure enough your tractor is only rated to lift ~1860 lbs @ 24" behind the pins. If you are talking a 6x6 bale, you are going to be at least 36" back too.

But then I got to thinking, that spec seems awfully low for that sized tractor. HEck, my MUCH smaller and lighter kubota can do ~1500lbs @ 24" back.

So I jump on over to kioti's website (same as bobcat tractors), and look at their DK40 and DK45 (same as the two you mentioned, just a different color) and they are rated to lift ~2500lbs @ 24".

So that begs the question, if they are indeed the same tractor, then yes you can handle the bales just fine (going off kioti's spec). But WHY is bobcat using a lower rating for the 3PH specs?? It makes them not even look competitive with ANY other make of that size:confused2:

 

[milkman636]

My Bobcat manual has two published lift capacities. The maximum lift @ 24" behind and the height at which it occurs (the Kioti #) and the results of an SAE test (the Bobcat #).

For a mere $65 the SAE will explain what the difference is @ Test Procedure for Measuring Hydraulic Lift Capacity on Agricultural Tractors Equipped with Three-point Hitch

 

[tinman955]

I dont know what they weigh but last summer i was carrying one on the front and back with no troubles, thats in the real world. Take it for what its worth but thats my experience.

 

[horticattleman]

I have a 335. Tires are not loaded. I receive shipments of palletized mulch regularly and each pallet is marked with its weight. With nothing on the back I can't even think of lifting just the pallet (not really but it seems that way) but I put a heavy 5' set of discs with a concrete filled pipe 12"x3' and lift em all day long off of a flatbed at 1500lbs. Once I start getting into the 1600's its gets squirrely and 17's are hard to turn with. 18's are out for me.

 

[tmarch]

Dealer finally came around on price so gonna demo a ct440 and see what it does.:licking:

 

[tmarch]

Called the salesman today and asked about demoing the tractor. He called last week and said it wouldn't lift a 1500 pound bale, but that I could try it. Salesman had arranged for the key to be left with the receptionist, but I managed to catch him on the way out the door. He showed me the basic controls and said "you'll do fine". I had the receptionist dig up the manual, or a manual, as she couldn't find the right one. They had put a 3 point bale mover on it which made it too long for my 16 foot trailer so rather than have them remove it just took it to a row of bales. Lifted a 1200 pounder with no problem so tried one that I would estimate at 1800-2000 lbs. Lifted it, not easily, but lifted it enough for my use. Thinking the bale was still froze down when he tried it.
I need it plumbed for a grapple for and some rear services installed so wasn't wanting to bring it home and then take it back.