B7610 or B2320 and Round Bales

[DennisArrow]

I have the need to be able to store round bales of hay for my mules. In the past I have easily moved them with my 3PH and hay spear. Now though, I am getting a super deal on some fescue and with the drought that is anticipated for the rest of the summer I am gonna get a WHOLE BUNCH of bales. If I can stack them at least 2 high, I of course, will double the amount of bales in my barn storage............ so..........
The question is, with the bolt on kind of pallet forks or hay spear attached to my bucket, how much can the FEL of the B series actually lift??????
Is doing this gonna warp, twist, or put my bucket into any kind of a "problem"???????

Thanks for the answers from folks that have actually done this. Yes, of course I am going to counter-balance with weight on the rear. Actually, I do this now with weight in my utility box attached to the 3PH. Otherwise, If a couple hundred pounds of feed, fert, or whatever the front end often times acts like a basketball being slowly dribbled............ Anyway, thanks for the thoughts......... God bless.........Dennis

 

[Code54]

Not sure the size of your round bales but for a 7610 that is an awful lot of weight up high on a narrow machine. I had a 7610 and don't recall the capacity but I could never lift the round bales we have around here to stack them. I move a bale now and then and currently use a MX5100 (50+ hp and much wider and heavier) and I can tell there is some weight on the front and keep it low when moving around for safety.
Be careful if you give it a try and at least GA has a lot lot of flat ground!

 

[chucky79]

I don't have a B series tractor and not real sure how large your bales are but from what ive read that might be a bit of a chore if those bales are standard size round..... I don't think you will bend or warp anything but could max things out quickly

 

[newbury]

I have the need to be able to store round bales of hay for my mules. In the past I have easily moved them with my 3PH and hay spear. Now though, I am getting a super deal on some fescue and with the drought that is anticipated for the rest of the summer I am gonna get a WHOLE BUNCH of bales. If I can stack them at least 2 high, I of course, will double the amount of bales in my barn storage............ so..........
The question is, with the bolt on kind of pallet forks or hay spear attached to my bucket, how much can the FEL of the B series actually lift??????
Is doing this gonna warp, twist, or put my bucket into any kind of a "problem"???????<snip>

What's your FEL? Mine's an LA352, thus it's rated for about 352 kilo's SOMEPLACE.

Here's an OLD quote from a reliable source:

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(

While I estimate that it weighs @ 600 lbs - and my LA352 FEL is rated at 925 lbs - I didn't think I'd have any problem lifting it - WRONG! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif )</font>

FYI - That loader is 925 at the pins, its under 800 in the bucket and 670 at the end of it.

Also you might want to check your hydraulic pressure, they are often set low and many writers have bumped theirs up.

See Hydraulic Pressure Tester

Loader won稚 lift like it should? Backhoe won稚 dig in that hard clay? Get all the capability designed into your machine! This complete kit allows quick and easy testing and adjustment of your hydraulic system pressure. Lets you make a pressure check an easy part of your periodic maintenance routine. Recognize the inevitable weakening of the Pressure Relief Valve spring and correct the gradual decrease of hydraulic pressure.

The BXpanded Pressure test kit includes everything you need to test your hydraulic system pressure in seconds. Genuine OEM quick connector snaps leak free onto your loader valve output. ASME 鼎lass A accuracy gage provides reliable readings. Assembled with approved Hydraulic System Thread Sealant to avoid the possibility of contamination with loose Teflon tape, etc.

The kit includes a selection of precision shims to allow adjustment to manufacturer痴 pressure specification.

Instructions are provided to guide you through the test and adjustment process.

Bottom line - unless they are light bales don't plan on it.

 

[DennisArrow]

Must thank all of the above for the thoughts and concerns. If it comes to it the 3ph hay spear will unload and move the bales that are coming. The worst that will happen is that I will end up putting some bales that I don't have room to stack under tarps rather than in the limited area shed that I am going to use for hay storage.

I have do a round bale, from first cut of this year, that I just strapped to the front bucket and wah freaking lah the B7610 picked it right up, even at idle. So, that answers that question. Yes, I understand that the bale will be out a bit on the end of spears/forks..........So, that leads to the next question.

1. Would one get forks or a spear?
2. After seeing many threads about some types of brackets bending or messing up one's bucket. What style would you recommend????........... God Bless.......Dennis

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

I moved a bunch years ago with a NH TC23 which should be pretty close to the size of the 2320. Picking them off the ground is one thing, lifting them high enough to stack is another. Lift capacity decreases the further you get from the ground.

As to your fork/spear question, spear (or dual spear) is the answer. I'm doubtful you would be able to stack them with forks (bale won't slide off as it won't contact other bales) and certain you would have great difficulty trying to pick that second layer back up as you wouldn't be able to get the forks between the bales without destroying the twine/netting. Personally I prefer dual 36" spear.

Time to convert to a QA bucket then get both forks and spear

 

[newbury]

Must thank all of the above for the thoughts and concerns. If it comes to it the 3ph hay spear will unload and move the bales that are coming. The worst that will happen is that I will end up putting some bales that I don't have room to stack under tarps rather than in the limited area shed that I am going to use for hay storage.

I have do a round bale, from first cut of this year, that I just strapped to the front bucket and wah freaking lah the B7610 picked it right up, even at idle. So, that answers that question. Yes, I understand that the bale will be out a bit on the end of spears/forks..........So, that leads to the next question.

1. Would one get forks or a spear?
2. After seeing many threads about some types of brackets bending or messing up one's bucket. What style would you recommend????........... God Bless.......Dennis

If you got a quick attach you could hold it closer and lift more.

<snip> When I had the quick attach on my 7510 I got the dealer to order it from ATI I think I paid under $200 for it. It was a quality piece. Look at thier web site for pin on quick hitches.
Rob

And you must have small bales:

The large round bale, as used in forage production, is a highly mechanized, labor-efficient system for harvesting and handling your forage. The large round bale system is basically a one-man operation. Large round bales will weigh 500 to 3,000 pounds with dimensions varying with the baler manufacturer and model. Usually the bales are 5 to 7 feet long and 5 to 7 feet in diameter. Bale weight depends not only on dimensions but also on the type and quality of hay baled.

 

[C4Ranch]

I don't think so... At least my old B wouldn't.

If you're set on keeping your current tractor and want to do it, look into something like this.
Rear's Pak-Stak 3PT Forklift, 84 in. Mast

I've seen them cheaper somewhere else but don't recall now.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

If you are stuck on the idea of bucket mounted spear rather than going with a QA setup, I'd consider one that mounts to the top of the bucket rather than the bottom lip.

Reinforce the top edge of the bucket and mount a 2" hitch receiver dead center and perpendicular to the bucket sides, or mount 2 of them, one inline with each loader arm. Slip the spear in, attach with pin and you are done. Won't take any more than 30 sec to install or remove. You'd have to check that you have enough dump angle at your desired height for the spear to get horizontal for this option to work.

Should also gain you considerable curl force and increased lift strength over a lip-mounted spear. Curl the bale, lift, uncurl. You'd also have better bale stability with the bottom half of the bale resting on the bucket.