How much weight is good for counterbalancing my CK20 when using the BH? 112#'s is maximum weight as per the owners manual (bumper mount). I've noticed the front end can, and does, get very light at times. I don't want to fill the front tires and also don't want to fill the FEL as I usually use the two together to get a/the job done. I'd like to utilize the front bumper of the tractors frame for the ballast and make it myself. Is there something I can leave on all the time? Is that a good idea? Any photos or ideas of what you guys have used or made are appreciated. Thanks. G
Backhoe ? Backhoe use, counterweight ?
- Thread starter GerardC
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I always fill my front bucket with dirt,gravel or whatever I am working on in that project before I start using my Case 580C backhoe. I have seen people add suitcase weight bracket to the bucket (backside) so weight could be added or subtracted--Ken Sweet
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Since I don't usually use the BH and the loader at the same time, I just fill the loader with concrete blocks. You might try just building a post for the front bracket that you could put heavy metal lifting weights on. That way you can add or subtract as needed. Just use a heavy duty bolt that will fit through the weights and have some type of threads on the end to secure them with. I've seen that set up on some tractors. John
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IMHO, I would definitely not add any weight(s) to the front unless they were inside the bucket. Any place else and you run a very serious risk of overstressing the front axle and facing big repair dollars. Because, odds are you will forget to remove the counterweight and lift something that you know you've done before and ......too late. Again, IMO if you need to add more weight to keep the front end from moving, then you are probably using too much force on the BH end.
"These are my opinions based on my experiences good and bad that have not resulted in serious mishaps, ambulance rides or otherwise unexpected trips."
"These are my opinions based on my experiences good and bad that have not resulted in serious mishaps, ambulance rides or otherwise unexpected trips."
Since I didn't really read your post correctly Gerard, I would NOT recommend the use of extra weight on the front in addition to the loader. If you're getting lifted in the front with the loader on and don't want to load the loader, then you need to decrease the BH load as more weight in addition to the loader may just be too much on the front axle. I don't know why, but I was thinking you meant to take the loader off and use other weight, when clearly you meant to keep the loader on and use it also. I'd just load the loader and do whatever work with it after you've finished with the BH. John
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GerardC
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Thanks for the input guys /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif! That is something I never thought about, the possible axle damage /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Think I'll just load up the FEL /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. G