Counterweight Question

Anonymous Poster · Mar 31, 2003

Hi everyone,

I've been reading this site for about a month now getting ready for my purchase. On Monday the 24th they delivered my new toy without the 3ph mower which will be in this week.
However, I still had a 4' snow bank that I could use to try out my new FEL. Soon thereafter with my rear tires in the air /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I decided that I needed a counterweight for those times when I don't want a large implement sticking out behind me.
During my research of this site before my purchase I saw some great ideas for building counterweights but I don't recall any formula for deciding how heavy to make it?
I have a TC33D with the 7308 FEL with a 60" bucket.
Any advice out there? One at a time please...

Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 31, 2003

Please don't take my response as indicating I have any practical knowledge, but...

According to the NH brochure in the pile that dominates my desk, your TC33D has a 3 point hitch capacity of 1635 lbs.

Per the information in the recent "Counterweight 3pt" thread in the (oddly enough) NH Owning/Operating forum, you would require something less that 12 cubic feet of concrete to match this (Be sure to read the "Oops - Counterweight" thread in the Build-It Yourself forum before you start pouring concrete!)

From most of what I have read though, a box blade or a carryall seem to be the most common ways to get the needed weight.

JohnMiller3 · Mar 31, 2003

I decided that I needed a counterweight... but I don't recall any formula for deciding how heavy to make it?... 

A simplified way of looking at it...

Look at your tractor as a BIG scale... whatever load you wish to pick up in the front... it should be balanced with an equal amount of weight in the rear...

So if the capacity of the loader is 875-1,020 lbs... you would have the same distributed weight divided up between your loaded rear tires, rear wheel weights, and 3-pt mounted implement... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

beenthere · Mar 31, 2003

JohnMillerIII
You have a knack for making these tough decisions very simple, as how long ago did we learn about a teeter-totter? Don't let the big guy get on the other end or you would spend all the time up in the air. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Good to remember when using the FEL to always be prepared (with weight) before the rear end gets light, but the split second you find it coming up, DROP the FEL to the ground to try to gain control.

JohnMiller3 · Mar 31, 2003

we learn about a teeter-totter... 

Yeah, I remember... I was that skinny little kid always stuck up in the air... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Now... I'm not so skinny anymore... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mark_in_NH · Mar 31, 2003

As far as a container to hold the material that creates your counter weight, I much prefer the manufactured steel box, whether you buy one or better yet have the ability to weld one up. The JD weight box that I purchased about a year ago for around $250 has been the handiest contraption. Not only does it hold my counter weight, which in my case is big lead ingots which I can add to or remove as I choose, but the weight box also holds various other items, like a chain, a small sledge hammer for the occasional persuasion. I can stand my shovels etc. up in it. It is kind of like having a Big tool box / storage locker on the back of my tractor.
Pic attached.
And I don't want to hear any grief on the color clashing. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I don't want to forget where I started and where my tractor owning roots originated. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 31, 2003

Hi Mark,

I hadn't thought about a box or carryall so that I could carry other things. I was going to use a barrel full of cement, may have to rethink my plans.
beenthere and JohnMiller3, thanks for the input. I knew I needed some weight but just had to try my new toy/tractor. Still had fun but was more careful after the "incident". /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rockyridgefarm · Mar 31, 2003

( And I don't want to hear any grief on the color clashing.
)

Actually, that doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought it would. Looks nice...

Now, I had someone sggest an orange mower for behind my green machine, I dunno...

tdenny · Mar 31, 2003

Mike,

I have an orange mower behind my green tractor. Looks okay. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

OkieG · Apr 2, 2003

If your FEL came with an owner's manual, it may give you specific instructions on how much counterweight to use. The loader manual for my JD has a recommended weight printed in it.

My boxblade serves as the basic counterweight for my FEL. It is not heavy enough on it's own, but it is not hard to add weight to it. I use suitcase weights on a homemade rack, but you could add a "toolbox" to use as Mark in NH does with his weight box. You may qualify a boxblade as a "large implement", but you might find that whatever drawback that poses, may be offset by having it already installed, ready to use to complement your FEL activity.

OkieG