Ballast How heavy a rotary slasher

[M7vans]

Hi All
A question from tasmania.
I have a dk35 and I am looking at buying a 240kg (530 lbs)slasher/bush hog for it.Does anyone know if this will require ballast?
Thanks
Michael

 

[Soundguy]

i don't have your machine but the data i can fins says she weighs rigth at 3500#, has 35 engine and 28 pto hp.

That's more than an 8n ford by around 1000$ and I run 800# disc and 500-600$ mowers with those size tractors and no ballast. your machine weighs more nad has more hp... I think a 530# mower would be fine.

Once you get it.. IF it does feel odd.. just hang some weight up front.. wouldn't take much.. however my hunch is you won't need it.

heck. loading front tires might be enough, IF you needed it.

ag ronts for that tractor should be 7-16.. those hold 8gal of liquid balalst. water weight would be near 64# per side.. or 128 for both...

turf fronts would be 27x8.50-15 and those are 7g / 56# water ballast each... total of 112#

so plenty of options there.

ps.. welcome to TBN!

 

[M7vans]

Hi soundguy
Thanks for the solid information...looks like I can go shopping now
Cheers
Michael

 

[Soundguy]

good luck, be safe.

 

[Fallon]

Kubota explicitly recommends against loading the front tires. Not sure about Kioti.

Have a loader on it? That will be more than enough if you do.

Just be careful when you hitch up the cutter & lift it. If the front feels light or doesn't steer well, you need ballast.

 

[SSdoxie]

DK35 is rated at 850# on 3 point without any front ballast. If it has a loader that rating doubles to 1700#.

 

[Soundguy]

must have wimpy front axle/hub/bearing design...

 

[DK35vince]

must have wimpy front axle/hub/bearing design...

What does the Mfg. ratings that can be carried on the 3 point have anything to do with the front axle design ????

 

[Soundguy]

What does the Mfg. ratings that can be carried on the 3 point have anything to do with the front axle design ????

this is what i was refering to.....

kubota explicitly recommends against loading the front tires. Not sure about Kioti

the frot axle design must not be robust enough to handle another couple hundred pounds.. which is kinda odd.. if it can handle a loader....

 

[DK35vince]

Sorry Soundguy,
Somehow I missed that post

 

[jpm1]

I have a DK 35 SE and would run it no second thoughts but, if it is a true Bush Hog, they are one of the toughest pieces of equipment that you will ever own. Their rugged and in that respect they will eat tractor transmissions like a kid eating candy. Years ago we had a bush hog rotary cutter that destroyed a tractor, excellent equipment just be careful and don't worry bout hurting the hog . . . .John

 

[Soundguy]

Sorry Soundguy,
Somehow I missed that post

there's plenty of variables with the front axle.. 2wd vs 4wd, etc.. however.. if the thing can handle a loader.. it's odd thinking it can't handle another few pounds on each side.

ANY weight added to the tractor is carried by all ground contact spots based upon surface area and distribution.

given that loaded tires roll on the ground whereas a bucket of wet dirt rides onthe spindles.. well.

that's why i like old tractors. ballast the heck out of them. axle weights, wheel weights. load em.. etc. and that's sometimes 70 year old technology.

 

[M7vans]

Thanks all..I bought the hog and have been in clearing heaven..that is until I back onto a rock.It stopped the tractor dead in is tracks.Seems no damage to both gearboxes but not happy clutch didn't kick in as I was travelling very slowly in low.Dealer suggested loosen off clutch,which is probably how it should have left the shop

 

[Fallon]

Thanks all..I bought the hog and have been in clearing heaven..that is until I back onto a rock.It stopped the tractor dead in is tracks.Seems no damage to both gearboxes but not happy clutch didn't kick in as I was travelling very slowly in low.Dealer suggested loosen off clutch,which is probably how it should have left the shop

You need to adjust PTO clutches annually if they are left outside. They tend to rust & seize up. I believe the standard procedure is:

Mark the disk sides
Loosen up the bolts
Fire up the tractor & PTO, possibly seeing a little smoke from the clutch
Shutdown the tractor
Make sure the marks no longer lineup, indicating the clutch slipped
Tighten up the bolts

Depending on the PTO design you need a torque wrench or to precisely loosen & tighten the bolts a certain number of turns.

As always check your manual for the proper OEM procedures.