kubota M series ballast target weight?

[TruckinFool]

Whats a good compromise between rear weight and steering? I'm assuming at some point the front of the tractor will start getting light when the bucket is empty or I'm not lifting anything?

Turned some manure piles the other day with a 7' brush hog slung out back and the steering felt fine but it was also dry out. My neighbor has some 2400# retaining wall blocks he said I could have. Was thinking about building a cage and using one as ballast. Is this too much? I'd like tk be able to use the loader at capacity without worry of overloading front axle or pushing the front end in snow/mud.

 

[Tx Jim]

If you haven't already you need to read this thread where I actually weighed my M7040 frt axle with & without rear counterbalance.Tx Jim
Threadd was titled: OK guys today was weight day to determine necessity for rear counterbalance in Kubota Owning/Operating

 

[Dave M7040]

I have a new M7040 with FEL. All winter I had no ballast in rear tires but was using a very heavy inverted rear snow blower with a pull back blade which must have weighted 1,600 lbs and never found the steering light. This summer I had Windshield washer antifreeze ballast added to rear tires. When using the loader there are times I wish I had more rear weight but that is when I use 4x4. When in close corners it is nice to not have something sticking out the back.

Dave M7040

 

[LD1]

I'd say that 2400# block is about right.

Your 7' hog likely weighs in the 1500# range, but hangs MUCH farther back than that block will. I'll say the resulting ballasting effect would be similar with the block and with the hog.

 

[TruckinFool]

If you haven't already you need to read this thread where I actually weighed my M7040 frt axle with & without rear counterbalance.Tx Jim
Threadd was titled: OK guys today was weight day to determine necessity for rear counterbalance in Kubota Owning/Operating

Jim thanks, I did read this. I think before I purchased the rractor and couldnt find it again.

LD1, I was thinking the same thing.

Ballasting tires is out because I need it light sometimes. I dont think tire ballast does anything for removing weight off the front axle. Looks like the block is the way to go. Just hope I wont be wishing for more.

 

[gwdixon]

The M7040 has a 3PH lift capacity of 3307 pounds at 24" behind so the 3PH should handle the weight without damage. There is about 1000 pounds of head room. I would advise not to go racing over a plowed field with it though.

The FEL bucket lift at the top is 2535 pounds so the ballast weight (without loaded tires) would seem to be about right. An easy test is to hook or chain your bucket on to something immovable - like a large tree or huge rock. Try lifting the object with the ballast on the rear. If the hydraulic pump goes into relief then the ballast is enough. If the rear wheels come off the ground then more ballast is needed.

BE CAREFUL if this test is tried. Don't let the pump struggle in relief for more than a second or two. Don't lift the rears off the ground more than an inch or two.

 

[TruckinFool]

Will do. Thank you

 

[GManBart]

I have a new M7040 with FEL. All winter I had no ballast in rear tires but was using a very heavy inverted rear snow blower with a pull back blade which must have weighted 1,600 lbs and never found the steering light. This summer I had Windshield washer antifreeze ballast added to rear tires. When using the loader there are times I wish I had more rear weight but that is when I use 4x4. When in close corners it is nice to not have something sticking out the back.

Dave M7040

If you're lifting a lot of weight with the FEL, and you don't have counterweight, you're beating the heck out of the front axle of your tractor. Only weight on the 3pt takes weight off the front axle.

Cute pooch!