Moving Large Round Bales with Jinma 304

Mike1 · Jul 25, 2006

I have a Jinma 304 with a Koyker 160 loader, with a bale spear that attaches to the bucket. Periodically, I need to move round bales for our horses. I don't have difficulty picking up smaller sized 4x5 and 5x5 bales, but the real big 6x6 rounds I can't pick up with my loader. I would guess they weigh ~ 1,500 lbs, possibly slightly more.
Is there any easy way to get more pickup out of the loader without serious risk, or do I need a bigger tractor?
When I move bales, I use my 6 ft. bushhog as counter weight, and keep the bales right off of the ground. I only have to physically pick them up to clear the side rail of my small trailer, then lower to just inches off of the ground for travel.

Soundguy · Jul 25, 2006

Geometry is working against you if you are running out of lift capacity.. It will be a function o fthe system pressure and cyl size.

However.. I'll bet a 3pt bale spear might get you going.. More mechanical advantage.. probably way easier on the tractor too.. especially if you don't need a very high lift height.

Soundguy

Brad_Blazer · Jul 25, 2006

If your loader has 1 3/4" cylinders, Koyker also sells the same loader with 2" cylinders. Check out their web site. The lift spec goes from 1100lb to 1500lb with the bigger cylinders.
http://www.koykermfg.com/
If you already have 2" cylinders - what Soundguy said.

Sully2 · Jul 25, 2006

Mike1 said:
I have a Jinma 304 with a Koyker 160 loader, with a bale spear that attaches to the bucket. Periodically, I need to move round bales for our horses. I don't have difficulty picking up smaller sized 4x5 and 5x5 bales, but the real big 6x6 rounds I can't pick up with my loader. I would guess they weigh ~ 1,500 lbs, possibly slightly more.
Is there any easy way to get more pickup out of the loader without serious risk, or do I need a bigger tractor?
When I move bales, I use my 6 ft. bushhog as counter weight, and keep the bales right off of the ground. I only have to physically pick them up to clear the side rail of my small trailer, then lower to just inches off of the ground for travel.

A close friend...that farms ..has a Jinma. 30?? HP. FEL..backhoe..all the goodies. He has one of those spears that clamps onto the FEL bucket..and its tearing the **** out of the bucket. TOO MUCH LEVERAGE on the lip of that bucket. Its all up for sale now at a really good price..but Im gonna convince him to get the loader bucket OFF that thing and attach the bale spear direct. He WAS using large rounds..now down to 4 x 5 bales ( I help him some with a rear mount spear..and I told him I wasnt about to tear mine up..lol). He has to be able to lift his high enough to go OVER a 4 ft fence to feed his cows in the winter. He keep his backhoe on for a counter weight.

He's over in China for another full week. He imported 2 "loads"..?? of Jinma's with backhoes..FEL..etc..and keeps parts on hand for the people..

tat2z1969 · Jul 26, 2006

You are pushing the limit of the Koyker 160, you don't need a bigger tractor, the loader is over its working limits. I would use a spike on the 3ph.
I have a 160 on my 354 with 2 inch cylinders, I can move big rounds, but no higher than 1 foot off the ground. On my 3ph I can move them all day long no problem.
If you have a spike that hooks to the front bucket prepare to buy or repair your bucket moving big rounds.
My spike hooks to the arms, I have to remove my bucket.

crazymike · Jul 28, 2006

Using a strap on spear is the worst thing you can do for your loader and tractor.

Purchase a proper spear that bolts on in place of the bucket and your tractor and loader will handle your round bales.

Your loader is designed with very careful geometry. When using a strap on spear you are placing a very heavy load (700-1200lbs) far in front of where the load was designed to be carried. By doing this the weight is not properly distributed along the loader arms.

I've seen this do damage to many tractors regardless of brand. John Deere, Kubota, etc...

I would get a proper bale spear that mounts in place of the bucket. Go over the loader, etc... check all bolts and for cracks, etc... and you should be okay,

However, continued use of a strap on spear will more than likely ruin your loader mounts and cause severe damage on the front end.