running 3pt attachments without FEL

[LHS Inc]

I'll be running a Frontier CA2060E core aerator on my 3520 for the upcoming lawn season. If I needed to take off the FEL for more maneuverability and less weight on the front tires to cause rutting would the weight of 650-700 lbs (CA plus 350 for extra weight) be too much on back without the loader weight? I know the back end of these tractors is light so maybe it would equal out. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I doubt you would have any problems, but the little bit tht I have operated my tractor w/o the loader it sure did seem to ride choppy. Even with the bucket of I can tell the difference. Not as dramatic as an empty 3ph, but noticeable.

 

[RoyJackson]

Best bet is to give it a try...as soon as you lift it for transport, you'll know if you need front ballast.
Two or three suitcase weights (about 130-140 lbs) might be all you need.

 

[AKfish]

If your terrain is fairly level and flat, I doubt that it will be much of an issue. Worst case would be that the front tires will tend to slide more while turning.

I drop my bucket all the time when working in tighter quarters. When I need to crab into tight spots along fences, etc. I'll raise the loader arms to full height above the fence line and squeeze along the edge.

Leaving the loader on with bucket off keeps more weight on the front tires for steering and improves visibility and clearance.

AKfish

 

[bp fick]

Lots of us drop the FEL to work tight areas with implements. Yes, the loss of front end weight is noticeable on my machine. Leaving the FEL on isn't an option, so some suite case weights should have been bundled into my original purchase. Oh well. I'll pick up some this spring. Trying to pre-guess or foresee every possibility with a new tractor just isn't possible. You adapt as you go along.

 

[Zebrafive]

Large tractors have Implement Code tables. Not sure if CUTs do. Each implement has a code number. The tractors manual has table that tells how much front ballast is required for stability and steering control based on the implement code. The table is even broken down into 2wd vs 4wd and loaded or non loaded front tires.

 

[dmay]

A Frontier CA2060E is not an overlly heavy attachment. Your only issue might be in transporting you might find your ride a little bouncy, so adjust your speed accordingly.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Suitcase weights. As many as your rack will hold (most likely 6). If you properly ballast your aerator, your front end will be light if you don't add some suitcase weights. This is the Voice of Experience

 

[Glen Watkins]

Unless I need a bucket or grapple on the front when I am going mowing I can't wait to get the fel off and put on 6/ 70 pound suitcase waits on the front and go!

 

[JD3520Turbo]

I have a 3520 and I have taken the entire loader off the front and put on a large spreader full of fertilizer, and 6ft brush cutter, and never pulled the front end off the ground ever. I would defintely try it before I spent the money for a bracket and weights. I don't think you will need them and you want to stay as light as possible when you are doing yard work. I don't think that arerator is as heavy as a 6ft brush cutter.

 

[DanD78]

Fill the front tires with Rim Guard.

Dan

 

[swmich42]

JohnDeere.com has a site I used to calculate the front ballast required for my specific implement vs what tractor I have. Works very well.

Tractor Ballast Calculator

I have a 4700 with no FEL. Still cannot afford one yet. I purchased used John Deere 609 rotary mower. Heavy Duty. But with two of the large suitcase wieghts, no issue on level ground.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'll be running a Frontier CA2060E core aerator on my 3520 for the upcoming lawn season. If I needed to take off the FEL for more maneuverability and less weight on the front tires to cause rutting would the weight of 650-700 lbs (CA plus 350 for extra weight) be too much on back without the loader weight? I know the back end of these tractors is light so maybe it would equal out. Any help would be appreciated.

I would try it without the loader and recognize ot will feel a little light during transport. Since while working the aerator this is a non issue I vote that the best of both worlds is to keep the weight down and take care of the lawns you are responsible for.

 

[HuskerInVA]

I run my 3520 w/out the loader all the time with various implements. With my KK 60 tiller I don't even notice the weight on the 3pt. With my Bush Hog 84" rear finish mower that sticks back about 8 feet I do notice front end can get a little light if I start off a little quick while the mower is raised, but no issues and run w/out the loader every time I mow.

 

[LHS Inc]

I run my 3520 w/out the loader all the time with various implements. With my KK 60 tiller I don't even notice the weight on the 3pt. With my Bush Hog 84" rear finish mower that sticks back about 8 feet I do notice front end can get a little light if I start off a little quick while the mower is raised, but no issues and run w/out the loader every time I mow.

Thanks for the info. I'm looking into getting a KK 60 tiller so its good to know if I have the FEL off I can hook up to it and go to work. Really the only reason I would take it off is to maneuver around in a yard for aerating or overseeding. I'm fine with running with it on for other tasks.

Thanks to all the others who replied, keep it coming.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I have a 3520 and I have taken the entire loader off the front and put on a large spreader full of fertilizer, and 6ft brush cutter, and never pulled the front end off the ground ever. I would defintely try it before I spent the money for a bracket and weights. I don't think you will need them and you want to stay as light as possible when you are doing yard work. I don't think that arerator is as heavy as a 6ft brush cutter.

What are those tires???

 

[beenthere]

At worse, you might have to turn around and back up a steep hill rather than driving forward

 

[WH401]

I have no problems moving my PRD7200 on the back of my 3320, (about 700 lbs), with no FEL attached. However, I do go up the hill to my house with the mower on the ground. A few suitcase weights would be nice, but I get along more than fine without them.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have no problems moving my PRD7200 on the back of my 3320, (about 700 lbs), with no FEL attached. However, I do go up the hill to my house with the mower on the ground. A few suitcase weights would be nice, but I get along more than fine without them.

Yeah, and when you transport, you don't need to raise the implement full height. Just enough to get the wheels off the ground is sufficient (so if your front end does rise, it won't go too high).

 

[Rockgod]

Yeah, and when you transport, you don't need to raise the implement full height. Just enough to get the wheels off the ground is sufficient (so if your front end does rise, it won't go too high).

I always like these kinds of threads. It gives us some insight as to what can/should be used as counter weight to TPH attachments w/o Fel.

Each tractor should include this info. maybe a graph of some sort. Go right down the list, a RC you should have x amount of suit case weights on the front, a rototiller should have xxlbs and so on.

With all the warning lables already, isn't this a safey concern? Seems like alot of guess work :confused2: