Too much rear counterweight?

[max]

First of all, I plan on getting rear wheel weights in the future, but until then.......I've recently built a 3pt counterweight out of concrete for my NH TC35. From my calculations, it weighs in at about 700-725lbs (18"x18"x 24" + steel). I plan on using this rear counterweight only when I'm lifting really heavy objects with the FEL. My manual lists the weight for the optional rear weight bracket w/weights @ 620lbs. Even given this value, I am now feeling slightly uncomfortable hanging that much weight on the back just to have it bouncing around on the 3pt. Ok, I actually constantly baby my tractor & the weight doesn't really bounce around, but it still concerns me given the horror stories I've read on everything from broken/bent 3pt arms to rockshaft problems to tractors broken in two(extreme). As I said, I baby my tractor so I'm (hopefully) in no danger of the latter. I realize that a few rotary mowers are quite heavy, but I doubt if too many people use them for counterweight- not very maneuverable/practical. I would like to get some feedback on how much weight some of the TBN readers actually hang from the back of their 3pts & thoughts on this.
Thanks for any replies.....
Max

 

[DVerbarg]

Max,

Don't worry about 750lbs on the back of a TC35. I have the same frame (TC40D) and have had heavier implements than that on for extended periods of time. The snowblower weighs in around 870lbs, the box blade around 400, the rotary cutter around 550, and have used the boom pole to pick up more than 1500 lbs. The TC35 is rated for around 2000lbs 24" off the 3pt (this is from memory, which has been known to be correct--occasionally /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif). I wouldn't want to drive with 1000lbs on a washboard, the bouncing could apply a force capable of finding a week point, but I wouldn't "baby" mine and worry about a little bump in the yard or driveway. If it cannot handle it then it shouldn't be called a tractor... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

DaveV

 

[HR_Mutt]

Max
Have you considered loading the rear tires?There's a ton of threads on that in here.
regards
Mutt

 

[GlueGuy]

That amount of weight on a TC35 should be a cakewalk. I have a Kubota B7500, and my boxblade comes in at 400-500 lbs. As I recall even the B7500 has a lifting capability of 1300 lbs on the 3PH. So I would even consider putting your weight on my tractor. The TC35 should handle that easily. Like DaveV says, your lifting limit is around 2000 lbs.

The GlueGuy

 

[max]

Thanks to everyone for the responses so far. While I'm aware that the 3pt limit on my tractor is 2025 lbs, it still helps to hear other's thoughts and ideas regarding the counterweight.
Mutt-No, I won't even consider filling the tires. My last tractor's tires were filled with CaCl2 when I bought it and I know first hand what that stuff can do to rims($$$$$)!! So, I'm not in any hurry to put ANY liquid in my tires at this point!
Thanks again to everyone for the reassurance.
-Max

 

[DDT]

max
I have a JD 4300, 3 point lift cap is 2200lbs. I made a concrete weight that should scale between 1600 and 1700 lbs. I use it alot when digging and unloading lumber from trucks. I have 580 hrs on it and not quite a year old yet.
Your TC should be fine with hevey duty rear ballast.
DDT

 

[jinman]

Max, I'm with you on not filling tires unless you have to do it. At some point you may want more weight on the wheels and have a rear implement attached. If you do, wheel weights are the only choice other than liquid. So far, I've done fine with my TC45D without liquid ballast. I also agree with everyone. Your tractor's hydraulic lift will think it's on a "cake walk" with only 750 lb attached. You will reach the relief valve limit long before you do physical damage to your tractor unless there is a structural defect.

JimI

 

[TonyC]

<font color=blue> My last tractor's tires were filled with CaCl2 </font color=blue>

The stuff they use to fill tires today is completely non-corrosive. I have used it for years with no ill effects. I, myself, am a fan of filling the tires. In my experience it puts the weight where it's precisely needed. I only use a rear counterweight if I plan to move buckets very high up. The buckets on the tractors we're discussing aren't really very large at all.