Loader ballast

cj4200 · #1 02-23-2010, 07:46 PM

So does anyone have any suggestions on how much weight I will need on the back of my 129 now that it has a loader? With the wheel weights I made today and loading the tires I should have around 250lbs at the wheels. I doubt that is enough but I don't know so I will ask all of you for so input.

#2 02-23-2010, 08:48 PM

I don't have a loader (yet) but I do have logic. If I'm not mistaken a heavy load to the bucket should max at around 300lbs, yes? Well then load the bucket and see if the rear floats, if so then add weight. Just from what I've seen you'll want about 300lbs ballast. Weight at the wheel is good but I'd think that weight behind the wheel will offer more leverage.

Scott

Yosemite Sam · #3 02-23-2010, 09:35 PM

I have a Danco loader on my 122 (for Now). I regularly move 55 gallon drums of oil, something over 400 lbs (yeah I know... too much).

When I got it, there was a weight bar on the back with a 100 lb weight on it, wouldn't pick up squat without lifting the rear tires off the ground. I extended the weight bar back about a foot, added 3 small 55 lb suitcase weights, and loaded the rear tires, then added two more loaded tires, then hung about 6 ten pound flat weights underneath the weight bar. When moving a full barrel on the snow, the rear tires still spin if I don't have chains on.

papaglide · #4 02-23-2010, 10:53 PM

According to the kwik-way manual I have for my model no. 45-18410:

"damage to tractor and loader may occur if you try to handle loads of more than 350 lbs."

"Counter balance of 350 lbs. recommended. Combination of weight box, wheel weights, or fluid in tires."

I have a different tractor but I am sure that the principle is the same with all of them regarding counterbalance.

#5 02-23-2010, 11:06 PM

I'm jealous papaglide, really.

Scott

thenrie · #6 02-24-2010, 07:19 AM

My dad has an old B6100 Kubota with a loader. He has a Gannon ripper/box blade hanging off the three-point lift that acts as a counterweight. Works like a charm. You might look at hanging a rear blade or some other heavy implement, like a tiller off the back.

cj4200 · #7 02-24-2010, 10:30 AM

OK here's what I'm thinking of building off of the back. I have quite a bit of .25"x4" hot rolled flat stock so I'm thinking of doing a U shaped bracket off of the frame bring it out about 20" then put some support braces that come off of the lower sleeve hitch U bracket. Then on top of the upper U bracket that I will make I have some 6" angle that is .25" thick. I will make this the width of the tractor so about 3' wide. On the angle I will put 3 1" rolled bar pointing up. One towards each side and one in the middle. Then I can pour some 12" sono tubes with concrete at work leaving a hole in the middle to place on the rolled bar. I will pour the sono tubes at a height of 6" making each 6" plate weighting about 50 to 60lbs. figure do two plates per bar that will give me more then 300lbs. off the back. So let me know what you all think and any suggestions would be great.

Yosemite Sam · #8 02-24-2010, 11:35 AM

cj4200

If you have material laying around to build a bracket out of, I say go for it, less expensive is good.

Some things you may want to consider:

Keeping the counter weight as low as possible.

Making the weight easy to put on and take off. Many times you may not need or want all that much weight, carrying so much weight really is hard on the tractor.

In my opinion weight on the wheels is always better than weight on the tractor. There is the leverage factor, but still, rolling it along on the ground is a lot easier than carrying it on your back.

Good luck getting everything set up, I know you’re gonna enjoy the heck out of that thing when you get it done.

harryold · #9 02-24-2010, 04:04 PM

The DancoRD2000 Manuel write ..heck weight 250pounds

cu Harryold

papaglide · #10 03-05-2010, 11:38 AM

I forgot to post what I use as weight!

I put a 1x6 piece of wood on the lift arms and wedged it against the A-frame sleeve hitch adapter. I laid 3, 60# tubes of sand on the wood and made sure they were centered and leaning nicely against the adapter. Then, using a bungee cord and rope secured everything until it was tight and wouldn't move.

I was thinking about hanging my brinly disc off the back but its a little wider than the tractor and obviously would extend the length too.

This gives me 180# plus 50# from the wheel weights. Not quite 350# but then again I am using it for snow removal and so far it has been working great....that is until I broke the left, front spindle last Friday but that's another story!!!