Proper ballast load for b2320 with LA304 loader?

[MuscadineFarm]

Hi,
We purchased a B2320 Narrow with a LA 304 loader for our 21 acre property that has heavy tree cover, a pond, and trails to maintain. It’s also fairly sloped with quite a few turn over risk areas that will require maintenance. I asked at my local Kubota dealership but they didn’t know recommended ballast weight for the rear with the front loader attached (we expect to be doing some heavy work clearing a garden area, grading the drive, hauling soil/compost, etc). Could you share your experience? Would wheel weights be sufficient? If so, any recommendations?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Buy/make a 'carryall' for the 3PH. Grab a skid and make a 'box' on it. Add 'weight' and test performance. Weight can be rocks, steel,solid concrete blocks.
The idea is you add JUST enough weight to do the 'job'.
You can have 2-3 'weight' skids. one for mulches, another for full loads of stones, and an inbetween.
use is simple...attach carryall, backup to skid, lift, go do the job, when done return weight box, remove carryall
By having a 'dialed in' easily removable 'weight', you minimize stress on the tractor,get better MPG,etc.
While many will say add ballast to tires...it's costly and not wanted when mowing the lawn or moving lightweight items.

 

[06B3030]

I have a B3030 and when the backhoe isn't on, I use a Kubota weight box. I have somewhere between 500-600#s of weight in it. The weight box recommends at least 350# for the BX Series, and 500#s for the B Series.

For the B3030 on TractorData.com the suggested rear ballast is 500# when a front attachment is being utilized. I have a L403 loaded which has a little more capacity than the L304, But if nothing else, I'd say you'd be good with 400-500#s. The ballast weight wasn't listed for the B2320.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

curious... is that 500# PLUS weight of the weight box ?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi,
We purchased a B2320 Narrow with a LA 304 loader for our 21 acre property that has heavy tree cover, a pond, and trails to maintain. It’s also fairly sloped with quite a few turn over risk areas that will require maintenance. I asked at my local Kubota dealership but they didn’t know recommended ballast weight for the rear with the front loader attached (we expect to be doing some heavy work clearing a garden area, grading the drive, hauling soil/compost, etc). Could you share your experience? Would wheel weights be sufficient? If so, any recommendations?

Fill the tires. If wheel weights are available strap on as much as allowed. That will get you to a state where you can safely run around with the loader. You will need more on the 3pt if transporting/loading heavy items

Dan

 

[fried1765]

Buy/make a 'carryall' for the 3PH. Grab a skid and make a 'box' on it. Add 'weight' and test performance. Weight can be rocks, steel,solid concrete blocks.
The idea is you add JUST enough weight to do the 'job'.
You can have 2-3 'weight' skids. one for mulches, another for full loads of stones, and an inbetween.
use is simple...attach carryall, backup to skid, lift, go do the job, when done return weight box, remove carryall
By having a 'dialed in' easily removable 'weight', you minimize stress on the tractor,get better MPG,etc.
While many will say add ballast to tires...it's costly and not wanted when mowing the lawn or moving lightweight items.

3pt hitch forks are a LOT more versatile than a "carryall", and will do the same job with varying pallets/sizes.

 

[MuscadineFarm]

Buy/make a 'carryall' for the 3PH. Grab a skid and make a 'box' on it. Add 'weight' and test performance. Weight can be rocks, steel,solid concrete blocks.
The idea is you add JUST enough weight to do the 'job'.
You can have 2-3 'weight' skids. one for mulches, another for full loads of stones, and an inbetween.
use is simple...attach carryall, backup to skid, lift, go do the job, when done return weight box, remove carryall
By having a 'dialed in' easily removable 'weight', you minimize stress on the tractor,get better MPG,etc.
While many will say add ballast to tires...it's costly and not wanted when mowing the lawn or moving lightweight items.

Thank you for the thorough and helpful response!

 

[MuscadineFarm]

Fill the tires. If wheel weights are available strap on as much as allowed. That will get you to a state where you can safely run around with the loader. You will need more on the 3pt if transporting/loading heavy items

Dan

Than

I have a B3030 and when the backhoe isn't on, I use a Kubota weight box. I have somewhere between 500-600#s of weight in it. The weight box recommends at least 350# for the BX Series, and 500#s for the B Series.

For the B3030 on TractorData.com the suggested rear ballast is 500# when a front attachment is being utilized. I have a L403 loaded which has a little more capacity than the L304, But if nothing else, I'd say you'd be good with 400-500#s. The ballast weight wasn't listed for the B2320.

thanks so much! This was very helpful and exactly the kind of information I was searching for when I called Kubota. I appreciate it!

 

[AM28]

Hi,
We purchased a B2320 Narrow with a LA 304 loader for our 21 acre property that has heavy tree cover, a pond, and trails to maintain. It’s also fairly sloped with quite a few turn over risk areas that will require maintenance. I asked at my local Kubota dealership but they didn’t know recommended ballast weight for the rear with the front loader attached (we expect to be doing some heavy work clearing a garden area, grading the drive, hauling soil/compost, etc). Could you share your experience? Would wheel weights be sufficient? If so, any recommendations?

The easiest way I have found it to attach a 2 inch stinger to the tractor frame or the three-point. I welded a piece of pipe onto to the stinger vertically. I just dropped my used brake rotors onto it and adjust the weight quickly and easily. I would experiment but I would imagine that 3 to 400 pounds would be in the ballpark.

 

[jaxs]

Before you hang 500 pounds of ballast off the rear of a 1400 pound tractor to allow hammering the fel I recommend you consult with Littlefoot a member here for ways to reinforce your tractor.

 

[Dcguinn]

BX2380 here, manual says max back weight is 1,200#. Backhoe is ~600#, but not sure what frame modifications. Most matched implements are less than 600, tiller 435#. For heavy work, I have a quick hitch and about 400# in a ballast box. For lighter, I use a 150# box blade. Book says remove ballast if you don’t need it. I usually pull off ballast and loader to mow. I could prolly use a medium option say 250#. The feel changes a lot as you adjust ballast.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

a 'carryall' is same as '3PH forks', except fixed spaced forks.
Many take the $200 TSC 'carryall' and add floor, front,holes for chainsaw,tools, etc.,custom configured for their needs.
I actually put real 42" long forklift forks onto my custom 3PH frame. Forks are removable,as they were 3rd spares for my forklift. I prefer boxes on skids for 'weight boxes'. far easier to put on/off...it's an 'age thing'.

 

[Dcguinn]

a 'carryall' is same as '3PH forks', except fixed spaced forks.
Many take the $200 TSC 'carryall' and add floor, front,holes for chainsaw,tools, etc.,custom configured for their needs.
I actually put real 42" long forklift forks onto my custom 3PH frame. Forks are removable,as they were 3rd spares for my forklift. I prefer boxes on skids for 'weight boxes'. far easier to put on/off...it's an 'age thing'.

I built a 3pt frame and welded conus for bale spears. Haven’t done much with it, but need to match a pallet and go from there.

 

[SRRGC1]

Rear ballast for sure. You stated it is a narrow and will be using it on sloped ground. Being a narrow it is less stable on slopes. Keep your loader close to the ground or you risk tip-over. Personally, I wouldn't want a narrow. They are a specially designed tractor for a special purpose. I know Christmas tree growers like them for getting between rows.

 

[JeremyBX2200]

I use my box blade as ballast when doing FEL work. It has worked well so far. If I need more weight I add bags of salt of wood pellets on top. Haven't had an issue moving topsoil, compost or gravel