Hello all, I've been reading but never posted. Relatively new Kubota L3560 owner. I put a 1000lb ballast box on the 3pt for moving heavy logs. I've seen different advice as to whether the box must be removed or not when the tractor is not in use. Any suggestions or advice from experienced users appreciated. Thx!
Ballast Removal?
- Thread starter CampK
- Start date
Thanks! I've been lowering it to the bottom of the 3pt capacity. But the box doesn't actually sit on the ground
Place a pallet or other support beneath the ballast. The point is to take the load off the tractor.
(or are you simply “trolling”..??)
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Yes, makes sense. So it is bad for the tractor to have the weight just hanging on the back is what I'm hearing?
I wouldn't say it's "bad", think of all the backhoes on the back of tractors. Good practice is to lower all implements to the ground when not in use.
I leave my backhoe attached 90% of the time. The bucket has 80-ish lbs of chains and stuff in it. I don't lower it to the ground for support. It's just fine. If were to park it for a year it might make a flat spot on the tires, but mine gets moved 3-4 times a week so no issues there. If it makes you sleep better at night you could lower it onto something to take the weight off.
It's possible you could change a setting such as where the lift links/side links attach to the lower arms, to make it touch the ground. Or, if it's close you could actually just screw a couple of scraps of 2x4 or 4x4 to the bottom of it so it will touch ground. Or set it on something. Or do nothing! If the 3pt won't go any lower you should be 'safe' as far as it crushing your foot or your dog or whatever. But personally, I've seen enough 'Murphy's Law' kind of stuff that I would make it touch the ground some way or another just so i felt better.
Doesn't hurt anything to leave it in raised position but potentially unsafe.
I set mine on a HF moving dolly when unattached.
Jchonline
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Kubota L6060, KX040-4, M7060, RTV X1100C, M62 (sold)
Go to the lumber yard and get yourself a few 8ft 6x6 treated and cut them to about a foot or so (maybe a few longer). Use for blocking in your "implement garden" or to set that ballast box on.
ve9aa
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TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
A used pallet is your friend. Use a good quality one. My ~400 lb ballast boxes' first 'job' was to annihilate an el-cheapo pallet. I can only imagine what 1000lbs would do.
GreensvilleJay
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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
ALWAYS lower it to the ground when not in actual use.
I KNOW a 14' dozer blade will drop INTO the ground in less than the blink of an eye when a hose blows.....
I KNOW a 14' dozer blade will drop INTO the ground in less than the blink of an eye when a hose blows.....
BAP
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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
The biggest thing is leaving the 3pt hitch in the up position when not using, with weight on it, puts a lot of stress on the hydraulic piston that operates it. It will most likely slowly drop over time, so you are better off letting it down when you get done using it.
That is a big bale of hay! Are those folks on the side of the bale under arrest?
I like the way they placed the front weight on the bale directly over the driver's head. You think he's worried about voiding his tractors warranty or the safety police giving him a hard time for not using a seat belt or not having a ROPS? Nah, just out there gett'n it done with a little help from his friends. Obviously his best friend is the one holding his beer and taking the pic
GreensvilleJay
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Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
1st pic.. really sad, 2 plastic tanks and it can't lift them....
2nd pic,.. HAS to be 1st time use(btm is spotlessly CLEAN
3rd pic...wonder what that big BALL is,that's ready to hit the driver ??
2nd pic,.. HAS to be 1st time use(btm is spotlessly CLEAN
3rd pic...wonder what that big BALL is,that's ready to hit the driver ??
That is a big bale of hay! Are those folks on the side of the bale under arrest?
If they keep doing what they're doing, they are likely to be under that bale!
Shit like that takes some real talent…I bet those instances weren’t the first mistakes they made…I’ll bet there quite a history. But sometimes you just gotta try.