Use of front bucket to raise front wheels of BX2350

[SpokaneDude]

I want/need to install some front wheel chains on my BX2350;
I was wondering if using the front bucket to raise the front of the tractor to put cement blocks under the front of the frame is a stupid or dangerous idea?

 

[Henro]

You won't get much lift but it doesn't seem dangerous to me...

Already have chains on the rear? I would start there first for traction. Maybe you are looking for better steering control on ice?

 

[SpokaneDude]

Yes, I already have chains on rear (semi permanent) and needed chains on front for steering control (should have mentioned all of this up front!

 

[Lil Foot]

using the front bucket to raise the front of the tractor

No problem.

put cement blocks under the front of the frame

Potential disaster.
Cement blocks are notorious for collapsing at the most inopportune times.
I prefer wood blocks.

 

[fried1765]

No problem.

Potential disaster.
Cement blocks are notorious for collapsing at the most in opportune times.
I prefer wood blocks.

Absolutely!
NO concrete blocks!
People have been killed using those, to block up vehicles for repair!

 

[Hkb82]

X3 for wood blocks

 

[Donystoy]

I have always used the loader to raise the front axle off the ground for wheel removal etc. I use axle stands and a small piece of plywood if on soft ground. If I need more height than what the loader will provide I put 4 x 4s under the loader first. Cement blocks are for foundations period.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I want/need to install some front wheel chains on my BX2350;
I was wondering if using the front bucket to raise the front of the tractor to put cement blocks under the front of the frame is a stupid or dangerous idea?

Just the cement block part.

Dan

 

[mikester]

I have to admit I've done it. Don't put any body parts under anything and wear steel toe boots.

 

[Lil Foot]

I admit to having have done it long ago, (to quote Bob Valdez)
"Before I know Better"

 

[SpokaneDude]

Thank you everyone who opened my eyes to the dangers of not using wood blocks or stands... saved one potential serious problem that I never though of,.,..

 

[wp6529]

SOLID concrete blocks are ok, I use the 4x8x16 ones all the time. I also use a lot of PT 4x4 cribbing. CMUs aka cinder blocks and the like with thin webs, definitely not for such use.

 

[SpokaneDude]

Thank you everybody for the safety tips... would never have known or considered using wood... I wish all of you a Safe and Happy New Year for 2024...

 

[DustyRusty]

SOLID concrete blocks are ok, I use the 4x8x16 ones all the time. I also use a lot of PT 4x4 cribbing. CMUs aka cinder blocks and the like with thin webs, definitely not for such use.

Solid concrete blocks are 92#. I know because the center wall in my home is built with them. I wouldn't use them for anything because of their weight. They might be better than the open cell concrete blocks, but you risk the chance of getting a hernia moving them in place.

 

[wp6529]

Solid concrete blocks are 92#. I know because the center wall in my home is built with them. I wouldn't use them for anything because of their weight. They might be better than the open cell concrete blocks, but you risk the chance of getting a hernia moving them in place.

Solid 4x8x16 blocks are roughly 30#, I move them without issues. The 4x16x16 solids I use for some things are closer to 70# and a bit more difficult to handle.

 

[DustyRusty]

I would have to measure them to know the actual size.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

blocks USED to be 3/8" less than their dimensions..accounts for the motor bed..
yes, solid concrete is HEAVY but it's not better than solid wood. tossed about, they can get 'i don't see it' fractured so why risk anyone's life or limb ?
I had a timber framer renter so LOTS of nice solid leftover chunks, most are firepit burnt since I've been downsizing....

 

[The Evil Twin]

Out of curiosity, why not drive on the chains?

 

[Edke6bnl]

I want/need to install some front wheel chains on my BX2350;
I was wondering if using the front bucket to raise the front of the tractor to put cement blocks under the front of the frame is a stupid or dangerous idea?

I see not problem lifting the front with the bucket BUT cement block for me is no no. I have seen them break and give out use stands made for it or i sometimes use blocks from railroad ties

 

[wp6529]

I see not problem lifting the front with the bucket BUT cement block for me is no no. I have seen them break and give out use stands made for it or i sometimes use blocks from railroad ties

Again, you have to be clear on the difference between solid blocks and the cored CMUs. I've cracked solid blocks with 10,000#+ loads on them and they still support the load just fine. Concrete has tremendous compressive strength, the issue is the CMUs have thin sections and a little side load and they're in tension rather than compression and they fail and collapse.