Offset weight on 3 point hitch

[PHPaul]

Looking at an offset flail mower, This one, or similar weight around 600 pounds.

According to the manual, the hitch on my B2650 is good for 1600 pounds at the balls.

Wondering how the tractor would handle with that 600 pounds offset to 72" at the outside edge.

Tried a disc mower on a John Deere 750 years ago and it was NOT happy with the offset weight.

Guesses appreciated, experience preferred...

 

[Old Machinist]

I was always curious about how tractors respond to offset weights. Seems they would not be happy or balanced feeling.

I modified a mini ex sickle bar mower to go on the loader of mine and it not only felt terrible but it also made the tire on the loaded side come loose from the bead. That problem was mainly caused by low pressure. I ended up putting a counter weight on the other side to balance the load.

I used two 100 lb weights on the left side of the loader to offset 132 lbs of the sickle bar mower that was hanging further out. I weighed under each front tire and the weight was balanced but loaded the tires to the max rating with no rear ballast on the 3 point. It should be fine with ballast on the rear.

 

[PHPaul]

I suspect a counterbalance would be a good idea, if not absolutely necessary.

Building that, plus having to attach and remove it every time I used the mower may well be a deal breaker.

What I need is another tractor...

 

[SDT]

I suspect a counterbalance would be a good idea, if not absolutely necessary.

Building that, plus having to attach and remove it every time I used the mower may well be a deal breaker.

What I need is another tractor...

"What I need is another tractor...."

Agreed. I do not think you will like the performance with so much offset weight on your 2650.

 

[PHPaul]

"What I need is another tractor...."

Agreed. I do not think you will like the performance with so much offset weight on your 2650.

Yup. I think we just saved me $3000...

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I have some older JD literature that addresses safety and stability through tractor weight not 3pt lift or hp.
If I understand right they would be recommending 4,000 pound tractor with rear tires loaded and "adequate" front weights. They dont say what adequate is though.
Fwiw... I don't do any offset work myself.

 

[skeets]

I dont know anything about off set mowers, however looking at the posted pictures. I would think if you were to transport it off set things might get a bit IFFFFy . Now if you were to use the 3 rd function to slide it to center while moving no problem ,and when you off set it dropping to the shoes letting it ride on them there shouldn't be much weight transfer to the side. I could be wrong, but thats how it looks to me. This might help, it should be about the same size of tractor and mower.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Flail are fine off set as they ride on the roller in the back so no real issue with the weight sticking out the side.

 

[skeets]

One more