Ballasting Loader Tractors for Grapples, 4-N-1 Buckets, Pallet Forks, Hay Spikes, etc.
You have a loader on your tractor but have installed or are thinking of installing a different attachment on the boom. Do you need to reconsider your ballast? Maybe, Maybe not.
While using a Grapple, 4-N-1 Bucket, Pallet Forks, Hay Spikes, or other attachments will not really change the lifting capacity of your boom, it could change your machine’s center of gravity from where it was located when you had the loader bucket installed. The attachments alone could, and often do, weigh more than your bucket. They also may extend further forward than does your loader bucket.
If your tractor with the loader bucket attached is set up at the minimum standard for rear ballast, you may need to consider additional ballast. To calculate the correct minimum setup with the new attachment installed , you could (and probably should) go through the same process used to determine minimum ballast and tread width requirements for loader equipped tractors. At the very least; you should consult your tractor and or loader operating manual and begin with their ballast recommendations. Some of the manufacturer’s of these types of attachments provide ballasting information, many others do not.
Need more information? Generalized and ballast options we often see utilized are detailed here.
As always, we invite you to contact us regarding your specific situation and equipment.
This blog is general information only, representing the opinions of the author, and does not cover all aspects of the subject matter. Use of the information contained herein is voluntary.
