How much weight is to much?

[JCM 9,130]

After I gave my opinion on a FEL I thought about the counter balance weight and was interested to find out if anyone would know how much weight can actually be added to the rear end of one of these tractors, depending on the Model,axle diameter etc. Kwik-Way recommends a minimum of 280 Lbs but would the engineers at Wheelhorse agree to that or are they covering themselves to only make the operation of their loader safe to operate without regards to what the rear axle etc can handle safely ?          What are your thoughts.

[ZXT 2,401]

I've wondered the same thing a million times. I see people claiming their FEL's can handle 600+ lbs., but I can't see the front spindles handling that in addition to the weight of the tractor. I think the bearings can handle it if in good shape and well greased, but I think other components would need to be beefed up. The rear axles might be capable of a bit more since the axles are larger, but the limiting factor will be the strength of the transmission case.

 

Definitely following this. I'd love to find a FEL for my GT and be able to move engines around in spaces where a large tractor won't fit, but I don't see the tractor being up to the task.

[oldredrider 2,548]

Just finished resurrecting a Bobcat mini skid steer. Quite a hefty piece of machinery. 500# weight limit in the bucket. This Bobcat weighs 1900#. Might give some of you a perspective.

[JoeM 7,871]

I have two FEL's on 520H frames. just under 400 on one, 325 on the other and both have an additional 125 in the wheel weights. Been running them a couple years.....no issues.

Two things that will get you in trouble is working on a hill, and having the relief valve set to high. I like to stack concrete blocks in the bucket and set it to relieve at about 12 blocks.

The back yard is a 17 percent slope and I have come down it with a load of rock in the bucket and had the rear wheel loose traction. When I am not sure, I will back down the hill and always ready to drag the bucket.

 

[Tractorhead 9,064]

I suggested a Rollover Protector while working on slope with a FEL 

That will allway’s be a requirement for your own safety.

 

I just can talk for my cheapy 212 but with an cast Frontaxle, with heavy loaded by FEL using.

With sleeve bearing Rims a regular grease Service is urgently recommanded.

Otherwise it worns strongly.

 

The Axle lasts easily a weight of 110 kilos, thats about 242 pounds.

i used my FEL in the last Winter excessively, because we had a lot of Wet heavy Snow.

 

First time i doubt, it will work that way, because no ridgid Steelframe, but i‘ll learned

a Wheelhorse is a Wheelhorse the cast frontaxle self will last that weight.

no bending at all was measured, just the Rims with sleevebearing worns out.

 

if you have a Ballbearing Rims, i see no issues in case of regular Service (greasing)

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,288]

I can't speak to the capacity of the FEL.

I can say I've 400 or 500 pounds on the rear hitch of both Patriot and Cinnamon a few times each.

 

7 hours ago, ZXT said:

claiming their FEL's can handle 600+ lbs

Not something I'd do with a Wheelhorse unless it was specifically prepared for it.

 

 

6 hours ago, OILUJ52 said:

17 percent slope and I have come down it with a load of rock in the bucket and had the rear wheel loose traction. When I am not sure, I will back down the hill

Just as a point of interest.

Forklift rules state anything over 10 % you back down. Empty or loaded. Always. Same general principles apply to a GT with FEL.

 

29 minutes ago, Tractorhead said:

242 pounds

 

I'd be comfortable with around 300 all day everyday. 400 occasionally.

 

[Skipper 1,788]

I have had well over 500 lbs in the rear hitch of a C-195. Same transaxle as the rest. No problems what so ever, bouncing around with that. But it takes some weight in the front to keep it usable.

 

Also, the further behind your rear axle you put your counterweight, the more it lifts the nose of the tractor. You can figure this out very precise if you want, so that you can counterbalance the weight of the FEL fully, and only have the load in the bucket to worry about. It's pretty simple. You have 2 pivot points, and you can find the momentum's around them, and then adjust till it looks sound. Remember to take into account the offset in weight from lifting your bucket to max height. Don't want it to be too light on the front when you lift high either.  

[wallfish 16,985]

Mine has well over 280 lbs hanging off the back (backhoe) and needed to add front wheel weights to help balance it out. A good solution is to add about 300 lbs of counter weight and use suitcase weights for adding and removing weight as needed for different tasks.

[953 nut 55,091]

9 hours ago, ZXT said:

FEL's can handle 600+ lbs., but I can't see the front spindles handling that in addition to the weight of the tractor. I think the bearings can handle it if in good shape and well greased, but I think other components would need to be beefed up.

Counter weights at the rear of the tractor will reduce the weight applied to the front spindles, my home made weight box is probably no more than 250 pounds, but the steering effort is greatly reduced.

[JCM 9,130]

If anyone is Interested in some Specs for a Kwik-Way model # 45-08211 here go's. Rated Lift Capacity 350 lbs,bucket width 40'',Hydraulic cylinders 2'' D/A, Counter weight min 280 lbs, Subframe  Frame mounted to tractor,hydraulic pump drive   engine belt driven, max lift height 76'', clearance w/ bucket dumped 55,''reach at max height 20'', max dump angle 47 degrees, reach with bucket on ground 43'', bucket roll back angle 12 degrees and digging depth below grade 3''.       Ballast and other requirements   c-85, c-105, c-125, c-145, c-165,  c-175, gt-1800  and gt-1848, 400, 500 series ( with 40'' bucket or 48'' dozer)   chassis mount weight box filled with sand or gravel (44-01210)  230lbs , dual wheel adapters kit (80730) 2 additional wheel and tire assembly's , heavy duty front spindle and wheel kit ( 8- 0490)  for c,gt series, ( 8-0493) for 400, 500 series.    C-195  ( with 40'' bucket or 48' dozer) same weight box , as above, same weight. 1 pair rear wheel weights (8-1141)   C-195  (with 48'' tine fork or 48'' fork lift ) same as above weight box and wheel weights.