520 rear ballast

[Randy Lindblad 71]

Hello , I have 55 lb weights in wheels 44 blower out front , my question is how much weight can I hang off the rear on my 2 inch reciever I made without damaging axle seals or any other part I have a 180 lb vise I could use but don’t want to damage anything 

Edited December 13, 2020 by Randy Lindblad

[cschannuth 3,817]

I have 7 - 42 pound suitcase weights. I’m probably pushing it but so far so good. I still plan to run supports from the weight bracket to my FEL sub frame to shore it up more.   

Edited December 13, 2020 by cschannuth
Clarification

[953 nut 60,348]

I would begin by filling the rear tires with RV Antifreeze, lots of weight where you need it, Weight hanging from the rear of the tractor shouldn't be a problem and it will improve your steering. My GT-14 with a FEL has about two hundred pounds of counterweight hanging from the three point hitch all the time.

[cschannuth 3,817]

9 hours ago, Randy Lindblad said:

Hello , I have 55 lb weights in wheels 44 blower out front , my question is how much weight can I hang off the rear on my 2 inch reciever I made without damaging axle seals or any other part I have a 180 lb vise I could use but don’t want to damage anything 

I agree with 953 nut. I have antifreeze in the tires and inside wheel weights as well along with my suitcase weights. All that plus me in the seat really keep it planted for my FEL. 

[rjg854 12,249]

That vise hanging out the back, sure likes it could put a great big dent in something  

[squonk 43,939]

9 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

That vise hanging out the back, sure likes it could put a great big dent in something  

Like your shins and kneecaps! 

[JoeM 8,429]

That vise is just plain cool! I have run 300 plus over hung on my loader and no issues. I do keep and eye on the hubs, I think they are the weak link. Filled tires are good too, but a pain to drain if you don't want to run in the summer. The one machine I have with those tires packs the soil down pretty good. But traction is great. 

Below is the sheet showing the specs of a WH loader.

[ebinmaine 72,987]

 

If you have a nicely compacted yard and denting the lawn isn't a concern I too highly recommend fluid filled tires. I have a local shop that installs Rimguard cheaper than I can even buy any other fluid. 

 

As to the rest weight I wouldn't even begin to question it until around 200lbs provided you have a good attachment point. 

 

My Cinnamon Horse runs around 1350 lbs total weight while in plowing mode. 

 

 

[lynnmor 7,858]

The weight box for a loader attaches to the sub-frame and places the cantilevered load directly above the wheel bearings.  Putting considerable weight far behind the axles can torque the transaxle housing to the point of cracking.  Ask me how I know.

[ebinmaine 72,987]

15 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

The weight box for a loader attaches to the sub-frame and places the cantilevered load directly above the wheel bearings.  Putting considerable weight far behind the axles can torque the transaxle housing to the point of cracking.  Ask me how I know.

Valid points. 

 

Do you remember the specifics behind the cracking episode?

 

Like how much weight?

Rough ground?

 

Whatever?

 

[lynnmor 7,858]

Just now, ebinmaine said:

Valid points. 

 

Do you remember the specifics behind the cracking episode?

 

Like how much weight?

Rough ground?

 

Whatever?

 

I found a very slow leak and don't know exactly when or how it developed.  After looking at the considerable distance between the bolts, I see why it happened.  I had a box with perhaps 200 lbs. that attached to the draw bar and the axle housings, much like some aftermarket trailer hitches.

[ebinmaine 72,987]

2 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

I found a very slow leak and don't know exactly when or how it developed.  After looking at the considerable distance between the bolts, I see why it happened.  I had a box with perhaps 200 lbs. that attached to the draw bar and the axle housings, much like some aftermarket trailer hitches.

Was this on a tractor you'd had for awhile or fairly new-to-you?

 

I've seen one transmission that was broken because of a 3 foot drop off a truck bed. 

 

[lynnmor 7,858]

Just now, ebinmaine said:

Was this on a tractor you'd had for awhile or fairly new-to-you?

 

I've seen one transmission that was broken because of a 3 foot drop off a truck bed. 

 

I bought the 520H new in 1991.  I take care, but do work it to the max.

[lynnmor 7,858]

The crack is located midway between the top and bottom bolts, think about that  unsupported distance.