I know that I am full of questions on my 463. But I noticed that it came with a front weight on it. I see that people have added rear door weights but has anyone take the front weight off instead of adding rear weight? This little guy has plenty of lifting power but runs out of counter weight. I am confident that it could lift all of 900-1000lbs if set up right? Any thoughts?
Bobcat 463/S70 wieghts?
- Thread starter 463-Guy
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SkidRoe
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- Dec 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,887
I have a 440b, and I run a 200 lb counterweight, for a couple of reasons:
1) The engine that I have repowered it with (Chonda) is much lighter than the original Koehler.
2) It does help with the lifting, especially when fitted with a heavier attachment, like a grapple bucket or a 4-in-1 bucket.
200lb's is about the limit that I could add as it makes the front end very light, especially when moving the machine around with no bucket on it. In fact there are times that I drop one weight off for better stability.
I am pretty sure that the nose weight on your machine is there to offset the weight of the engine. When the 4XX series first came out, they were fitted with a much smaller diesel engine than the one that you have. With an empty bucket, your machine is intended to have a 30/70 weight distribution front to rear. With a full bucket, that distribution reverses.
I considered getting a 463/S70 counterweight for my 440b to give it more down pressure when digging. Then I installed a set of teeth on my bucket - problem solved.
And with regards to how much your machine will lift, there is no doubt in my mind it will already lift 1000 lbs. The 700 lb rating is based on one half of the tipping load. If you can get the back end light, then you are well past 1000 lbs. Just be careful!!
Cheers - SR
1) The engine that I have repowered it with (Chonda) is much lighter than the original Koehler.
2) It does help with the lifting, especially when fitted with a heavier attachment, like a grapple bucket or a 4-in-1 bucket.
200lb's is about the limit that I could add as it makes the front end very light, especially when moving the machine around with no bucket on it. In fact there are times that I drop one weight off for better stability.
I am pretty sure that the nose weight on your machine is there to offset the weight of the engine. When the 4XX series first came out, they were fitted with a much smaller diesel engine than the one that you have. With an empty bucket, your machine is intended to have a 30/70 weight distribution front to rear. With a full bucket, that distribution reverses.
I considered getting a 463/S70 counterweight for my 440b to give it more down pressure when digging. Then I installed a set of teeth on my bucket - problem solved.
And with regards to how much your machine will lift, there is no doubt in my mind it will already lift 1000 lbs. The 700 lb rating is based on one half of the tipping load. If you can get the back end light, then you are well past 1000 lbs. Just be careful!!
Cheers - SR
Hotrod1830
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- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
- Messages
- 513
I wouldnt remove the front weight. It is so close to the front axle center line that it contributes very little to tipping forward. It is best to add weight at the rear axle center line. That way it wont make it "tippy". Adding foam filled tires adds around 120 lbs/pair if your using 23x8.5-12 tires. They make(made) rear weight kits for the larger skids that bolted to the axle tube. May search for them and see if you can fab something like those.
