joshuabardwell
Elite Member
I have realized what a difference a ballast box will make in my tractor's handling. Only problem is I just got quoted over $700 for one. And they say Deere accessories are expensive! That seems like a pretty high price to me, and I wonder if the dealer is just trying to have me on. But no matter. I've done a lot of reading here and elsewhere and seen others' builds of ballast boxes. Since I don't have a welder, nor any welding ability, welding is out.
I am thinking of taking a 55 gallon plastic drum, putting a drawbar through it, and filling it with cement. Maybe I should use a metal drum instead? Metal drums are a little hard to find around here, but I can get plastic drums for $8 all day long.
I have heard some suggestions that the cement may crack if it is required to support the drawbar like this (versus having a welded metal box to hold the pins). What's the general opinion on this?
Also, any suggestions on what to use to construct the top link connector? I suppose I could just take two pieces of bar stock and drill holes in them with a hole saw to let the link pin through, then stick them down in the cement and clamp them in place until it dries? Would they just pull out if I did that? Maybe one piece of bar stock, folded into a "U" shape would be more secure.
Any other suggestions are welcome. I believe that I have searched the site thoroughly for tips, but I have not seen anybody doing exactly what I'm suggesting, so I'd like to get some input before I dive in.
I am thinking of taking a 55 gallon plastic drum, putting a drawbar through it, and filling it with cement. Maybe I should use a metal drum instead? Metal drums are a little hard to find around here, but I can get plastic drums for $8 all day long.
I have heard some suggestions that the cement may crack if it is required to support the drawbar like this (versus having a welded metal box to hold the pins). What's the general opinion on this?
Also, any suggestions on what to use to construct the top link connector? I suppose I could just take two pieces of bar stock and drill holes in them with a hole saw to let the link pin through, then stick them down in the cement and clamp them in place until it dries? Would they just pull out if I did that? Maybe one piece of bar stock, folded into a "U" shape would be more secure.
Any other suggestions are welcome. I believe that I have searched the site thoroughly for tips, but I have not seen anybody doing exactly what I'm suggesting, so I'd like to get some input before I dive in.