How much should ballast box weigh?

Degolyerent · Mar 24, 2011

With concrete curing time is a must, it gets two thirds of it's strength in 7 days and full strength in 28 days
If you need it in a "hurry" you may go with a high early mix
You could probably use it within 7-10 days after pouring, and use as least water as needed and vibrate thoroughly to consolidate mix but do not segregate the aggregate
Rebar and/or wire would be good to use for sure, the weight should be around 2300 lbs not counting the rebar or other metal used

brandoro · Mar 24, 2011

My ballast box is filled with concrete and scrap steel, I figure between 800 and 900 lbs but have not weighed it. My FEL is rated to lift 880 lbs so seems about right to me and I'm pleased with the traction and stability. Also like the very compact dimensions of the ballast box when using it in close quarters.
My tires are filled with only air, there are times I don't want the tractor to be very heavy. In the spring or if there has been a lot of rain I drop the FEL too so I don't groove up the lawn while mowing.
My opinion, worth every cent

.

Soundguy · Mar 24, 2011

add a reciever tube to that chunk so you can put a standard tounge on the back. a couple pvc storage tubes with caps onthe bottom pushed into the crete' will help you tote things like shovels and such as well.

soundguy

Ford tractor · Mar 24, 2011

Glen Watkins said:
That would be an awful big ballast box don't you think?

Note the OP has a loader that can pick up 3000 pounds. You need a large amount of ballast to both balance the machine and provide traction.

ole farmerbuck · Mar 25, 2011

I think you're trying to get too much weight back there, or should I say, more than you need. I have a M7040 and yes the tires are filled and have a rear blade on it most of the time.. How much does the cast wheels weigh? I have moves all of the dirt from a 35x75x10 feet hole with mine and never even a thought about not having enough weight back there.. I would think 1200lbs back there should do it.

Ford tractor · Mar 25, 2011

ole farmerbuck said:
I think you're trying to get too much weight back there, or should I say, more than you need. I have a M7040 and yes the tires are filled and have a rear blade on it most of the time.. How much does the cast wheels weigh? I have moves all of the dirt from a 35x75x10 feet hole with mine and never even a thought about not having enough weight back there.. I would think 1200lbs back there should do it.

Cast wheel centers for the 7040 are about 650 per side. Fluid fill is about 800 per tire. That makes 1300+ 1600 = 2900 pounds with nothing on the back. The OP has cast centers, but didn't list fluid fill so he has to put that weight on the back too.

ole farmerbuck · Mar 25, 2011

Ford tractor said:
Cast wheel centers for the 7040 are about 650 per side. Fluid fill is about 800 per tire. That makes 1300+ 1600 = 2900 pounds with nothing on the back. The OP has cast centers, but didn't list fluid fill so he has to put that weight on the back too.

Hmm, i only paid for 1134lbs for both tires and they are imo too full.

ole farmerbuck · Mar 28, 2011

Ok, I took my rear blade off Saturday and moved 8 or 10 full scoops of dirt. To be honest, I couldnt tell the blade wasnt on there. Had no problem with wheel spin getting the scoop full (didnt lock in front). I hit the brakes with scoop full and the rear end didnt try to come up. Just telling ya.

Turbys_1700 · Mar 28, 2011

A rule of thumb that I have always used is 1.0 times the weight that your loader can pick up. I heard someone on here state 1.5 times the weight. I think that anywhere in that range you will be fine. I keep a 550# box blade on the back of my 1720. The tires are loaded and weigh in around 500#. A good match with my Stoll loader that lifts around 1,000#.