One ton 3pt ballast ...

[JerryK]

Howdy, this is my version of a 3pt ballast to use when using the loader. Looked at many different posts, ideas, etc... and decided to build it this way. There is no provision for a two inch receiver...I have other tractors to move stuff like that. But I did drill some holes in the 3pt angle to maybe attach some pipes for tool handles in the future... I welded 8" of genuine Mahindra drawbar that sticks out the top for lift point if needed.. The finished cement is 42" wide, 34" tall, and 18" thick ... and I poured it on it's back. Steel weighs a little over 135 pounds and concrete about 1900 pounds ... almost 24 full bags of Quikrete.

 

[schmism]

so how close DOES the concrete sit to the back tires? judgeing from the pictures i wouldnt be surprised if you cant actually mount it to the back of the 3pt without it interfering with the rear tires.

 

[JerryK]

Lot's of clearance on my shiny new Mahindra 5035 with 19.5LX24 R4's with Cat 1 bottom pins, and even more on my JD 2240 which is Cat 2 and 16.9X28 R1's .... The bottom links stick out farther back than the tires. I want it tucked in as close as possible, I live in a sugar maple/beech forest and I want to do as little damage backing into stuff as possible... Not much fun with the backhoe on...

 

[MotorSeven]

That's a great idea. I have a few dead 3pt implemts laying around...an old brush hog would work perfect.

 

[StanR]

Looks great... Post a picture with it attached to your tractor.

Thanks

 

[JerryK]

Looks great... Post a picture with it attached to your tractor.

Thanks

Will do, Stan..! I have it watered down and covered with plastic now, and will be taking the forms off in about a week when she cures. IF I can remember where I put all the screws holding it together by then.... Hope the fires are staying away from you down there....

 

[JerryK]

Finally pulled it off the pallet I poured it on this morning... THAT is a story in itself, moving a pallet with a ton on it without any weight on the back of my tractor. I was two wheeling most of the time. I will usually operate this weight about six inches off the ground...unless I need to clear something higher... There is a pucker factor when you first drive a tractor with a backhoe on a slope, and this new weight has me cringing in the seat now, too... Especially seeing how tippy a tractor gets with a lot of weight on the loader end...even with the load close to the ground.

 

[jmanatee2]

Thats Cool! Good Job

 

[BeezFun]

I worked with a guy who looked like that ballast. His head was like a block of concrete, the 3pt hooks look like his eyes, and the top link attachment is his mouth.

You do better concrete work than the contractors I've hired. They just do anything to get out and get their money. That's why I end up doing everything myself. I'm curious how much your loader can lift.

 

[rekees4300]

There is a pucker factor when you first drive a tractor with a backhoe on a slope, and this new weight has me cringing in the seat now, too...

A very well done project. :thumbsup: Do be careful around slopes. Also stabilize the block to prevent it from swaying side to side.