Ballast Question on ballast box

[JDGreenGrass]

My box is full of cement, roughly 600lbs. on the back of my 770.

It does wonders for traction and the overall operation of using the loader is a great improvement over having no ballast weight. Definately saves the front axle under heavy loads in the bucket and it helps with "digging into" a gravel pile or a snow bank.

Love my jd balast box.

Put a hook in the center of the cement for picking it up without having to hook up to the 3pt. hitch.

When in storage keep it on wheels (on a cart).

 

[RoyJackson]

Just be sure to remove the box before the loader otherwise you won't have any steering.

And definitely install the loader before hooking up the ballast box!!
I screwed up when I first got the box. Rigged it to the 3ph, lifted it to turn the tractor around (to install the loader). When I lifted it...or tried to...the front of the 790 just came up off it's front tires...fast, too!

 

[Labrat]

I did the same thing in the barn one day. I knew I screwed up when I was looking at the ceiling.

 

[Runner]

I used concrete, mainly because I had a couple of old bags of sak crete sitting around that had partially hardened up and needed to be used. However, just in case I decide to remove it at some future date, I first lined the box with a couple of layers of plastic sheet, then, put in four bags of concrete in "lifts" with a layer of plastic sheet between every two bags. That way, I figure I can remove it if I ever decide I need to by smacking it with a hammer and chisel a couple of times.

The plastic liner has the added advantage of sealing up the box seams to keep the liquid from leaking out during the pour process.

I wanted to still be able to vary the amount of weight in the box, so I only used four bags of sak crete. The remainder of the box holds (8) 42# JD cast iron suitcase weights. Total weight is 809 lbs. with all the weights in place. This also gives me a good place to store the weight when not in use.

 

[Barely Smokin']

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

On my little 'ole 790, anyway, I've found that my FEL can't lift more weight than my BB can offset. And that's with the extra shims in.

Simply don't need a BB? Worried about size? Cost? Bigger tractor than a 790?

Just curious....

 

[Aaron_D]

On the inital question, Mine is filled with portland cement. No regrets filling it. If i need lighter i can always keep my eye out for a cheap used box but as of right now, I either want the weight, or not. Never inbetween.

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

Went ballast box because its the most compact method of having weight out back. I store my tractor in the garage and keep the ballast box on the rear all winter to add traction. A box blade would be a pain to walk around all the time. I also play in a wooded area on my land. A box blade is just one more thing to catch on a tree in tight areas.

 

[kennyd]

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

On my little 'ole 790, anyway, I've found that my FEL can't lift more weight than my BB can offset. And that's with the extra shims in.

Simply don't need a BB? Worried about size? Cost? Bigger tractor than a 790?

Just curious....

Went ballast box because its the most compact method of having weight out back. I store my tractor in the garage and keep the ballast box on the rear all winter to add traction. A box blade would be a pain to walk around all the time. I also play in a wooded area on my land. A box blade is just one more thing to catch on a tree in tight areas.

Exactly my reason. It's small, compact and weights a lot!

 

[Gizmo2]

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

On my little 'ole 790, anyway, I've found that my FEL can't lift more weight than my BB can offset. And that's with the extra shims in.

Simply don't need a BB? Worried about size? Cost? Bigger tractor than a 790?

Just curious....

Ever back into one of your vehicles? The ballast box does not hang out the sides or out the back near as far.

 

[RoyJackson]

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

On my little 'ole 790, anyway, I've found that my FEL can't lift more weight than my BB can offset. And that's with the extra shims in.

Simply don't need a BB? Worried about size? Cost? Bigger tractor than a 790?

Just curious....

Heaviest implement I have is a LandPride 5' Cutter. Weighs in about 630 lbs...but extends out (from the lower links) 8 feet, give or take a foot. Gizmo wrote it right...ever hit something?
Ballast box is much more compact, keeping the weight closer to the rear axle thus more traction.

 

[beenthere]

Just out of curiosity, guys, why do you all use ballast boxes instead of just a heavy attachment, like a box blade, that has an additional use?

On my little 'ole 790, anyway, I've found that my FEL can't lift more weight than my BB can offset. And that's with the extra shims in.

Simply don't need a BB? Worried about size? Cost? Bigger tractor than a 790?

Just curious....

To curious
I'd rather have the smaller attachment for the rear, than have the width of the BB to worry about hitting something as it swings around.

Filled my ballast box with washed gravel stones, thinking that I didn't want permanancy of concrete. But in 9 years, haven't moved any stones out for any reason, so the next chance I have extra 'crete, it will go in the ballast box. And thanks for the ideas for putting in tubes in the corners, and pre-drilling some drain holes.