Ballast Question on ballast box

[Gizmo2]

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.

You will want the space then, for sure.

 

[UnclePaul]

A cheap way to make a ballast box is get a 30 or 55 gallon drum and a drawl bar hitch cut two holes in the drum to let the drawl bar hitch go through. depending on how much weight you want and what size drum you use. You can cut the drum down. Last you get a piece of c channel steel and drill a hole in it to fit your top link into. fasten the c channel to the drawl bar by welding or you can turn the drawl bar hitch and just bolt the c channel to it. Then just pour the concrete.

 

[ElDorado]

I agree with Uncle Paul. I used a 55 gallon drum and cut it down. I left it 6 inches hirer than the level of the concrete and notched for the top link. This space left an area to carry "stuff"- chain, chainsaw, tools for the job, etc.. I let it go with the last tractor when I sold it, wish now I hadn't oh well. I like the idea of using some scrap pipe to hold tools. I'll go that way with the next ballast barrel.

 

[kennyd]

A cheap way to make a ballast box is get a 30 or 55 gallon drum and a drawl bar hitch cut two holes in the drum to let the drawl bar hitch go through. depending on how much weight you want and what size drum you use. You can cut the drum down. Last you get a piece of c channel steel and drill a hole in it to fit your top link into. fasten the c channel to the drawl bar by welding or you can turn the drawl bar hitch and just bolt the c channel to it. Then just pour the concrete.

I agree with Uncle Paul. I used a 55 gallon drum and cut it down. I left it 6 inches hirer than the level of the concrete and notched for the top link. This space left an area to carry "stuff"- chain, chainsaw, tools for the job, etc.. I let it go with the last tractor when I sold it, wish now I hadn't oh well. I like the idea of using some scrap pipe to hold tools. I'll go that way with the next ballast barrel.

Us JD guy's like pretty things, not just practical ones:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Barely Smokin']

I guess I'll remain the odd man out on this one. I know whatcha mean about side-swiping a car, though. Haven't done it yet, but I can visualize it, for sure. But if I can get the FEL through there, I can get the BB through there. More worried about the rear blade or mower, for that matter. Or log splitter!

I guess if I'm going to spend X on a ballast box, I'd rather spend X on an implement that isn't, literally, dead weight. Maybe a bush hog or a tooth bar or a DVD player with a beer holder or something.

But, like I said previously, I can't outlift my BB---even with my pallet forks---so, for me, I don't need the weight. And as far as hitting things in the woods, I'm satisifed to let 'er bash away.

Don't mean to be contrary and it sounds like you guys have your reasons. But maybe I can persuade a newer owner to join me on the dark side...

 

[Runner]

"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?"

For me, the ballast box is the heaviest thing I have, so if I need max counterweight, I'll select the box. However, my rear mower weighs 675 lbs (and its weight is set farther back), so if it's on there, I'll just use it for ballast. Similarly, if I'm spreading gravel or grading, I'll just use the box blade for ballast, because I'll also probably be using it for the grading also.

I just like having a ballast box for those times when the compactness matters, such as plowing snow or maybe using my boom pole in a tight spot.

Put simply, it's just another tool in the toobox...

 

[mjncad]

Echoing Roy Jackson, I use sand in my ballast box as I can use it for traction on slick surfaces. I keep a military folding shovel jammed into the sand for just that purpose.

Also I like the box's compactness, especially if you are building a berm. As you climb the berm, an implement hanging far off the rear end will hang up on the ground, a ballast box won't unless you have your 3PH dropped to its lowest point.

 

[beenthere]

I also use the ballast box as it is narrow and keeps out of the way of the wing plow when it is mounted.

 

[Gizmo2]

Us JD guy's like pretty things, not just practical ones:laughing::laughing::laughing:

:confused3:
Holy Crap! Who said anything about being practical?:newhere:

 

[Gizmo2]

I guess if I'm going to spend X on a ballast box, I'd rather spend X on an implement that isn't, literally, dead weight.

I think of it this way, Snow Plow Blade/Ballast Box = One Implement or FEL/Ballast Box = One Implement, or Front Fork/Ballast Box = One Implement