Ballast Box Bolt on Receiver

[Noodlez914]

Wanted to get a hitch mounted to my John Deere Ballast box for my 1026R. I have a little trailer I use around the property and figured A receiver hitch mounted to my ballast box will be one more addition to avoiding switchouts for various work I'm doing.

Question is, will the metal wall of the ballast box be ok to support a bolt on receiver hitch? Will I be bellying out the metal when pulling lets say a trailer full of firewood?

I have attached a photo of what i was thinking on mounting.

 

[RoyJackson]

Wanted to get a hitch mounted to my John Deere Ballast box for my 1026R. I have a little trailer I use around the property and figured A receiver hitch mounted to my ballast box will be one more addition to avoiding switchouts for various work I'm doing.

Question is, will the metal wall of the ballast box be ok to support a bolt on receiver hitch? Will I be bellying out the metal when pulling lets say a trailer full of firewood?

I have attached a photo of what i was thinking on mounting.

View attachment 272952

Use large (fender) washers on the inside of the ballast box...or even make up a doubler plate using 1/8th to 1/4 thick plate. The intent is to spread the load as much as possible.
This is probably overkill since the Deere boxes are pretty robust as manufactured.
Something to consider...if you pour concrete in the box, you'll never be able to remove the receiver. You might want to consider a less permanent ballast. As an example, I use sand.

 

[Noodlez914]

I have actually not even used the ballast yet. Just ordered my iMatch so now I will be more inclined to start putting my attachments to use. So I have not filled it with anything yet. Been trying to look around the forums myself and find the smartest move for filler. Did you buy bags of sand? Does that add up price wise? I would like to also utilize the box for finally being able to carry stuff. Chains, hammer, etc. Maybe just cut a board and have it sit on top of the sand? This way the chain and tools aren't sinking into it?

 

[RoyJackson]

When I bought my box (used), it was full of sand...probably 600-700 lbs of it. I shovel out the sand in low traction areas when we get snow.
Sand is cheap. I think I paid $3 for a 50 lb bag, last time I bought some. Since you're just filling the box, I'd find someplace that sells in bulk and get them to deliver (unless you have a pickup or a trailer).
The sand will settle (especially after it gets wet a couple times) and you won't want to fill it to the top...not with a 1026.
As far as tools and such...I just push a shovel handle (or other similar tools) in the sand. Chains just go on top of the sand..but I don't leave chain or tools in the box once I'm finished a task. Smaller tools (hammers and such) go in a tool box setting on the sand...although I've seen pictures of guys welding or bolting boxes to the sides of the ballast box.
One more thing I do suggest...go to your local Harbor Freight and buy one of the wooden furniture dollies. The capacity should be 1000 lbs and cost about $15 (less, if you watch for a sale or have a coupon). When you're not using the ballast box, the dollie makes it a lot easier to move it in your garage.

 

[YesDeere]

Roy

Do you have the JD ballast box? I'm in need of one for the 4310. I'm tired of using my mower or
Box scraper. I would like to go with JD because of the imatch. Which model and how much weight? 800-1000#?

 

[RoyJackson]

Yep, my box is a Deere brand. I bought it used for $90 from an acquaintance. I don't know the model number (if it even has one), but it's a standard box for a Category 1 tractor...nothing special. Works quite well with the Deere quickhitch, BTW.
As far as weight, I think the empty box weighs between 150-200 lbs. I'm estimating it has 600-700 lbs of sand in it now, and could take another 200-300 lbs with no problem.
Since I use my box more for traction then counterweighing heavy loader loads (which I do, but infrequently), the weight works fine.

I think the cost of a new box is about $200 or a bit more. Definitely a worthwhile purchase. I hated using the cutter as counterweight...don't have a box blade, so can't comment on that.
BTW, you'll want the lower link pins bushing kit too. The Deere bushings kit cost over $80!!! I think Agri-Supply sells 'em for about $10.

 

[YesDeere]

Thank you Roy. I think I'll go ahead and order one. I think I will use some info from another thread too. Iirc the guy put PVC in the concrete to hold his shovels and rakes.

 

[catdozer]

The first picture is my box, filled with sand then topped with some cast iron weights from an old 4020 we had years ago. The last 2 is from somebody else here on TBN with the receiver on the inside, you can see the pin on the side of the box that lets the pin out. This is what I want to make eventually, but my flex point receiver does well now.

 

[grnspot110]

I had some old light RR rail laying around & wanted my box up off the ground. So I used a long receiver tube welded to two 1/4" x 2" angel irons which are welded to the RR rails. This is bolted to the box. Also added a plastic chainsaw sheath to one side of the box & two Plastic conduit pieces to the other side for tools. My box has 600+ lbs. of scrap iron (including the rails), leaving around 8" at the top for drawbar, chains, tools, etc. Tray inside is an old galvanized grainery door.

I later added another set of lower pins 5" lower than the originals to raise it higher for loading on the trailer.

I picked up the "barely used" box off CL for $70, but it took quite a while to find one! ~~ grnspot

 

[Noodlez914]

I had some old light RR rail laying around & wanted my box up off the ground. So I used a long receiver tube welded to two 1/4" x 2" angel irons which are welded to the RR rails. This is bolted to the box. Also added a plastic chainsaw sheath to one side of the box & two Plastic conduit pieces to the other side for tools. My box has 600+ lbs. of scrap iron (including the rails), leaving around 8" at the top for drawbar, chains, tools, etc. Tray inside is an old galvanized grainery door.

I later added another set of lower pins 5" lower than the originals to raise it higher for loading on the trailer.

I picked up the "barely used" box off CVL for $70, but it took quite a while to find one! ~~ grnspot

Now that is a nice setup! How did you mount the chainsaw sheath? I would love to do that as well, due to the fact I will be going in and out of my woods cutting timber.