Removing dirt and going with concrete for barn.

[quicksandfarmer]

So what happens if you drop something small into the tool holder pipe? Do you have to flip the ballast (or the tractor!) to get it out?

 

[cat fever]

Did not really think about that. :confused3: My guess would be to stick the hose of the shop vac down there and suck it out. :laughing:

 

[civilian]

So what happens if you drop something small into the tool holder pipe? Do you have to flip the ballast (or the tractor!) to get it out?

If it is steel, use a magnet. Jon

 

[seasled]

Did not really think about that. :confused3: My guess would be to stick the hose of the shop vac down there and suck it out. :laughing:

I would also think about drilling drain holes in the tool holes. You know that's how the old farmers split the big rocks in the field, drill a hole, fill with water, wait for winter, viola!

 

[k0ua]

Ideally, you put your 2 inch pvc all the way to the bottom of the form covered with some duct tape on the end and with a 1/4 inch bolt near the end bolted across the opening. The 1/4 inch bolt will stop the handle of the tool from falling out the end, and when the duct tape is removed from the bottom, all dirt, debris, small objects and water will just fall out the remainder of the hole.

 

[aczlan]

Eddie,
I have been accused of many many things, genius was never one of them.:laughing: It's only because I seen others on here make them that way.

James,
I will have to set my ballast box on something about 6" inches high when not in use. I "engineered" it so I can let the 3 point all the way down and it will still be off the ground about 4". In my head it was "low center of gravity." If needed I can always lift it a little.
I have used my Spring Tooth Harrow and Disc Harrow as a counter weight. I'll be a little more direct, it sucked, always watching everything so close so as to not hit anything. Case in point, here's a picture.

Might I suggest a cut down pallet to set it on?
That way if you have your forks on, you can pick it up and move it without needing to get it hooked up to the 3 point...

Aaron Z

 

[cat fever]

Ideally, you put your 2 inch pvc all the way to the bottom of the form covered with some duct tape on the end and with a 1/4 inch bolt near the end bolted across the opening. The 1/4 inch bolt will stop the handle of the tool from falling out the end, and when the duct tape is removed from the bottom, all dirt, debris, small objects and water will just fall out the remainder of the hole.

James;
Now ya tell me. I considered putting the pipes all the way down, the thought of putting a bolt cross ways never entered my pea sized brain.:laughing: I am not to concerned, unless being used it will always be stored indoors.:thumbsup:

aczlan;
I am going to store it on some 6x6 pieces of post left over from the barn build. Placed just right I can still lift it with the forks if needed. Thanks for the thought, I'll make sure I always put the post ends so I can lift it if needed.

seasled;
Welcome to the forum. Since I'll be storing it indoors, (and living in a bone dry climate) drain holes should not be needed.
Good luck on finding a tractor that fits your needs.:thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

aczlan;
I am going to store it on some 6x6 pieces of post left over from the barn build. Placed just right I can still lift it with the forks if needed. Thanks for the thought, I'll make sure I always put the post ends so I can lift it if needed.

That should work. Since I got a walk behind forklift and three-point forks for the tractor, I have been discovering many uses for forks and it's amazing how much work they can save.

Aaron Z

 

[cat fever]

I agree, I can't imagine not having the forks. I use them all the time.

 

[cat fever]

I figured my ballast box has had enough curing time. (3.5 weeks) So I did a job of moving a small pile of road base and filling in a couple holes around my place.
WOW, is how I would describe the difference in how the tractor performed with the box on. Not only did it stay planted to the ground while lifting a full bucket load, it had a lot more traction moving into the pile of road base.
I'm sure those of you that use a ballast box are nodding your heads thinking, yea, we already knew all that. So for those who do not have a ballast box, go ahead and build or buy one. You will not regret it.:thumbsup: