Ballast Box vs Suitcase Weights - HeavyHitch Inbound!

[deathtoblackberries]

Decided to bag the idea of purchasing a ballast box, nobody had one in stock locally so today I ordered a Heavy Hitch with suitcase weight bar instead. My local Kubota dealer has the 55lb suitcase weights in stock at a decent price $60. Anyone else own one of these? How has it held up?

 

[Dan33Klein]

Heavy hitches are known for being very good quality. What tractor are you using it on?
The 55lb weights won’t add up to much...

 

[deathtoblackberries]

BX2380 8x55lb plus hitch 55lb = 495lb

 

[Dan33Klein]

Sounds good, will work great for your bx!
I made one myself when I had my John Deere 455, and then bx2370. Worked great. You’ll find yourself using the 2” receiver more than you think.

 

[teg]

Only "issue" I can see (which might be a bonus) is that the weight is very close to the tractor. The farther back the weight is, the better effect as a counter weight it is. Why not just use a box blade for weight? or another implement... even a carryall and load it up with (free) rocks.

 

[the old grind]

Weight rack will surely do more good than loaded tires, and would be easier to 'drop off' if MMM is a "last resort". (a 'compromise', IMO)

t o g agrees with teg. A box blade hangs farther back and is a common and commendable tool for its combo of weight, size, and utility. (sleeper snow weapon, shhh..) BX2380 w/FEL won't be hostling round bales soon, will it? :laughing: I bot another CUT to not take the BB of my 'core' machine (35hp, front remotes, SSQA) except for tilling.

We want to do our best not to apply big ag bits where not the best o'all on CUTs, just as we don't buy a 3PH log splitter to save a few bucks, and then tie up a 50hp tractor using it.

btw, DTB, your recent posts are much fun, even if you weren't inviting our help to spend yer dough. And extra points for a most relevant thread title that will surely ease finding this topic when searched. :thumbsup: (you ROCK, Doc!)

 

[deathtoblackberries]

Thanks teg, TOG, I have zero use for a box blade ahahaha half the forum just fainted. I need to drop all the weight for mowing the primary duty of this tractor. Well and driving my neighbors fence line spraying their **** blackberries :muttering: with chemical DEATH.

 

[ovrszd]

I built (cobbled up) a weight rack that doubles as ballast. I store my suitcase weights on it. I use a Quick Hitch so hitching/unhitching is done without leaving the seat.

The hitch you are buying could easily have legs added that would allow you to set it down with the weights intact using a Quick Hitch. Very handy attachment that way.

Not sure of your location, maybe stop by the local dealerships around, older the better, and ask about used suitcase weights for sale? Or watch farm sales if you have any locally? Lastly, get to know your local scrap yard. I've bought several hundred pounds of suitcase weights from the scrap yard. Last batch I paid .10 cents per pound.

 

[deathtoblackberries]

I found some suitcase weights on my local craigslist...for the same price as sold new at my dealer lol our craigslist is way over priced. One guy was selling a Grizzly lathe for more than what Grizzly sells them for...wait for it...because he had cleaned all the shipping grease off for you, I kid you not lol.

 

[ovrszd]

I found some suitcase weights on my local craigslist...for the same price as sold new at my dealer lol our craigslist is way over priced. One guy was selling a Grizzly lathe for more than what Grizzly sells them for...wait for it...because he had cleaned all the shipping grease off for you, I kid you not lol.

Yeah, I hear that a lot from different parts of the country. I'm pretty fortunate here. Used items sell for used price!!!! Update your progress with this. Always interested to see weight solutions!!!!