Ballast Block

[DownFromDaDam]

I plan on pouring a concrete ballast block with a 2-point hitch inside of it as well as rebar and fiberglass for strength. Has anybody done this and if so, did the fiberglass keep the corners from crumbling off?

 

[oosik]

View attachment 580876 This is my "weight blob" - around 480#. I use that center chain to lift and place it on implements - mainly my disk harrow. See how the corner has crumbled off. I know that rebar and fiberglass will add strength but I don't know if it would protect the corners. Mine have lost corners because I bump the blob into stuff moving/loading/unloading.

If you really need to protect the ballast block - you should consider an outer steel container - a steel drum or similar container.

Also - being outside in the winter weather hasn't helped either. But its just a weight blob and life for a blob is pretty tough around these parts.


By the way - Welcome to TBN and the forum. It will be helpful for future posts if you would update your profile with your location.

 

[Zebrafive]

Different question; anything need to ensure the wood forms come off OK? I am thinking of using the OSB with the slick side in. Reinforced with 2x4s.

 

[cat fever]

Different question; anything need to ensure the wood forms come off OK? I am thinking of using the OSB with the slick side in. Reinforced with 2x4s.

Use diesel fuel or oil and the forms will pop right off.

For the OP;
I did not use fiberglass for the corners. I did make them all 45 degree's and no problems with them crumbling apart.

 

[Oldoak]

Use diesel fuel or oil and the forms will pop right off.

For the OP;
I did not use fiberglass for the corners. I did make them all 45 degree's and no problems with them crumbling apart.

That is exactly the way I formed the corners on my counter weight block. By beveling the corners like that, not only will it prevent crumbling but also will not chip away should you hit something while making a sharp turn or backing into an object. And possibly hurt less than a sharp corner (like when hitting your shin against it).

I lined the interior of the box form with left over 6 mil plastic sheeting that I had left over instead using oil or grease as a release agent. Used a staple gun to fasten the plastic sheeting.

 

[WranglerX]

I just welded up a 2x2x1 ft steel frame from angle iron bed frames and cut panels from a remnant piece of 16 (maybe 12) gauge plate and filled it with 8 60 lb bags Sacrete... Total cost about $36 ... Probably weighs in at about 500 pounds...

Dale

 

[Code54]

It also seems the paint helps keep it from breaking apart over time. Keeps the water out of the small cracks.

 

[groundcover]

I made one once out of an old steel water tank. Cut the tank off at the height I wanted and left the concrete down from the top a few inches, handy to throw a chain in etc.

 

[oosik]

Man -you two guys, Oldoak & cat fever, have weight blocks that are show quality. Mine sits out in the weather slowly disintegrating. But then - I only use mine when I use the disk harrow. Maybe once every three to five years. I always have my Rhino 950 @ 1100 pounds on the 3-point.

 

[davedj1]

Use diesel fuel or oil and the forms will pop right off.

For the OP;
I did not use fiberglass for the corners. I did make them all 45 degree's and no problems with them crumbling apart.


View attachment 580880

Not to get off topic but how much does this block weigh? Or a 50 gal barrel? I have a Kubota 2850 and I have been thinking about making one.