Another Rear Counterweight (Ballast)

[hazmat]

Got tired of dragging my aerator out of the shed to use as counterweight with the FEL and my unloaded turf tires, so I decided to build a dedicated counterweight.

I got my inspiration from several threads here on tbn.

This is my first ever stick welding attempt. A good one too - I get to bury my ugly welds in concrete after I'm done.

The counterweight consists of a Cat 1 Drawbar as the cross member, 2x3 Tubing as the upright, and 2x3 angle to get some bite into the concrete. The tub is 32 gallons (fit 560lb of concrete in it). An 18 gallon tub will sit on top to give another couple hundred pounds. I used some old chainlink fence to bind the two tubs together.

 

[hazmat]

closeup of welds

Before I put the weldment in the tub, I hooked it up to the three point & did the 200# fat man jump test to check if my welds have any strength.

 

[hazmat]

Another Angle

 

[hazmat]

Inside the tub

 

[hazmat]

The only hiccup was that I couldn't sneak the weldment into the tub & had to cut a slot in the side. I used duct tape to hold the tub together for the pour.

 

[hazmat]

This is where the camera battery died. I've poured the concrete into the 32 gallon tub & it has been curing since Sunday. Tonight I'll pour the concrete into the 18 gallon tub & take some more pictures.

For those interested in cost:

Drawbar $20
Steel Free (est $20 actual cost)
Tubs $15
Quickcrete $33

Total $88

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Did you think you can add some HEAVY DUTY casters to the bottom of that so you can roll it around in the garage and make your hook up easier?

 

[hazmat]

Not a bad idea Bob.

 

[Henro]

Interesting concept having a tup on a tub. Look forward to seeing the pictures to come.

I looked at the pictures first before reading everything and was wondering what the top of that "Christmas tree" was sticking out for... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good job. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[hazmat]

<font color="blue">Interesting concept having a tup on a tub </font>

The reason for "tub on tub" construction (maybe I should patent it /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) is that I wanted the weight to be quick hitch compatible which means that the centerline of the toplink connection should be 15" above the lift arm centerline.

A larger single tub or barrel would be taller than 15" and prevent this. Someday I hope to get a quick hitch.