Anyone interested in a rear weight box ?

KentT · May 22, 2006

I posted this on my Power Trac site but wanted to make sure it got plenty of visibility...

I'm having a "pin-on" rear weight/ballast box made for my PT-425 and told the guy that I'd ask to see if there was any more interest.

I've tried rear wheel weights (which helped noticeably when lifting heavy materials) but I didn't want to leave that additional weight (and stress) on the machine at all times. I wanted something that I could use for additional weight that could be easily and securely attached, then detached when the addiitional weight is no longer needed..

The box will be 22" wide (same width as the PT), 14" long, and 10" deep. It should be flush with the bottom of the PT's rear belly pan, and being only 10" tall it only go to the top of the "tub" and will still allow the hinged engine cover to open while it is attached. Those dimensions still should be plenty big enough to hold 100+ lbs of steel weights.

It will slide over the PT's rear hitch, fitting snugly up against the rear of the tractor, and be held on by the single factory hitch pin which will be inside the box. It will be made of 12 gauge steel, and have its own hitch tab suitable for pulling a lawn trailer behind it.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I did some "horse-trading" with the guy and he's building i t in the next week or so... I don't have any idea yet of what one might cost.

I'll share pics when it's done, but the guy wanted me to see if others might be interested in one. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

KentT · May 22, 2006

I posted this on my Power Trac site but wanted to make sure it got plenty of visibility...

I'm having a "pin-on" rear weight/ballast box made for my PT-425 and told the guy that I'd ask to see if there was any more interest.

I've tried rear wheel weights (which helped noticeably when lifting heavy materials) but I didn't want to leave that additional weight (and stress) on the machine at all times. I wanted something that I could use for additional weight that could be easily and securely attached, then detached when the addiitional weight is no longer needed..

The box will be 22" wide (same width as the PT), 14" long, and 10" deep. It should be flush with the bottom of the PT's rear belly pan, and being only 10" tall it only go to the top of the "tub" and will still allow the hinged engine cover to open while it is attached. Those dimensions still should be plenty big enough to hold 100+ lbs of steel weights.

It will slide over the PT's rear hitch, fitting snugly up against the rear of the tractor, and be held on by the single factory hitch pin which will be inside the box. It will be made of 12 gauge steel, and have its own hitch tab suitable for pulling a lawn trailer behind it.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I did some "horse-trading" with the guy and he's building i t in the next week or so... I don't have any idea yet of what one might cost.

I'll share pics when it's done, but the guy wanted me to see if others might be interested in one. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Marks481 · May 22, 2006

Is there some structural steel involved, or will the 12 gauge be thick enough to support the weights? What size/source for weights?

Marks481 · May 22, 2006

Is there some structural steel involved, or will the 12 gauge be thick enough to support the weights? What size/source for weights?

KentT · May 22, 2006

I think the 12 gauge steel should be strong enough in these dimensions -- the corners reinforce it, and it is butted up against the PT's tub.

I'm planning on using barbell weights in it, picked up from garage sales... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here's one made out of 12 guage for one of my oldies... it has angle iron on the top, front because that is part of the hitch.

KentT · May 22, 2006

I think the 12 gauge steel should be strong enough in these dimensions -- the corners reinforce it, and it is butted up against the PT's tub.

I'm planning on using barbell weights in it, picked up from garage sales... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here's one made out of 12 guage for one of my oldies... it has angle iron on the top, front because that is part of the hitch.

Beechwood · May 22, 2006

Kent,
How close will it mount to the PT engine cover and will it restrict air flow to the engine cooling fan?

Beechwood · May 22, 2006

Kent,
How close will it mount to the PT engine cover and will it restrict air flow to the engine cooling fan?

KentT · May 22, 2006

It will fit snug up against the back of the tub, down low, below the hinged engine cover. It will restrict the air that comes in through those oval openings. That won't actually effect engine cooling IMO -- at least on the Kohlers -- since they can get plenty of air in through the screened sides. It may make the battery get a bit warmer on my Kohler-powered one, but that's the only thing back there other than the 2 hydraulic pumps and lines...

I'm not sure how it might effect the Robins engines...

Here's a rough sketch that I used when I was first talking to the guy. It's rough, but it'll give you an idea...

KentT · May 22, 2006

It will fit snug up against the back of the tub, down low, below the hinged engine cover. It will restrict the air that comes in through those oval openings. That won't actually effect engine cooling IMO -- at least on the Kohlers -- since they can get plenty of air in through the screened sides. It may make the battery get a bit warmer on my Kohler-powered one, but that's the only thing back there other than the 2 hydraulic pumps and lines...

I'm not sure how it might effect the Robins engines...

Here's a rough sketch that I used when I was first talking to the guy. It's rough, but it'll give you an idea...