Ballast box build

[cperky]

I’m lucky to have access to a free welder at work and free scrap metal. I’m in the process of having a box built out of available materials. 3/4 inch thick plate on bottom and 1/2 inch thick plate on sides. All steel. How high off the ground should I put the lift arm pins? Picture to come in the near future.

 

[WranglerX]

Lift arm pin height will be determined by how low (or high) your 3PH hitch can/will go.... IF you can not set box on ground (flat surface) and unhook it, it means you have to put box on pallet or blocks to disconnect.... I made mistake of putting pins to low and had to add 3 inch square tubing under box so I can set it on ground and disconnect pins.... Having to locate a pallet or blocks to get box off can at times be a real pain and then there is the alignment and balance issue with pallet or blocks.... Yes I got dumb and tipped my ballast box over and at 600 pounds it was more weight than the lift capacity of my SCUT's FEL, what a pain to get it upright....

Drop 3PH hitch all the way down and measure from ball ends or hooks on your Pat's or Quick Hitch and put pins on box a couple of inches HIGHER (+/-) than that measurement .. Keeping in mind you have to have all the weight of box off the 3PH to remove box...

 

[old and tired]

Lowest I would go is 6" from the bottom of the pin. Do you have a quick hitch or Pat's quick connect set up. You need to be below the pins before you can lift up. If you want to see how NOT to do it; I can show you mine (where I can only set it down on 6x6 blocks!!!

 

[i7win7]

You may want to set blocks in front of tree so you don't nock it over when reconnecting. 3pt travels in an arc, try to adjust blocks so connect/disconnect is in center of travel. Someday when lumber prices come down you may want to build a stand for it.

other ideas/pics here

Ideas to make implements QH compatible

Get the most benefit from your quick hitch. Buying new get QH compatible. Here is a photo of an implement whose manufacturer has their act together. Note how it's designed for cat 1 & 2. Also the lift arm spacing can be adjusted. Some "QH compatible" only need minor modification. This TSC...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[cperky]

Lowest I would go is 6" from the bottom of the pin. Do you have a quick hitch or Pat's quick connect set up. You need to be below the pins before you can lift up. If you want to see how NOT to do it; I can show you mine (where I can only set it down on 6x6 blocks!!!

I currently don’t have a quick hitch or pats setup but am considering purchasing one or the other. I’ll probably space the lift pins to be compatible just in case I decide on a quick hitch in the future.

 

[cperky]

You may want to set blocks in front of tree so you don't nock it over when reconnecting. 3pt travels in an arc, try to adjust blocks so connect/disconnect is in center of travel. Someday when lumber prices come down you may want to build a stand for it.
View attachment 698645

other ideas/pics here

Ideas to make implements QH compatible

Get the most benefit from your quick hitch. Buying new get QH compatible. Here is a photo of an implement whose manufacturer has their act together. Note how it's designed for cat 1 & 2. Also the lift arm spacing can be adjusted. Some "QH compatible" only need minor modification. This TSC...

www.orangetractortalks.com

That’s a great idea with the wooden stand! I appreciate the link to the OTT thread as well. Good information!

 

[i7win7]

I currently don’t have a quick hitch or pats setup but am considering purchasing one or the other. I’ll probably space the lift pins to be compatible just in case I decide on a quick hitch in the future.

Pricey but quick & dirty way to get the lift arm spacing

Amazon.com : Braber Equipment 3-Point Drawbar - Category 1, 31 5/8in.L, Model Number 1002DB : Automotive Hitch Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Braber Equipment 3-Point Drawbar - Category 1, 31 5/8in.L, Model Number 1002DB : Automotive Hitch Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

When you haven't learned to weld, you think differently

8000lb superwinch 3pt attachment

 

[p0diabl0]

That's the first attachment I've seen that has made me audibly say "WTF". But if it works it works. I hope you used a whole lot of loctite.

 

[WranglerX]

Now I know why local store was out of drawbars when I needed one....

 

[i7win7]

Now I know why local store was out if drawbars when I needed one....

If 2005, yep it was me, about $26 each back then