Ballast Ballast questions for using FEL for "green" user

NewDeere · May 2, 2005

Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

OK, just took delivery on my new JD 4210 with 420 loader, LX5 Rotary cutter, 5' box blade, etc. Dealer "threw in" a ballast box but wasn't real clear on how to use it. Pretty excited to get out and use the thing to clean up a barn yard but want to be safe with the loader.

Questions:
1) Is the box blade enough weight to balance the loader?
2) If not, what do I fill the ballast box with?
3) How much weight do I need to use? (note: I don't have the manual for the loader yet as it was "misplaced" by the dealer and JD is supposedly shipping one to me)

Thanks for helping out a rookie who is very "green" to tractors.

txhawg · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

( 1) Is the box blade enough weight to balance the loader?

Probably not, but depends on what you want to lift with the loader. The manual says you need a a combination of wheel weights, filled tires and a bunch of weight in the ballast box.

( 2) If not, what do I fill the ballast box with?

Well, something really heavy (concrete, lead, free weight plates, combination of all three, etc.)

( 3) How much weight do I need to use? )

Well, I was going to use my mother-in-law, but then I found out I only need 1100 lbs. I thought about cutting her in half, but the wife said I coudn't buy a backhoe to bury the other half. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

keeney · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

I suspect that you need to put at least 800 to 1000 lbs on the back of a 4210 for full oader capacity.

Dirt, and dirt-like things like stone, sand, and concrete typically weigh between 120 and 150 lbs per cubic foot, so you will need 6 or more cubic feet of concrete or sand in the ballast box. I am not sure how big the JD ballast box is, but it doesn't look like 6 cubic feet in the pictures I have seen. You may need to partially fill it with somehting more dense like steel, iron, or lead.

Some of the JD user manuals are available on-line on the JD site.

- Rick

NewDeere · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

Thanks txhawg; maybe I can take the other half of your mother-in-law for my ballast box. Save you having to dig that big hole. But then again, she might not fit.

Seriously, anyone have a recomendation on where to get lead to fill a ballast box with? I agree with the other guy that replied that the JD ballast box I got will not hold 6 cubic feet; probably more like 3-4.

Has anyone ever tried hanging suitcase weights somewhere on a box blade for ballast? I bet it weighs close to 500 lbs. by itself.

rockyridgefarm · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

Here is the manual, while you wait for yours...

420,430,460 manual

beenthere · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

I have the 4300 with the 430 loader, and I have the tires filled with windshield washer fluid (maybe 400#) and the ballast box full of washed rock. It does the trick for most of what I pick up but I can get into situations and pick up more than that and get the rear end light. I just found a source of lead weights (wheel weights) and am considering replacing the washed rock with the lead. The ballast box can be fitted with 8" extensions to make it hold more as well. If I get an opportunity to fill it with concrete, I will do that (had that opportunity last year and completely forgot where I could have used some of the extra crete). If you fill the box, I'd consider the iMatch as an 'essential' tool to get, as it makes dropping the ballast box and picking it up a 10 second job. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The ballast box makes moving around with the tractor much easier than with a blade hanging on the back, IMO. Keeps the weight closer to the tractor. But then having the blade on the back to help clean up the barnyard is a handy combination along with the FEL bucket. So go have some fun. Remember to drop the loader quickly if at any moment you detect the rear wheels are lifting (its a floating sensation /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ).

JDFANATIC · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

NewDeere,

I filled the ballast box on my 2210 with concrete. Aside from a heavy dense metal like lead, that would give you the most bang for your buck. I taped the inside joints with duct tape and used posthole mix (you know put the mix in and then add water). Though this was really easy, if I were to do it again, I would get a better grade of concrete and mix it first before filling the ballast box. Not that it really makes any difference, but this last winter; freezing and thawing etc, made the top layer crack and spall. It doesn't effect anything, but it doesn't look that good. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

kennyd · May 2, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

I have my BB filled with concrete. I went to the local rental center that does the premixed "U-Cart" concrete, backed the BB under the chute and they filled it up. Cost about $42.00.
Just drove home real slow and easy. I should have taped the inside seems as suggested above, but not to much oozed out.

You can also use portland cement, it is heavier by volume.

deereman63 · May 3, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

I filled my box with concrete. I "wrote" on the surface the weight that I had added for future reference.

Dave4410 · May 6, 2005

Re: Ballast questions for using FEL for \"green\" user

Mine is filled with 3/4" crushed stone from my driveway. I have never wanted for more counterweight even with a full bucket of crushed stone. When not on the tractor, I keep the BB on a dolly in the garage. The dolly makes lining the box up with the 3PH a breeze.