Ballast Rack Idea

[Brack]

Greetings All,
I have an idea that I'd like to bounce off the experts online. I'm looking to add cement to my ballast box, but also plan to insert lengths of PVC pipe to hold a couple of lawn tools vertically within the cement. I'd like feedback on the use of cement in the ballast box. Yes, I know it's quite permanent, but is there any downside in terms of corrosion between the ballast box and cement? Thanks and I appreciate your experiences and suggestions.

 

[slaveToHorses]

Good idea!
You will loose a little weight since you will have holes in the concrete.
I would angle the holes slightly to the rear. That way the tools will not rotate around as much and will keep them from banging against the tractor (and you). It will also make them easier to insert/extract.

I have a new ballast box that I haven't filled yet so I may do the same thing. John Deere recommends filling with concrete so I guess it's ok. I was planning on adding a polymer waterproofing compound so it doesn't absorb water. I did the same thing when I made my concrete pond. You can also surface the concrete with waterproofing. That should take care of rust worries.

 

[gordon21]

I don't know if you will store the ballast box outside. Consider what your plan will be for the rain water that will accumulate in the bottom of the PVC tubes. If the tubes are uncapped, the water will soak into the concrete and migrate it's way to the steel bottom. If you cap them before pouring concrete, you will be making several little mosquito condos. Option three would be to drill drain holes all the way from the bottom of the tubes through the steel bottom of the ballast box. You need to know your plan before you start mixing concrete....

 

[Brack]

Slave,
I love the suggestions for the "block II" version of the ballast box tool rack. I would have gone vertical with the tubes, but diagonals would spread out the tools heads and make for easier access. I'll just pour deeper cement to make up for the lost mass due to the tubes. As far as the storage concerns, I'm able to keep all of my implements inside, but drilling holes would make great sense for outside storage. I had planned on putting some "liner" in the box. I'm not sure it's needed or just for my piece of mind /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[slaveToHorses]

Hey good point Lewis /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Even if it is stored inside, it's going to get rained on or washed at some point, that's for sure.
I think if I do this, I will drill the holes first and then cut the pipes so they fit flush to the bottom. Maybe silicone them in place prior to the pour.
Also probably good to make the pipes so they end above the concrete line. That will make it easier to keep the mud out of the pipes during the pour.

Ok, one more idea. Form some heavy wire hooks that hang over the back edge of the ballast box. Maybe from rebar?
Use these for hanging gear on the back. If they are heavy enough you could also use them to add free weights from that old set you don't use any more /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kennyd]

I did exactly what you are talking about!
I used 3 3" PVC tubes in my box, then drove it to the local rental place that does the U-Cart Redi-mix concrete, and had them fill it! They thought I was nuts, but it was alot easier than mixing all those bags! They charged me $40.00 IIRC...

As for a liner, don't bother, that box will be around longer than you and I put together without a liner. But, seal the inside seams with caulk or duct tape or the water will run out of the box when your pour the concrete and make a mess before it cures (Don't ask me how I know...)

Oh, I keep chains usually in the tubes...