Compact durable FEL counterweight

ransonjd · Apr 15, 2020

I'm using my grapple (54" EA single lid wicked root grapple) on a DK4510HS to pull out invasive Asian Bush Honeysuckle from an overgrown forest. I've got my technique down so most of the plants come out pretty easily, but occasionally I come across an older one with roots underneath boulders in the soil. I don't have much option on these but grabbing from above and lifting. Those roots have enough strength to lift my fluid filled rear wheels if I pull straight up with the FEL.

Unfortunately, my flail mower is wider than my tractor, and can't be maneuvered in the forest. So, I can't use it as a counterweight. What's an inexpensive option to get some weight behind my rear tires? I have a couple preferences, in decreasing importance order

1. I don't want another project. Setup shouldn't be complicated.

2. It needs to work well.

3. It needs to be compact and durable. The honeysuckle is surrounded by trees, rock walls, and random boulders.

4. It needs to be relatively inexpensive.

5. Ideally, it would be multipurpose, and be useful for something other than being heavy.

Any suggestions? I've been considering a boulder (I have plenty) chained to a 1000lb TSC carry-all, but I fear that it will fall goals 1 and 2.

Thanks!

hosspuller · Apr 15, 2020

An old steel drum. Attach a bar for your 3 point and top link. Find a concrete recycling place for used rebar. It's heavier than plain concrete. Fill your drum with rebar, pour some sand into it to keep the bars from shifting or use concrete for permanent weight.

Slowpoke Slim · Apr 15, 2020

How about a 3 pt hitch pallet fork with a 250-300 gal plastic IBC tote on the forks?

Then fill the tote with water to your desired ballast weight and go have at it.

Rmart30 · Apr 15, 2020

you could do this with a 55 gal drum... B2650 ballast box - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

WranglerX · Apr 15, 2020

How about a bunch of old barbell weights....

I just bit the bullet welded up 2x2x1 box from some old angle iron bed frame and found enough sheet steel to make all the panels... Concrete weighs in at about 150 pounds per cubic foot.... Mine came out at about 600 pounds.... I know you don't want another project but buying a $300 to $400 empty premade ballast box seems just a little to much....

There are some threads on site about adding ballast... Probably should try search feature... OR Google IMAGES...

tractor rear ballast - Google Search

Dale

oosik · Apr 16, 2020

I went thru a similar thought process with the Ford 1700 that I had for 27 years and again with the Kubota M6040 that I bought in 2009. My property - 80 acres - is open grass land with stands of ancient Ponderosa pines. I favored the "multiple use" idea.

Both tractors had/have a rear blade for counterweight. Now with the Kubota M6040 it's a 1010# Rhino rear blade. I've never had a problem getting in and around my trees. If it ever becomes a problem - either drop the rear blade or turn it 90 degrees and lock it.

newbury · Apr 16, 2020

Slowpoke Slim said:
How about a 3 pt hitch pallet fork with a 250-300 gal plastic IBC tote on the forks?

Then fill the tote with water to your desired ballast weight and go have at it.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Or pour dry sand in it till you find the right balance

Deere Dude · Apr 16, 2020

Just use a regular ballast box which are compact for woods work. They look nice plus and you can easily fill them with concrete. You can add PVC pipes to carry shovels etc plus you can imbed a scabbard for your chainsaw. can add a receiver tube for a ball for pulling trailers behind of hooks for chains.

countrybumpkin · Apr 16, 2020

Do a google image search for “Home built ballast box” you’ll come up many ideas take some of those and come up with something that works for your needs.