Counter Weight

[oosik]

ripHST - be certain your ballast is secured. Don't want any ballast falling off when you are in the middle of a heavy lift.

 

[ripHST]

thanks oosik. yeah, it'll be contained....just haven't gotten to it yet. I have a hitch receiver to install and the rear bolts will be behind the covers......I had to get more hardware before I could button it all up.

 

[marq]

No other implements, no engine blocks or weights laying around, tires are not loaded it's used 99% for cutting grass.

What I do have are some large sections of logs. Granted not as heavy as steel but thinking to find the largest piece, drill a hole for spreader bar. All I'm looking for is a couple hundred pounds of bonus ballast.

 

[KennyG]

Using several hundred pounds of logs as counterweight sounds really awkward to me. Here is what I did. I built a 3 point hitch receiver. You can buy them for $100 or so but I built this for a lot less.

It's reversible so I can have it close or extended. I can put on a various carrying platforms, etc. or I can just use the concrete weights I have cast. I usually just use the big block mounted close, but if I think I need more weight, I cast these "suitcase" type weights also.

Whatever it's worth it for you to do, but I think the log approach will be annoying if you use it often.

 

[toolslinger]

Well, you could try the log... Worst case is you're out some time, and get annoyed by it.
Start trolling Craigslist, or FB Marketplace and search for "weight". There are a number of units near me that I've been eyeing up to deal with ballast issues I have... A couple old small crane counterweights (800# each), and some stacking weights the guy listed as for a JD, also in the 800# range (never seen them before).

I did just finally snap a couple days ago, and just ordered a pallet of MF suitcase weights from EA... Not the cheapest solution, but they'll just hook on, and the folks selling used suitcase weights around me seem to think their units are gold plated... I'm getting 13 new delivered to my company for what one guy wanted for 6 used and he was 2+ hours away...

 

[npalen]

Are you rear tires loaded?

I've seen V8 engine block use for counter balance.

Might want to tie that V8 into the PTO shaft for extra horsepower! I can see it now with a blower and headers! Think Tim the Tool Man.

Edit: Can you imagine inputting 1000 HP into a 540 PTO at 6000 RPM?

 

[ripHST]

Since your counterweight needs are modest ("couple hundred pounds"), I'll make another case for a carry-all. Personally, I'm a big fan of dual purpose equipment and even a relatively simple carry-all (frame with platform and back) should give you that much weight. Then you have the utility of throwing tools or materials on it (or additional weight when you need it). win-win. but....if you're just looking for the weight and want to keep expense at a minimum, or work in tight quarters where a carry-all would be in the way, it's hard to beat the other suggestions here....concrete, recycled weights and steel, etc.

 

[marq]

Actually what I ended up doing is just hooking up the utility trailer to the 3-point. Yes it's a pain but I have the room around the building to make approaches and for the limited need it works and cost absolutely nothing.

Once I get the new garage built I'll have more room to store stuff and not feel so bad that items are sitting outside.