Custom ballast boxes

[Luke82]

I know there have been quite a few custom ballast boxes built and shared in various threads because I've looked at a bunch of them. I'm hoping to get a consolidated listing going as I'm sure there are ones out there I haven't seen and probably many more that some of you have built, but haven't shared on here yet.

A ballast box is probably the most underrated piece of equipment IMO. Many of us, myself included, just throw something heavy like a box blade on the back when doing loader work. However, I've seen some really awesome custom ones out there with everything from integrated trailer hitches, hooks for logging chains, pvc tubes embedded in the concrete to create storage for shovels, rakes, and other stuff.

Please share some pics of your creations so those like myself that want something custom, but aren't that creative, can get some ideas of what can be done.

 

[i7win7]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diy+my+way+carry+all

A Ballast Box for My Kubota – DIY My Way

#7 Kubota B261 " Ballast Counter Weight Build " Part 1 - YouTube

 

[RBLapham]

For those with a LT here is my solution http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/1142650-deere-x300-weight-box.html

 

[WranglerX]

This was my creation... 2x2x1 ft... Four 2 inch ABS tubes for tool holders (spray can caps to keep crud out of tubes), and weighing in somewhere around 500 (plus) pounds .. Tractor is a SCUT weighing at about 1400 pound's... Made it QH compatible.... And I [normally] use "check chains" to keep it where I want so it does not creep down to where it drags on the ground.... Also lift hoop in case I need to pick it up if it falls over or move it for some reason and not on QH....



Dale

 

[MF RED in MT]

I know there have been quite a few custom ballast boxes built and shared in various threads because I've looked at a bunch of them. I'm hoping to get a consolidated listing going as I'm sure there are ones out there I haven't seen and probably many more that some of you have built, but haven't shared on here yet.

A ballast box is probably the most underrated piece of equipment IMO. Many of us, myself included, just throw something heavy like a box blade on the back when doing loader work. However, I've seen some really awesome custom ones out there with everything from integrated trailer hitches, hooks for logging chains, pvc tubes embedded in the concrete to create storage for shovels, rakes, and other stuff.

Please share some pics of your creations so those like myself that want something custom, but aren't that creative, can get some ideas of what can be done.

This is what I built...

KC

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/190530-made-3-point-weight-box.html?highlight=

 

[Luke82]

Thanks guys! Some great stuff there!

 

[ovrszd]

Do you use suitcase weights? I built a rack to store my suitcase weights that is also Quick Hitch compatible so I can carry it for rear ballast. I'll try to get some pics.

 

[D2Cat]

I helped a friend get a weight set out of his basement and he gave me the weights. I had an old dirt scoop, so I modified it a bit and made it to hold the weights. Totals 1100 lbs.

 

[lostcause]

I just did mine this week. Well, I’ll call it 90% done. I’m not going to paint it until spring. I want to make sure I don’t have the urge to make any modifications or additions after I paint it. It holds 30 4x8x16 blocks and is quick hitch compatible. I had 18 blocks on hand and most of the steel I have had for over 2 decades. It’s in the ballpark of 1100 lbs. I cut and drilled everything first so it made assembly easy.

 

[old and tired]

I've removed the pipes, added more weight and topped it off with a manhole cover. 800#?

 

[srs]

Here's mine, basic concrete filled ballast with some barbell weights placed inside. I'm guessing around 700 lbs =/-, not completely sure. I wish I had a crane scale to weigh it to know the exact weight.

 

[lostcause]

Here's mine, basic concrete filled ballast with some barbell weights placed inside. I'm guessing around 700 lbs =/-, not completely sure. I wish I had a crane scale to weigh it to know the exact weight.

if you like doing math you could probably get a pretty close estimate. you can tell how much steel you had weight wise, and also the volume based on the size of the weights and bars used. figure the overall volume of the box, subtract the volume of the steel, and that is the concrete volume. figure 135 lb/ft3 for concrete and 490 lb/ft3 for steel/iron.

 

[srs]

if you like doing math you could probably get a pretty close estimate. you can tell how much steel you had weight wise, and also the volume based on the size of the weights and bars used. figure the overall volume of the box, subtract the volume of the steel, and that is the concrete volume. figure 135 lb/ft3 for concrete and 490 lb/ft3 for steel/iron.

Thanks lostcause, I'm not a huge fan of math (like my wife is) but what I did was add up the different barbell weights, (easy), placed any metal I used (angle, rebar, etc.) on a bath scale and wrote that down. I then figured the amount of concrete I used to get an approximate total weight. Which if I recall correctly was around 760 lbs. give or take. I've asked a few friends of mine if they had a "crane scale" but nobody has one and I don't want or need to purchase one. I use the ballast box mostly for snow removal and it make a huge difference. Again thank you. Stanley

 

[chim]

Drum of concrete with PVC for shovels, etc. tied into horizontal PVC header on bottom for cleaning. Milk crate bolted onto it for chains, lunch, whatever

 

[mmancuso13]

Nice job

 

[BackRoad]

Looks good Chim, nice and clean...like the added conspicuity tape...nice touch!

 

[ns_in_tex]

I've removed the pipes, added more weight and topped it off with a manhole cover. 800#?

View attachment 681117

What is the other implement in your picture? Looks like it might be good for reclaiming yard or pasture after a visit from the hogs. I have never seen that implement before.

 

[amhicks21]

Here's mine built for use when plowing snow. Its salvaged 1/4" plate with concrete poured around all the scrap steel that i had at the time. estimated weight is close to 1000 lb and its about 100 lb heavier in front of the lift arm points than behind to reduce weight transfer off the front wheels as much as possible.

 

[tomplum]

Top opens for storage. Keep a chain in the back between the pipes for the long handled tools. I had wheels on it. Bad idea. Made a dolly that rests underside to roll the heavy beast around.