DIY counter weight

[Jimc295]

I finally finished my fence project so I could work on this Thanks to DL Meisen and his write up I copied that somewhat but had to use wood since I don't have a welder. according to the calculator I found on line it works out to 4.3 cu feet. will take 9.54 60lb bags and should weight 572 lbs. I am no carpenter so this took me way too long to do because I just winged it as I went along. I'll mix up the concrete tomorrow and see how close the calculator is.

 

[DJRussell]

You should probably do a dry run on your 3 point hitch to insure that the center link will not hit the top of the concrete when you lift the counter weight. I built a similar box for my GC 2610 and had to chip away some of the concrete so the center arm would clear when raised. It is easy to bend the center arm if there is no clearance.

Jim R.

 

[CalG]

Second the check for top link clearance.

Also, Square corners can be sharp! Tack in some cove moulding to round things out.

Also, Form seams need to be pretty tight to keep the water from squeezing through. Dry concrete is weak concrete.

Don't under estimate the hydraulic pressure of wet concrete. Wrap the forms with strong backs really well! Especially at the bottom of the form. What holds the bottom on?

 

[WranglerX]

Use calk to seal seam from inside, it's what I did with my steel box as I only stitch welded together.....

Dale

 

[Jimc295]

Use calk to seal seam from inside, it's what I did with my steel box as I only stitch welded together.....

Dale

:thumbsup:

Since the pins for the 3pt will be encased in the concrete I used red loctite to thread them in also. I didn't think my top link would bind but Ill double check that. I don't plan on lifting that weight very high because these things are kinda trop heavy and tippy already. I put the pins at 12 inches after I measured the lowest point the arms would go so I can sit it on the ground and still back up to it to pick it up.

 

[Imold]

Can not wait to see what it looks like when you peal the wood off.

 

[fried1765]

I finally finished my fence project so I could work on this Thanks to DL Meisen and his write up I copied that somewhat but had to use wood since I don't have a welder. according to the calculator I found on line it works out to 4.3 cu feet. will take 9.54 60lb bags and should weight 572 lbs. I am no carpenter so this took me way too long to do because I just winged it as I went along. I'll mix up the concrete tomorrow and see how close the calculator is.

If you haven't poured already, per post #3: put a piece of moulding inside each corner to give a rounded concrete corner.

 

[CalG]

:thumbsup:

Since the pins for the 3pt will be encased in the concrete I used red loctite to thread them in also. I didn't think my top link would bind but Ill double check that. I don't plan on lifting that weight very high because these things are kinda trop heavy and tippy already. I put the pins at 12 inches after I measured the lowest point the arms would go so I can sit it on the ground and still back up to it to pick it up.

The idea that you don't PLAN to carry the weight high has nothing to do with the fact that eventually, the weight will be on and the 3pt will be raised to it's upper limit. It is just going to happen. No sense bending the top link because of poor design.

 

[WranglerX]

The idea that you don't PLAN to carry the weight high has nothing to do with the fact that eventually, the weight will be on and the 3pt will be raised to it's upper limit. It is just going to happen. No sense bending the top link because of poor design.

That is why my top link is on side of box and not on top....



Dale

 

[Jimc295]

:thumbsup:

 

[Jimc295]

OK, it is formed up and dry not done yet I mixed fairly wet but it still didn't flow into some places. I have a couple of voids on the outside I want to fill in before I paint it MF red. I have already tried it out and it made a big difference on my ability to dig out small trees and move dirt around. Waayy better traction!



I did build in a slant at the top of the box just in case the top link touched. It isn't even close. The only trouble area is the place where the chains attach to the 3pt arms the attaching point is wide and sticks out a good 1.5-2 inches and I had some interference to connect to the pins. I put 6 60lb bags and 2 50 lb bags of quick set I had earlier so it is in the neighborhood of 500lbs. I'm happy with it so far. The paint can lids are covering up 3 inch PVC for tools.

 

[cat fever]

Nicely done and like you I noticed a huge difference when using the FEL.

Here is what mine looks like.

 

[lpakiz]

I made one 40 years ago for an 8N that I modified to work on my new 1754. On that one, i casted in a tongue, so I can pull a wagon or trailer or mount a ball. Works great.
I made up the metal framework for a buddy a year ago and I built in a 2” receiver with a pipe to the top of the cement, to house and guide a pin to lock in the shanks. I wanted to cast in some tubes for handles and a chain saw, but my buddy said he didn’t want that.
He is happy with the receiver system, tho.
He used a barrel for a form and left it about 6” high, so he can keep a chain, gas can, etc. on top of the weight.

 

[ditzel]

Just made this concrete ballast while they were pouring the floor for my pole building. Should weight about 560lbs according to online concrete calc. I had made one about 9 years ago when the were pouring my patio, but that is over 900lbs and make the front end too light with the weigh on the 3pt. this new one should be way more practical.

 

[GeneV]

These look great!

 

[MF RED in MT]

Just made this concrete ballast while they were pouring the floor for my pole building. Should weight about 560lbs according to online concrete calc. I had made one about 9 years ago when the were pouring my patio, but that is over 900lbs and make the front end too light with the weigh on the 3pt. this new one should be way more practical.View attachment 633795View attachment 633796View attachment 633798

That weight box turned out good, and you even hooked it up to a 3 point quick hitch.

What do you have planned for the 2 pvc through conduits that are cast into the weight box?

KC

 

[Jimc295]

I use mine for yard tools, rack, hoe etc

 

[redheelerdog]

Great idea!

 

[eubie5]

Here's mine.
30 gallon barrel with almost 9 60lb bags of cement.

 

[oosik]

A couple things. The "average" weight of concrete is 150# per cubic foot. If the form is actually 4.3 Cu ft then the finish weight will be closer to 645#. I always have an implement hanging on the 3-point for counter balance. Almost 100% of the time its my 1050# Rhino rear blade. This blade plus the 1550# of RimGuard in the rear tires keep the tractor pretty well grounded.

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