DrawbarQuestion for BX2200

[PhilNH5]

Folks,
This is my first post in own/operate as I just got my BX2200 yesterday. I have the FEL and may need additional back weight. Others have suggested the 3 pt hitch box or scraper blade but I really don't have a use for them.
I seem to recall a post where someone put free weight plates on their drawbar. Seems like a simple and cheap solution. Except I am not sure what a drawbar is. I looked at NorthernTool and they I am guessing that the drawbar goes between the two sidebars on the 3 pt hitch. Is this correct? And also has anybody used this method? Thanks for the help.

Phil

 

[Bird]

Phil, this is one of those cases in which there are two "drawbars" and I think they need a new name for one of them.
<font color="blueclass=small">( drawbar goes between the two sidebars on the 3 pt hitch. Is this correct? )</font>
That's correct, and that one is generally referred to as just a "drawbar".
Then there's the drawbar that is usually attached below the differential housing and sticks straight out the back for pulling trailers and other implements. It's usually referred to as a "swinging drawbar" presumably because on some (but not all) tractors it can be swung off center to either side and locked in position.

The one between the two lower links is the one you want to hang your weights on.

 

[PhilNH5]

Bird,
Thank you for clearing that up.

Phil

 

[buzst]

Phil,
Congrats again on your purchase. Yes you really will want to get some weight on the back if you haven't already, getting your tires filled is a good idea, though you still will need more weight. For our NH snowfalls a rear blade is really desireable and a inexpensive 50" blade will make plowing much easier.

 

[Steven]

I made a weight similar to the ones I posted for use when backhoe is removed. (Do not know the original posters name of the pictures. but thanks) I used a 22 gallon rectangle plastic storage bucket with a 7/8" rod 27" long. Two 1/4" x 3" x 18" long plates with 7/8 hole on one end and 3/4 on the other. With 3ph on tractor and arms all the way down put bucket on two 2x4 to keep it off ground. This will ensure you will not be dragging it if you put 3ph on lowest setting, it also will give a low center of gravity. Then position it were you want it and mark for 7/8 holes. Cut holes and slide bar in one side and put 1/4 plates on bar then slide thru other side of box. Attach to 3ph and attach top link to 1/4 plates to hold in place then center everything and tie it in place with some string. Put some wire screen in bucket to hold concrete together. Move 3ph up and down to check for clearance so that nothing will hit or bind, you only get one shot at this. I also put a 2X4 frame around outside top of bucket to keep it from bulging the bucket out that’s a lot of weight pushing on the sides. I used 5 80# bags to fill bucket that would give you a 400# weight. Let set for a day and either cut the bucket off or leave it on. You should be able to make this project for about $30.00. to remove lift up weight and set it back down on something a little taller than the 2x4s to relieve weight tension on arms. Maybe you can find an orange bucket.

 

[Steven]

This is the other picture

 

[rlw]

If you don't want to make something, you can buy a JD or Kubota weight box that fits on the 3pt. Probably around 150 bucks.
I got a JD one thrown in with an implement I purchased from my dealer.
You'll definitely want some counter weight while doing loader work, otherwise your back-end will get light.
A lot of people say hang a box blade or other implement off the back. I prefer the weight box (homemade or purchased) myself. It has a smaller profile than a blade - so you don't have to be worrying about swinging the blade into something.

rlw

 

[PhilNH5]

Folks,
Thanks for all the help. I still like the simplicity of the free weights on a drawbar if I can get it to work. Steven, your weight is fantastic. Thanks for the pics and description. I maye tackle that once it warms up around here.

Again thanks for the replies.

Phil

 

[Anonymous Poster]

In my area the old timers call it the "Ford Bar". I have a couple of 2"x6"x24" lead weights boltes to the bar. About 400 pounds.

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

<font color="blue"> </font><font color="blue" class="small">( so you don't have to be worrying about swinging the blade into something )</font> </font>
You can say that again! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif My place is full of battle wounds: trees, bushs, buildings!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[CTyler]

Good idea, cheap, looks great...Great job!!!

Now paint some little tractor scenes on it/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DaninGreenBay]

Phil,
Congrats on your new BX!
I mounted three upright pieces of pipe on my drawbar and stacked barbell weights on them. The pieces of pipe are locked onto the drawbar with set collars. I then slid one end of my adjustable top link onto the top of the middle piece of pipe to stabilize the rig. I bought my used plastic coated barbell weights at a local St Vincent DePaul store(like Goodwill). They were very cheap. Earlier I tried hooking a heavy lead weight onto the 3 pt,it worked, however it was difficult to get off and on and it was very tough on my back. Barbell weights are much easier to take on and off. I have been using this set up with my front blower this winter and will probably use it with my FEL in the spring.....
Dan

 

[PhilNH5]

Dan,
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like a good idea. What is a "set collar" that you mounted the uprights with?

Phil

 

[DaninGreenBay]

Set collars are steel collars that you slide over a shaft. They have a set screw on the side to lock them on the shaft or in this case pipe. I replaced the set screws with thumb screws so that I did not have to use an allen wrench to take them off. Seems I am always losing allen wrenches and cant find the right size when I need them.....

Good luck!