Front ballast / Suitcase weights - DIY or cheap

[travelrider73]

I need some front weight on my tractor when moving one of my heavier non-ground engaging implements (a wood chipper).
I'm hoping for a DIY / cheap option because I was a little surprised at the cost of proper suitcase weights.

I do want the weight removable without it being a major project. My perfect setup would be something like six 50lb suitcase weights for a total of 300 pounds. That way I could lift them off by myself. Any DIY options to accomplish the same thing?

The one thought I have had so far is to bolt a rod to the front of the tractor and then go to the used sports equipment place and buy some 50lb barbell plates -- then just stick a nut on the end to hold them there.

Any other ideas?

 

[Big Barn]

?

The one thought I have had so far is to bolt a rod to the front of the tractor and then go to the used sports equipment place and buy some 50lb barbell plates -- then just stick a nut on the end to hold them there.
?

Please don’t do that to your Kubota.

 

[ovrszd]

Please don’t do that to your Kubota.

I have a vision!!! Mostly of me skinning my shins on the bolt sticking out!!!

 

[ovrszd]

What are your fabrication skills?

 

[Big Barn]

I have a vision!!! Mostly of me skinning my shins on the bolt sticking out!!!

Depending on his tire size, that bolt may be closer to waist height, Richard....

 

[newbury]

Depending on his tire size, that bolt may be closer to waist height, Richard....

It's a freakin B7100!!

 

[Big Barn]

It's a freakin B7100!!

Lol. Had to google it. Not familiar with ‘botas.

 

[Fade2blk]

Go for it op, most of our machines stay hidden on our properties where nobody is judging your ballast.

 

[Stimw]

I use an old cast gear on my Crapsman tractor for ballast.
Years ago I heard that tractor pull guys would make fake weights out of balsa wood to fool competition who would count their weights trying for the same results.
The old saying- Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

 

[travelrider73]

It's a freakin B7100!!

Yeah, that's why I need ballast (and a bigger tractor). I'm starting to shop for a 40hp-ish tractor, which is why I don't want to spend any money on this ballast. if it was for long-term, I wouldn't mind, but since this is a relatively temporary need, I'm trying to be cheap. Heck, I'm not even sure this tractor is going to run this chipper. That's test #1. It's a 650 pound 6" chipper and my PTO is 5hp short of the minimum recommended. I am hoping I can slip the clutch slowly, get it running and then just not try to make it chip big logs for now, but that's a different topic.

The topic at hand is: I can lift the front of my tractor off the ground with one hand right now with the chipper attached and raised up. I can't steer! LOL.