Front cargo/ballast box

Ductape · Jan 3, 2011

Handy !

Bluelick · Feb 5, 2011

I finally got to use the new rig, even though it was only to move a load of wood to the porch from across the yard. Worked like a charm. I was able to put almost twice as much wood on the carryall as before, and loaded up the front carrier to what seemed like a reasonable capacity, just heaped up a bit but not so much I needed to strap the load in, although I might have put a strap on it if I was going farther.

I backed up to the porch and unloaded the carryall first, then turned the tractor around to unload the front carrier. I could definitely feel the difference with the weight on the front after unloading the carryall, but when it was all loaded up it felt nicely balanced.

Sorry I didn't get a picture, I'll do that next time. I also didn't measure the stack on the porch (it was a week ago so it's more than half gone). I'd guess the total load was a pile about 24-30" high and 8 feet long of firewood cut 16-20 inches long, give or take.

Bluelick · Oct 16, 2011

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of the carryall and the front carrier loaded up. My stove can handle 20" logs so I cut the sections on t the carryall at twice that length. It seems to be working pretty well although I'm still working out the best way to load it up. Next load I might try putting the logs crossways on the carryall to keep the weight from being as far out behind, may be able to get more on the carryall that way.

JB4310 · Oct 16, 2011

I like it, versatile. Plus it adds the ballast you need. I like receivers on everything anyway, was thinking about mounting one up front like yours. Thought it might come in handy for my long handle tool carrier contraption.

I also have a cargo carrier so I'm sure I could think of something to put in it out front.

JB

Bluelick · Oct 17, 2011

I had used this setup last winter to move wood from the stack to the porch, but this weekend was the first time using it to actually bring firewood in from the woods (I'm running behind this year). It worked well. I was pleased to find that I can cut the 40" logs in half while they are still on the carryall, saving me from having to cut them on the ground, bent over, and also letting me handle them one or two times less.

Next thing I'm considering for the front receiver is a winch that I could easily put on or take off, I think that could be very handy. I'm thinking that a small winch could be bolted onto the Harbor Freight vice mounting plate (link below), anybody done that?

Hitch Mount Vise Plate