My MT180 (20 hp) has weighted tires and the 3pt ballast is a pig iron elevator weight that is marked 300 lbs.
The elevator weight is nice and compact which is a plus (about 5" X 8" x 40") and fits neetly within rear wheels.
This combination works fine for me and I can handle full FEL loads of crushed stone with ease.
I would believe that ballast should be equal to loader capacity.
Mine just goes on the 3 pt, like any other implement. When I park, I set it on the ground. I'm waiting for the day it falls the through the wooden floor in my barn.
2024 Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS5 54, 2007 John Deere 2520, 1989 John Deere 185, 1960 Panzer T70B
Mine is 809 lbs, of which 336 lbs is (8) removable cast iron weights (I added one since the picture was taken). The non-removable part is a combination of portland cement and old quick-crete that I had sitting around the shop.
This is for a JD 2520 with max lift capacity of around 1,000 lbs (including the bucket or forks). It sits on a wood furniture dolly with cast iron wheels when not on the tractor.