JD Ballast Box

[rondevue]

I am aware that this is an old subject but after viewing ideas on modifying ballast boxes, I finally got around to modifying my ballast box with a couple ideas of my own. Also filled it with concrete. Here's a couple pictures, sorry I didn't take any pictures while I was working on it.

 

[JB4310]

Looks great ron, I especially like the insert retainer pin idea, that has to be a first, or at least I have never seen it before.

Where I park my tractor I have very little extra room, so I would need the receiver set way in close or even flush, never thought of that way to pin it so I don't have a hitch. Mines already filled with concrete so to late for me now, unless I really wanted to get into a tricky project.

I thought about welding one on the top flat spot but that is a little high for practical trailer coupling. Would still be good for other acs. though

My space constraint is such that I have to drop the box from the QH, then back up close as possible to the box with the 3 pt raised, just so I can close the overhead door.

JB

 

[rondevue]

JB, Thanks for the compliment, I hadn't seen the retainer pin idea either, I came up with that on my own. There's quite a maze of metal inside the box, I used a piece of 3/4 pipe as a sleeve between the receiver and the side of the box for the pin to slide through. I was going for a nice clean factory look, at least if you didn't know any better it would look factory.

You could mount a receiver on top of the box as you said and then use a drop type hitch in it, the type you'd use on a higher truck. Just a thought.

 

[BethesdaEC]

So how much does it weigh? I have my ballast box weighing in at about 800 lbs. With the concrete mine comes in at about 700 lbs. I have two 40mm ammo cans mounted on top one with about 70 lbs of chain and the other has tools.

 

[Gizmo2]

I like it. Good idea with the pin through the side.

 

[rondevue]

Not sure on the weight, I was guessing around 600-700lbs. Plenty heavy.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Nice Job

 

[RoyJackson]

I am aware that this is an old subject but after viewing ideas on modifying ballast boxes, I finally got around to modifying my ballast box with a couple ideas of my own. Also filled it with concrete. Here's a couple pictures, sorry I didn't take any pictures while I was working on it.

Cutomization is never an old subject...

I like the lifting loop in the concrete...that'll be pretty handy. First time I've seen that.

 

[rondevue]

If you look at the lifting loop closely, I have a hole in the middle of it. The loop is a small clevis welded over piece of 3/4 pipe which goes all the way through the box to the bottom with a drain hole drilled in the bottom of the box, allowing water to drain out that would get on top (snow, washing, rain, etc.).

The pipe is welded to the reciever inside the box and I have several fins welded to the pipe to lock it into the concrete.

Also drilled drain holes in the bottom of each tool tube.

 

[doc_cottom]

Not sure on the weight, I was guessing around 600-700lbs. Plenty heavy.

I bought a couple partial weight training sets from Goodwill for $5 each... did what I needed done!

 

[lost in wisconsin]

Ron,

2 questions or comments really...

a) First off, did you polish that BB before the pics. I can see the reflection of the hitch off the back of it. :thumbsup:

b) Second, and I apologize (it has been a long week)...but is your hitch permanent within the 2" receiver? I think I must be overlooking something since the retainer pin is mounted on the side. Please help me understand.


Thank you

 

[JB4310]

Ron,

2 questions or comments really...

a) First off, did you polish that BB before the pics. I can see the reflection of the hitch off the back of it. :thumbsup:

b) Second, and I apologize (it has been a long week)...but is your hitch permanent within the 2" receiver? I think I must be overlooking something since the retainer pin is mounted on the side. Please help me understand.


Thank you

Not to speak for the original poster, but that pin you see goes all the way thru a sleeve to the receiver, which is pretty slick.

JB

 

[lost in wisconsin]

JB,

Thank you. Once I enlarged the picture, I understood how that works now.


And Ron,
WOW. That sure is sweet. What a great way to incorpate the hitch/receiver inside the BB. Thank you for posting!

 

[Deere Dude]

I like that set up,:thumbsup: but you should have put it out there before I did mine

 

[rondevue]

Thanks JB, that is exactly right. The pins is roughly 14" long, and yes it does go all the way through the reciever, I welded a 3" sleeve on the opposite side of the pin

 

[Willl]

Looks good Ron. Wished I would of done a lift hook also.

Here's mine.

 

[ronjhall]

It's been so long since I got rid of my JD BB box that I modified with a receiver hitch I forgot all about it. I like the idea of pin thru the box.
Sold JD BB to a neighbor when Kubota started selling BB.
That green BB just did not look right on a orange tractor.