Ballast JD Ballast Boxes - i-Match compatible?

[rmonio]

I have a JD-ballast box that doesn't seem to be compatible with my i-Match unit. Anyone know if there is a conversion kit for the ballast box that allows it to work with the i-Match? Or are ballast boxes inherently non-compatible?

I bought the box from the dealer several years ago and recently bought the i-Match.. every other implement fits fine except for this and it's a JD unit....

Thanks!

-Bob

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Here is a picture showing the JD ballast box using I-match. All you need is a Bushing kit and it will work just fine.

JD BallastBox with I-Match

 

[JackIL]

The JD ballast boxes manufactured prior to the introduction of I-Match are incompatible with I-Match. I had one that I had to trade in for the newer style when I purchased an I-Match for use on a 955.

JackIL

 

[kennyd]

The JD ballast boxes manufactured prior to the introduction of I-Match are incompatible with I-Match. I had one that I had to trade in for the newer style when I purchased an I-Match for use on a 955.

JackIL

This is correct. My freind has an older one that we had to do some surgery on to make it compatible.

 

[rmonio]

Then I probably have the older one also. What kind of surgery did you do?

I'm going to give my dealer a call and see what they say. It kinda makes you mad that they don't fit when JD has had the i-Match around for quite some time.

BTW, mine was bought in 2003 so I suspect that qualifies for the older model.

-Bob

 

[kennyd]

We took some 3" x 1/2" flat bar and remade the upper mount higher so the hook would fit. Kind of like what you see in the picture posted above.

You probably got one of the older ones when they were making the transition to the new style. Maybe you can sell your BB locally to recoup some money, or use this as a opportunity to get a welder

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Rmonio, Do you have a picture of yours? A model from 2003 does not seem that old to me.

 

[rmonio]

Yes, I have some pictures of the ballast box. Here they are.

Is this the older unit? If it is, how do I modify it to work?

(still makes me mad that JD dealers were selling ones that weren't i-Match compatible... )

-Bob

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Definately looks like the old model all right. Do you have a welder and sawzall? Measure the distance from the top link pin to the side arm pins. Let us know that that is. May be a simple mod of cutting the box below the top link pin enough to get the hook in. You will still need the bushing kit forr JD or from F&F or TSC. Check out the pick in my reply above for pictures of how the newer one works.

 

[rmonio]

I don't have a welder, but I do know a few people that do. In the interim I'm going to talk to my dealer and find out why they sold me the old one and/or what can be done.

Thanks for the help!

-Bob