Grading JD2305 Ballast box vs 48" box blade for ballast?

[Loogie]

Since I got my tractor I have always driven it with the loader & the ballast box both on and I've always felt very stable. However, yesterday I had the mower deck on and the loader and ballast box off and I found a big rock in my yard that I wanted to pry out with the FEL. I put the FEL on quickly but didn't bother with the ballast box because I wasn't going to be carrying anything in the bucket. As I drove the tractor around my house I notice how much it was pitching up and down whenever I went over a small hump. It was MUCH less stable than when the ballast box is on.
The JD manual states that the minimum ballast with the 200CX is 772 lbs on the 3PH and that's in addition to 100lbs worth of wheel weights and loaded tires. Now I sure that's the required ballast in order to operate the FEL at it maximum capacity. I've got 640# on my 3PH and it feels just right.

 

[Mayor]

I did the same thing once and had her on three wheels. That was the last time I will do that. Now I even run my seat belt all the time.

 

[cdhd2001]

I have a heavy built 4 ft. box blade and the tires loaded with water and antifreeze. So far the tractor appears to be very stable and plenty heavy.

 

[jcmseven]

I have both and most times, unless I am in tight quarters, which I frequently am, I use the Box Blade as ballast. If I did not already have a ballast box, I would not have gotten one. They can be filled with heavy concrete, etc. but they have no other use and can get expensive. Also, having the weight further off the back, as with a box blade, helps a lot too. It also could serve as a wheelie bar in case one's tractor tried to tip backward, such as going up a steep hill pulling something heavy. I do not believe ballast box would do so well. So, if you have the room and do not have many tight areas I would forego the ballast box and get a nice heavy box blade, add weights as needed.

John M

 

[FortClatsop]

I have seven gallons of RV anti-freeze in each rear tire (62 pounds each). I could add three more. I have I-match which adds about 75 lbs as well as hanging the 4' box blade further off the rear (its the low profile and I don't remember what it weighs). I've also hung four, 42 pound, suitcase weights on the box. Both the tire loading and the suitcase weights added a noticeable measure of stability. I've done some heavy loader work and tried lifting some pretty heavy stumps (by chaining them on). I've found that I exceeded the ability of the FEL before I felt that I was unstable. If I feel that I need some more weight I will put some 2x6 shelves across the top of the box and load it with some sand bags. As far as using the box for ballast in tight quarters I really haven't had any problems.

My next project is to steal Ralph's advice and combine a gorilla rack and a carry all. I'm envisioning a place to keep my saw, string/blade/hedge/pole/pruner, fuel and all my yard tools that I can back up to and haul off to the hinter lands without having to come back to the shed.

 

[JDGREEN1]

Rather than a Ballast box that you can do nothing with other than add weight and use as ballast. Would I be better off with a 48” box blade (not sure what they weigh)and add some weight to it and use it as ballast. That way I would also be able to use it for grading. Or is the box blade to bulky to leave attached all the time. I will be moving manure, dirt, stone and snow.

Thanks for the replies. I went with the Ballast Box. The Box Blade was only 250lbs. I prefer to keep all four tires on the ground. Plus the Box Blade seems to stick out to far for me working around the barn.