Ballast Kubota ballast box - WHEN?

[texblonigan]

I ordered my B7500 with a new Kubota ballast box. However, it seems the nobody (Steve Carver either) has or can get the new ballast box anytime soon. I'm not sure if they marketed them without actually having them ready to ship or not. So, here is my dilema, and I know the subject of ballast has been beat to death. If I want to start using the loader (LA302) for real work this spring, I can either wait for the ballast box (who knows how long), or look at other options. I don't have a gravel driveway, so a box blade isn't much use for ballast. A rear blade is too wide to maneuver, and not quite enough weight anyway. I ordered the turf tires, and the local Goodyear dealer said he could add fluid, and according to his chart, it would add 239 pounds per rear tire. This seems like a viable option; however, the turf tires are more likely to puncture if I'm working in rough areas. So, maybe R4's instead -- even though my yard will be new later this year after construction. The fluid option would give me added stability even when mowing (slight slopes, nothing major). Drawback to fluid would be a leak obviously. I've heard the rear wheel weights aren't enough to bother with. So that is my dilema-- what route should I take? Ideally my dealer will call today and say the ballast box is in, but I'm betting May, if I'm lucky.

 

[Golfgar4]

There have been a number of posts about homemade ballast boxes lately. They seem to cost about $100 if you can do it yourself, or if you have a friend that can do the welding. Is this an option for you? Quite honestly, after seeing a couple of different versions guys have made, I don't think I'll ever order one when they can be made so easily.

 

[texblonigan]

I thought of that. The Kubota one lists for $160, and I got a better price because I bought it as part of the package. It would be hard to justify a homemade version for $100. Plus, the Kubota one looks "factory", and I admit I'm that fussy!

 

[Golfgar4]

Hey, that's cool /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif. Whatever works. And if, as you said, you got a deal, why go through the effort when it doesn't really save you anyhting?

 

[theboman]

Got a rear blade? Box blade? That works.

 

[texblonigan]

Dealer just called-- they got invoiced for the ballast box, which leads them to believe it is on a truck. Crossing my fingers!

 

[EdKing]

You can get a "draw bar" (not sure of the proper name) that fits between the 2 lower arms of the 3ph, has holes drilled across it for pins. They cost around 20 to 30 bucks. Then hang some weight off of it to give you rear ballast.

 

[tbarber]

You can always get one from JD and paint it orange.

 

[TonyC]

Is there a photo of this box on the Carver site? If there is, I can't find one. If it ever shows up, please post a photo!!!

 

[Steve_Carver]

We have hundreds of very happy owners with ballast in the REAR turf tires. I don't remember any that have told us that they removed it or have had any problems after having it installed.

The extra weight will help prevent slippage and grass damage when mowing as well as extend tire life.

Just add plenty of anti-freeze to fit your regions extreme low temps and make sure that they are not filled over 75% full.

Contact me direct at wildtrky25@aol.com(Steve_Carver) if I can help more.

Sorry about the weight box delay ...
I have no details on that issue here at home this morning.

Best wishes,
Steve