Grading Rear weight box/tool box for PT-425

[KentT]

Since the hydraulics on my PT-425 are stronger than the weight of the machine (lifting the rear of the tractor), I had a friend fab me up a rear weight box that doubles as a toolbox, chain box, etc. Because it pins tight against the rear of the PT, it will readily handle 175-200 pounds of weight. Though I haven't used it a lot because of working in the trees, I've found it quite useful when doing loader work...

 

[MossRoad]

Cool box! I like that it is easily removed.

 

[KentT]

Cool box! I like that it is easily removed.

Yep! Since I have my wheels reversed (and loaded tires), I plan to use it only when I need the extra weight or need to haul things like my chainsaw, chains, etc.

 

[MossRoad]

I like the idea of a chain box. But I pull with the rear hitch. Any thoughts as to extending a brace inside to allow for a hitch on the rear of the box?

 

[KentT]

I like the idea of a chain box. But I pull with the rear hitch. Any thoughts as to extending a brace inside to allow for a hitch on the rear of the box?

I thought about it a bit, but thought I'd need that "extension" to actually pin on the hitch also, to transfer the stress directly to the PT and not the weight box. For example, you could put a "T" in that internal brace that extended out the rear of the box, with ears that would also pin in...

bottom line is that I didn't come up with an easily fabricated solution that wouldn't block most of the center section of the box, so I took the simple way out...

 

[RegL]

Well that certainly looks more professional than my milk crate strapped to the top of the engine cover. Your pics do bring up a question. Has anyone broken the hitch on a PT. I've often wondered how much weight one could hang off it before it will break.

 

[Red Zebra]

Righteous man. I may try to copy the box...if ok with you .

 

[KentT]

Righteous man. I may try to copy the box...if ok with you .

Feel free to do so -- that's why I posted pics...

 

[KentT]

Righteous man. I may try to copy the box...if ok with you .

I found these on my PC -- they might be of value -- they're what I gave my friend to work with. You may want to confirm the measurements, though, since I had to do a bit of "clearancing" to get the bar to fit in the PT hitch...

 

[RegL]

Brought this thread back to see if KentT's weight box has worked out. Also to see if anyone else has come up with any good ideas for adding ballast. I came up with a little idea today while moving pallets of firewood that were making the PT a little tipsy. I raised the engine hood which transferred the weight of the hood to the rear. It actually made a noticeable difference. I really don't think I would need all that much weight back there to balance the tractor to the loader.

 

[SnowRidge]

Brought this thread back to see if KentT's weight box has worked out. Also to see if anyone else has come up with any good ideas for adding ballast. I came up with a little idea today while moving pallets of firewood that were making the PT a little tipsy. I raised the engine hood which transferred the weight of the hood to the rear. It actually made a noticeable difference. I really don't think I would need all that much weight back there to balance the tractor to the loader.

I have a 1-1/4" hitch receiver/adapter for the pin hitch. Some folks simply weld a 2" receiver right onto the machine. If you have something like that, why not weld up a weight tray with a blank ball adapter sticking out the front. Plug it into the receiver when you need some weight hanging of the back end. That ought to work.

 

[KentT]

Works good -- only negative is that it occasionally will hit the ground if you're climbing out of a ditch or coming down off a bank or something. I placed it as high as I could and still open the hood, but it still rubs the ground occasionally.

I don't use it often, since my tires are already loaded, but I do keep it handy with two 35lb wheel weights in it, just in case. It certainly will let you pick up more weight without puckering, since the weight hangs so far behind, the fulcrum of the front wheels is quite a distance away.

 

[KentT]

. I really don't think I would need all that much weight back there to balance the tractor to the loader.

Reg, as I stated in the other post. I can put an additional 70 lb (two 35 lb wheel weights) in my weight box, and it's plenty to prevent puckering. You don't need to add much back behind the tractor to counterbalance weight in the bucket, due to the distance from the fulcrum (the front wheels)...

 

[joshlee]

Nice. Its awesome.

Since the hydraulics on my PT-425 are stronger than the weight of the machine (lifting the rear of the tractor), I had a friend fab me up a rear weight box that doubles as a toolbox, chain box, etc. Because it pins tight against the rear of the PT, it will readily handle 175-200 pounds of weight. Though I haven't used it a lot because of working in the trees, I've found it quite useful when doing loader work...