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[Runner]

The box is about 3/4 full of concrete. In the previously posted picture (with the boom pole on the loader) it weighs 471 lbs.

In this picture, I have it on the three-point hitch and it has four, 42 lb weights in it, giving it a total weight of 641 lbs.

 

[Runner]

"That box is filled with concrete? if so that's incredible that your loader could lift that so far out at the end of the boom. quite the testament to the booms strength also."

The box is approximately 3/4 full of concrete, maybe a little more (almost up to where the steel "turns down". In the picture with the boom pole on the loader, the box weighs 473 lbs.

In this picture with the boom on the three-point, the box also has four, 42 lb weights, giving it a total weight of 641 lbs. Still no problem lifting it by the pin.

 

[Runner]

Sorry for the double post....

 

[dcyrilc]

Well folks....The box is out of my truck. Un-real.!!!.......

I shouldn't admit to any of this but, here goes....

I've had a tire on my truck going slack (rear). At lunch I checked the tire and it was going slack. So, I waisted no time and took the truck with the loaded ballast box home to un-load it.

Bucket wouldn't pick it up. Great.

So, I throttled up and the bucket would get it up about an inch up but, it would curl back down. Keep in mind I came over the truck bed from the side with the bucket. I wanted to simply lift the box a couple inches and leave the tractor to drive the truck ahead, leaving the box hanging.

I ended up having to slide the box back, out of the truck, on the chain. When it cleared the tailgate let me tell you....freakin' shake, rattle and thank God nothing rolled.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hopped out of my truck, jumped on the tractor and and slowly lowered the box to the ground. And that's where she sits right now, right in the middle of my driveway. That box is heavy.

The tractor (bucket) did hold the box off the ground at about 4 feet long enough for me to lower it.

I was scared. I am a rookie. It had to come out. Now I wonder if my 3pt. hitch will lift it.??

Job accomplished but it wasn't pretty believe you me.!!!!

Sounds like you used the chain across the front of the bucket. I would have recommended lifting with the chain across the rear of the bucket (tractor side). The bucket shouldn't roll, you have greater lift capability, and it has less leverage on the tractor because it is not as far from the center of gravity. Also, any impliment you can put on the back will help ofset some of the weight and help keep the tractor from tipping forward.

Glad to hear that it came off safely. You may want to consider a dolly for moving it around and getting it attached if you don't have a quick connect system for the 3PH.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Sounds like you used the chain across the front of the bucket. I would have recommended lifting with the chain across the rear of the bucket (tractor side). The bucket shouldn't roll, you have greater lift capability, and it has less leverage on the tractor because it is not as far from the center of gravity. Also, any impliment you can put on the back will help ofset some of the weight and help keep the tractor from tipping forward.

Glad to hear that it came off safely. You may want to consider a dolly for moving it around and getting it attached if you don't have a quick connect system for the 3PH.

Aahhh, drop the chain over the BACK of the bucket. I get it now. That is a good tip for the rookie, Me.!!

Thanks dcyrilc.

I was kinda for a couple of minutes.

I have spent hours surfing these forums but the learning just remains a constant.

The ballast box is definately going to be on wheels when not in use.

 

[dcyrilc]

Aahhh, drop the chain over the BACK of the bucket. I get it now. That is a good tip for the rookie, Me.!!

Thanks dcyrilc.

I was kinda for a couple of minutes.

I have spent hours surfing these forums but the learning just remains a constant.

The ballast box is definately going to be on wheels when not in use.

While you have the ballast box out and available, give it a try and feel the difference. I think you will be amazed at the difference in the feel and doing it once will help to set it into long term memory for when you need to do something similar in the future.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

While you have the ballast box out and available, give it a try and feel the difference. I think you will be amazed at the difference in the feel and doing it once will help to set it into long term memory for when you need to do something similar in the future.

Yes, I plan on doing that in the morning. Not only for memory but to also restore my confidence that I have a strong tractor.

Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[dcyrilc]

Yes, I plan on doing that in the morning.

Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving.

One thing to keep in mind, is that the box will be quite a bit closer to the front of the tractor.

Let me know what you think of the difference.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Mission accomplished. What a pia getting the box onto the hitch. Having the weight on certainly does feel good as did lifting the box with the bucket. Confidence restored thanks to dcyrilc.

Thanks.

 

[Runner]

"What a pia getting the box onto the hitch."

iMatch makes it easy.