Why use a weight box?

[beppington]

It would seem you could use that money to buy even something like a box blade, get about the same weight benefit (no?), & even be carrying around something that might accidentally come in handy, versus just dead weight.

What am I missing?

 

[dmay]

It would seem you could use that money to buy even something like a box blade, get about the same weight benefit (no?), & even be carrying around something that might accidentally come in handy, versus just dead weight.

What am I missing?

A ballast box is compact and positions the weight optimally close and low.

A 3pt attachment typically is not compact (often larger then wheel width) and positions the weight further out and high when transported.

 

[J_J]

It would seem you could use that money to buy even something like a box blade, get about the same weight benefit (no?), & even be carrying around something that might accidentally come in handy, versus just dead weight.

What am I missing?

The cost to fill a barrel up with cement, and steel to connect to tractor, is low compared to an implement. If you put PVC tubes in there, you could carry your shovel, rakes, , chains, etc.

A 55 gal barrel full, is about 1468 lbs. Half barrel about 734 lbs

 

[beppington]

The cost to fill a barrel up with cement, and steel to connect to tractor, is low compared to an implement. If you put PVC tubes in there, you could carry your shovel, rakes, , chains, etc.

A 55 gal barrel full, is about 450 lbs.

I was referring to the ballast boxes that dealers sell. Yours would make more $ sense.

Of course, you could also add PVC tubes to a box blade.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I made my 30 gallon ballast for about $20. Cant get much cheaper than that and its much better in the woods compared to a BH or something else sticking way out. I used to go that route and was always pinned in between trees and always had issues crossing ditches, ect.

Chris

 

[J_J]

I was referring to the ballast boxes that dealers sell. Yours would make more $ sense.

Of course, you could also add PVC tubes to a box blade.

I corrected my answer, that 450 lbs figure was for water only.

 

[beenthere]

It would seem you could use that money to buy even something like a box blade, get about the same weight benefit (no?), & even be carrying around something that might accidentally come in handy, versus just dead weight.

What am I missing?

A ballast box...

that is more compact and out of the way plus I carry extra pins, wedges, chain, bungee cords, etc. on the ballast box.

Whatever works for you. You can do as you please. We won't look at you strangely.

There are no requirements to do one or the other.

 

[J_J]

Here is one someone built for a JD.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...177080279-john-deere-ballast-box-ballbox2.jpg

 

[TripleR]

I have never even seen a real ballast box. Around here the preferred ballast, if it is not a BB is a barrel full of concrete with a toplink; cost minimal.

The majority of my FEL work is with roads or woods in which case my BB comes in handy, so I use it.

I am out of room to put stuff, so I will probably never make a ballast beyond what I have, but they work well for some.

 

[kennyd]

A ballast box is compact and positions the weight optimally close and low.

A 3pt attachment typically is not compact (often larger then wheel width) and positions the weight further out and high when transported.

A ballast box...

that is more compact and out of the way plus I carry extra pins, wedges, chain, bungee cords, etc. on the ballast box.

Whatever works for you. You can do as you please. We won't look at you strangely.

There are no requirements to do one or the other.

Those are my reasons as well. My BB weight 700 or 800 pounds, is small and compact. How large would a box blade be that equals that weight?

 

[k0ua]

Beppington, when I lived in open field country, I just used the rear mower, which stayed on nearly all the time.. now I live in the woods, and the barrel I built, is sooo much better than the mower. weighs more besides and stores lots of tools and chains and is way inboard when you turn you just dont have to worry all the time.
James K0UA

 

[RoyJackson]

I like the ballast box because of the compactness, especially considering the weight. I have a Deere box which I bought used (but it was brand new) and it sure made a believer of me when it comes to the value of rear ballast.
The main thing is, no matter what you use, use something of adequate weight for rear ballast.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I bought a Kubota ballast box when I bought my tractor a few months ago. I am still waiting on a lift pin for it (was missing -- missing on the ballast box, not something missing on the tractor) so I have not used it yet, but I am ready and wating!

My ballast box is approximately 30" X 28" X 33" and should weigh over 2000 lbs when filled with concrete. I have been tearing a lot of trees down on my property and could really use it! When I have the option, I connect my 6' cutter but it is only 1000 lbs. It does hang off the back further to the rear so the heaver box may not change things much, however there are a lot of places where I have to unhook my cutter due to tight spaces. It really is a pain with the cutter hanging back there.

This ballast box combined with three sets of wheel weights (I ordered the wheel weights with the tractor as well and came the same day as the tractor) should keep my rear end on the ground!

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I was a rookie on this issue once before. I thought I could lug around my Carry-All full of firewood for balllast. Wrong.!!!!

Then, I grabbed a pile of gravel with my FEL and looked at my front tires without ballast....OMG.!!!....I thought both tires were going to pop with a loud bang.!!

I didn't grab another bucket full until I got my JD Ballast Box. Honestly, it is my favorite attachment.!! It is compact and heavy, filled with cement. So glad I bought it.

The Ballast Box puts the weight in the perfect position and my JD770 rarely spins a tire when I go into a pile. Adds horsepower to the machine. Incredible.

And, my front tires take a lot less abuse which means my front axle does too. And that right there my friend is why my Ballast Box is a valuable attachment.

You will learn in time the answer to your question. If I bought a tractor and a FEL knowing what I know now...my first attachment would be a BB. (not BB for Box Blade....BB for Ballast Box).