FEL, CUT and ballast box

[4runner]

I have my eye on a used CUT at a dealer. It was used for mowing, and the dealer swapped out the mower and put a loader on it. Tires are not loaded.

Here's my question. Should I expect that a used tractor with a fel should come with a ballast box as part of the package (no additional charge) for ballast? It seems to me that without loaded tires/ballast, a small CUT can be quite tippy. (I know everything is negotiable, I'm just not sure of the standard configuration).

 

[George in Spokane]

Not really.

 

[LBrown59]

I have my eye on a used CUT at a dealer. It was used for mowing, and the dealer swapped out the mower and put a loader on it. Tires are not loaded.

Here's my question.
* Should I expect that a used tractor with a fel should come with a ballast box as part of the package (no additional charge) for ballast? It seems to me that without loaded tires/ballast, a small CUT can be quite tippy. (I know everything is negotiable, I'm just not sure of the standard configuration).

*Ballast Boxes loaded tires wheel weights and other weights/ballast is not standard equipment on new tractors so why would you expect an owner of a used tractor to supply you with that on a used tractor > ?
I don't think it's fair to expect a seller of a used tractor to furnish you something free of charge that he would have to have paid a dealer for.
The dealer is not giving him the item free so why should he have to pay the dealer for it and then turn around and give it to you free?


L . B .

 

[RalphVa]

The dealer I bought from had a policy to provide loaded tires or ballast box to a tractor sold with a loader. I've loaded tires but also need at least about 300# on the 3ph if doing any kind of heavy lifting. The loaded tires are enough with light mulch or lighter in the FEL. A ballast box is about the most compact form of putting weight back there.

All you gotta do is experience one or both rear wheels leaving the ground when you lift the loader and get some skid marks on your seat to be more careful.

Ralph

 

[4runner]

I can see the logic that a ballast box/or loaded tires would be an add on price. That is was I was thinking all along. Then last night I thought I would confirm my thought and ask for opinions.

 

[jbrumberg]

4runner:

I would definitely load the tires and forego the ballast box for a heavy boxblade. Jay

 

[Lunk]

4runner:

I would definitely load the tires and forego the ballast box for a heavy boxblade. Jay

I'm with Jay - A well made box blade makes for a nice counterweight that's relatively compact, and useful too. My 6' Befco weighs 530#. Loaded tire work well too.

Since it's a DEALER that you're looking to purchase from, not a private individual (as some have indicated), there may be wiggle room on the price to either include a ballast box, or get a screaming deal on either the box, or a box-blade.

It does not hurt to ask. If the dealer wants to move the iron, he/she may be willing to work with you...

Good luck!

Lunk

 

[Charlton John]

I have a smaller cut b2620 and I have loaded tires and usually keep my 500lb Box Blade on the back for heavy FEL work. I have also used my rake for lighter FEL loads which only gives me about 250 lbs of ballast and I have been fine this way as well, but as mentioned this is also w/ loaded r4's which is also giving me roughly and additional 270 lbs. of ballast. So as others mentioned proper ballast is a must. Try to work a deal w/ the dealer to get a good box blade for a good price and then you can get good ballast as Jay mentioned plus get a very useful implement.

 

[john_bud]

"Expect", no. "Desire", sure! "Ask", absolutly!!

I'm also with the others that a well made box blade is good balast. It is also useful as all get out for moving the stuff the loader was just picking up.

If you have rocks or hard clay soils, don't waste your money on a light duty box. You WILL be disappointed. Anything at or under 100 pounds per foot width, is too light for tough soil conditions. Medium duty is in the 130-150 pound/foot. Heavy duty is 175-200/ft range.

General rule of thumb, is for ground engaging attachments, more weight makes them work better. Also makes them last longer and typically means they are higher quality. Sadly, it also makes them cost more!

 

[Soundguy]

I have my eye on a used CUT at a dealer. It was used for mowing, and the dealer swapped out the mower and put a loader on it. Tires are not loaded.

Here's my question. Should I expect that a used tractor with a fel should come with a ballast box as part of the package (no additional charge) for ballast? It seems to me that without loaded tires/ballast, a small CUT can be quite tippy. (I know everything is negotiable, I'm just not sure of the standard configuration).

No.. as standard equipment I would not expect a tractor to come with anything not already on it.

now.. if you are talking package deal.. start negotiating.

Some people prefer an implement ont he rear like a heavy box blade to counterballance a laoder.. some prefer a weight tub.. etc..

soundguy

 

[Charlton John]

4 runner, What tractor are youy looking at buying?

 

[pitt_md]

4runner:

I would definitely load the tires and forego the ballast box for a heavy boxblade. Jay

My experience says different. Ballast boxes are inexpensive and you can put a heck of a lot of weight in one. I know when I pick up my ballast box there is a lot more back there than when I pick up my boxblade. Boxblades heavy enough to come close to what a ballast box holds cost an arm and a leg.
The picture is what I have for a ballast box (filled with rock)

 

[4runner]

Charlton John-I'm looking at a JD 4110 with a 410 loader.

Here was my original thought. I was going to get the tires loaded. And I thought I would also get the ballast box. This would give me enough counter weight as well as lowering the CG of the machine. In addition, I was going to get a box blade in the near term, though not necessarily with the tractor. But now, I like the idea of using the box as 3 point ballast, so I may consider that instead of the ballast box.

 

[jbrumberg]

pitt_md:

I like your set up, especially the grapple. I need to hide most of my attachments from SWMBO ; so the fewer the better . Jay

PS: I do "load up" my box blade on occassion.

 

[kennyd]

Charlton John-I'm looking at a JD 4110 with a 410 loader.

That's a fine machine...but I am a little biased

 

[Soundguy]

pitt_md:

I like your set up, especially the grapple. I need to hide most of my attachments from SWMBO ; so the fewer the better . Jay

PS: I do "load up" my box blade on occassion.

I usually use a ballast block.. but occasionally use my 5' box blade with 3-4 5g buckets filled with concrete on them for weight.

soundguy

 

[pitt_md]

pitt_md:

I like your set up, especially the grapple. I need to hide most of my attachments from SWMBO ; so the fewer the better . Jay

PS: I do "load up" my box blade on occassion.

Loading the BB is something I never thought of... Part of the deal I made when I bought my tractor was the ballast box. I have had to start explaining why I need all the implements I have. Now I am getting the deal killer response from SWMBO, "if you spent X for that metal thingie can I spend X for..." All my attachments cost me double now...

 

[Charlton John]

I agree w/ Pittmd as the ballast box isnt as bulky on the back and allows for more clearance if doing loader work in tighter spaces (woods, close to house etc...) + cheaper. I beleive you can have more weight loaded in the Ballast box than you could get out of any implement (except maybe the backhoe) so IMO the ballast box has its advantages as well. I have had the ballast box on my scut as the implements just were not heavy enough. Now w/ the bigger tractor/implements w/ the loaded tires and the heavy Box blade I have had no issues. But in working in my woods as mentioned it would be a lot easier to have a box on the back as I am making trails etc... it is harder to manuever w/ the rake or box blade on the back. I just think though yes for a little more money if in your budget if you get the loaded tires the box blade is the way to go as you are not only getting good ballast but also a useful implement.

 

[jbrumberg]

I am currently in the process of widening the trails in my woods; wide enough to accomodate tractor and box blade. I'll never be able to use my 8' rake on these trails . Sometimes I really miss my little old Ford 1100. Jay

 

[Soundguy]

What about angling the rake.. make a windroe to the side?

soundguy