Ballast box build

cperky · May 15, 2021

I’m lucky to have access to a free welder at work and free scrap metal. I’m in the process of having a box built out of available materials. 3/4 inch thick plate on bottom and 1/2 inch thick plate on sides. All steel. How high off the ground should I put the lift arm pins? Picture to come in the near future.

WranglerX · May 15, 2021

Lift arm pin height will be determined by how low (or high) your 3PH hitch can/will go.... IF you can not set box on ground (flat surface) and unhook it, it means you have to put box on pallet or blocks to disconnect.... I made mistake of putting pins to low and had to add 3 inch square tubing under box so I can set it on ground and disconnect pins.... Having to locate a pallet or blocks to get box off can at times be a real pain and then there is the alignment and balance issue with pallet or blocks.... Yes I got dumb and tipped my ballast box over and at 600 pounds it was more weight than the lift capacity of my SCUT's FEL, what a pain to get it upright....

Drop 3PH hitch all the way down and measure from ball ends or hooks on your Pat's or Quick Hitch and put pins on box a couple of inches HIGHER (+/-) than that measurement .. Keeping in mind you have to have all the weight of box off the 3PH to remove box...

old and tired · May 15, 2021

Lowest I would go is 6" from the bottom of the pin. Do you have a quick hitch or Pat's quick connect set up. You need to be below the pins before you can lift up. If you want to see how NOT to do it; I can show you mine (where I can only set it down on 6x6 blocks!!!

i7win7 · May 15, 2021

You may want to set blocks in front of tree so you don't nock it over when reconnecting. 3pt travels in an arc, try to adjust blocks so connect/disconnect is in center of travel. Someday when lumber prices come down you may want to build a stand for it.

other ideas/pics here

Ideas to make implements QH compatible

Get the most benefit from your quick hitch. Buying new get QH compatible. Here is a photo of an implement whose manufacturer has their act together. Note how it's designed for cat 1 & 2. Also the lift arm spacing can be adjusted. Some "QH compatible" only need minor modification. This TSC...

www.orangetractortalks.com

cperky · May 15, 2021

old and tired said:
Lowest I would go is 6" from the bottom of the pin. Do you have a quick hitch or Pat's quick connect set up. You need to be below the pins before you can lift up. If you want to see how NOT to do it; I can show you mine (where I can only set it down on 6x6 blocks!!!

I currently don’t have a quick hitch or pats setup but am considering purchasing one or the other. I’ll probably space the lift pins to be compatible just in case I decide on a quick hitch in the future.

cperky · May 15, 2021

i7win7 said:
You may want to set blocks in front of tree so you don't nock it over when reconnecting. 3pt travels in an arc, try to adjust blocks so connect/disconnect is in center of travel. Someday when lumber prices come down you may want to build a stand for it.
View attachment 698645

other ideas/pics here

Ideas to make implements QH compatible

Get the most benefit from your quick hitch. Buying new get QH compatible. Here is a photo of an implement whose manufacturer has their act together. Note how it's designed for cat 1 & 2. Also the lift arm spacing can be adjusted. Some "QH compatible" only need minor modification. This TSC...

www.orangetractortalks.com

That’s a great idea with the wooden stand! I appreciate the link to the OTT thread as well. Good information!

i7win7 · May 15, 2021

cperky said:
I currently don’t have a quick hitch or pats setup but am considering purchasing one or the other. I’ll probably space the lift pins to be compatible just in case I decide on a quick hitch in the future.

Pricey but quick & dirty way to get the lift arm spacing

Amazon.com : Braber Equipment 3-Point Drawbar - Category 1, 31 5/8in.L, Model Number 1002DB : Automotive Hitch Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

When you haven't learned to weld, you think differently

8000lb superwinch 3pt attachment

p0diabl0 · May 15, 2021

That's the first attachment I've seen that has made me audibly say "WTF". But if it works it works. I hope you used a whole lot of loctite.

WranglerX · May 15, 2021

Now I know why local store was out of drawbars when I needed one....

i7win7 · May 15, 2021

DL Meisen said:
Now I know why local store was out if drawbars when I needed one....

If 2005, yep it was me, about $26 each back then

BackRoad · May 16, 2021

i7win7 said:
If 2005, yep it was me, about $26 each back then

_______________________

Mr. I7win7, you win the "MacGyver Trophy".

It's a work of art!

You'll never run out of 7/8 inch washers!

WranglerX · May 16, 2021

What, 11 or 12?

cperky · May 17, 2021

In progress pics:

WranglerX · May 17, 2021

Put a loop on top of box so if you tip it over you have a easy way to hoist it back upright.....

cperky · May 17, 2021

DL Meisen said:
Put a loop on top of box so if you tip it over you have a easy way to hoist it back upright.....

10-4

bdog · May 26, 2021

Looking good. I assume you plan to fill it with concrete? That is good. Keep in mind steel is about four times as dense as concrete so if you have various useless scrap steel at your disposal might as well toss that in the box before you top it off with concrete.

cperky · May 31, 2021

Finished. Has a false bottom full of scrap metal. It was good practice for the welding students and turned out good for me too. Final weight not available, didn’t have a scale that went up high enough. It’s over 425 lbs but I don’t know how much over.