Ballast Ballast Box Drainage

[DrLewie]

I've read many of the posts re: wheel weights vs. box blades vs. ballast boxes, vs. filled tires and concluded that for me the ballast box is the best alternative. So today I bought a Kubota ballast box. I was surprised to see that the box has no drainage holes in the bottom. I'm planning to fill the box with stones, and since I don't have indoor storage, I won't be able to keep rain water and snow melt out.

Obviously, water will add ballast weight, but it will also seemingly provide a breeding ground for skeeters and mold, and standing water could eventually cause rust.

So, I'm thinking of drilling drain holes in the bottom of the box. Am I over thinking this (afterall, Kubota doesn't think it needs drainage) and should just leave it alone, or are drainage holes a reasonable idea?

 

[Donfi]

This was my idea for a ballast box. No drainage needed here, I used an old quad axel through a 1" pipe poured in the concrete. Also acts as a wheelie bar since I am on some rather hilly terrain. :laughing:

 

[kebo]

Hey Donfi, I think you might be onto something there!!! Rig up a right angle drive box and attach it directly to the shaft to drive the ballast wheel, and you would have the only 5x5 tractor with five wheel drive!!! LOL. Of course, you would need down pressure on the hitch to really get good traction with it.

 

[BlacknTan]

I've read many of the posts re: wheel weights vs. box blades vs. ballast boxes, vs. filled tires and concluded that for me the ballast box is the best alternative. So today I bought a Kubota ballast box. I was surprised to see that the box has no drainage holes in the bottom. I'm planning to fill the box with stones, and since I don't have indoor storage, I won't be able to keep rain water and snow melt out.

Obviously, water will add ballast weight, but it will also seemingly provide a breeding ground for skeeters and mold, and standing water could eventually cause rust.

So, I'm thinking of drilling drain holes in the bottom of the box. Am I over thinking this (afterall, Kubota doesn't think it needs drainage) and should just leave it alone, or are drainage holes a reasonable idea?

I think a small drain hole in each corner would make good sense..

 

[Soundguy]

drill em.. and paint afterwards to protect metal..

 

[oldballs]

Like many of the attachments, some are not used that much. Thus I finally decided to just store the Kubota factory ballast box upside down. When I need it I add whatever weight is necessary using concrete solid blocks and/or whatever is laying around. ... works for me.