Ballast ballast box filling
- Thread starter blackbird
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blackbird said:
I don't use a ballast box but if I did I would definitely use removable weight.... retaining wall blocks, actual weights (exercise), ect... Anything that can get the thing loaded up. I'd want something that were easily removable so the box could be moved by hand if needed. I have tons of extra retaining wall block so that's what I would use....
For my tractor.... I use my 54" Box Blade along with 10 JD case weights I've accumulated over the last few years...
ADin
Silver Member
I used 50lb bags of sand. I leave them in the bag so I can remove them if I want and it turns out that two bags fit absolutely perfectly side by side in the box to form an ~4-5" layer. I use 7 bags total (350lbs) which I leave in all the time then have another ~150lbs in quick tach weights which I add on top for the really heavy jobs. Coupled with the ~170lb box, I end up between 520 and 670 lbs. For really light work (dry mulch), I only add the 150lbs quicktach weights to either round stock bar on 3pt or 75lb sub-soiler. I usually try to use the lightest ballast I can for my yards sake while still being keeping things stable.
Thomas
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Morning Blackbird.
I went to my dearlership purchase second hand weight for almost nothing than built frame...3pins to hook up plus bumper for protection.
If you have the time and tools build something that's going to last...and last.
I went to my dearlership purchase second hand weight for almost nothing than built frame...3pins to hook up plus bumper for protection.
If you have the time and tools build something that's going to last...and last.
Last edited:
kennyd
Advertiser
My box is filled with concrete. I went to the local "U-Cart" concrete place, you know the ones that rent the little trailers filled with pre-mixed concrete...anyway, I took the box on my trailer and they filled it up for $40.00. They though I was a little crazy, but it was sure easy for me!
Also, be sure to caulk or tape the inside seams before you fill it or the water will run out and make mess!
Also, be sure to caulk or tape the inside seams before you fill it or the water will run out and make mess!
Steadite
Member
I use concrete pavers (I think they're 4"x4"x1.5"). Get 'em from the home center. They're dense, stack nicely, and are easy to take out. I could do a wheelie with my X585 if I filled the box entirely up with them. Sand didn't seem as dense.
Lobo56
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I filled my Ballast box on my 2210 3/4 full with sand and then set 10 - 42lbs. J D suitcase weights on top of the sand. Then you can reduce the weight in the box if needed. I had the ballast box sprayed inside with rhino liner to keep it from rusting. I figure 700+ with the ballast box, sand and weights. The weights are set just low enough to put a plexiglass cover on box to keep the weather out.
Woody_NH
Silver Member
I went with what I had available. I shoveled in gravel from my driveway repair stockpile. That settled down after a while and I use the space to store chain.
I figure that if I have to empty the box for some reason, I could manage to get the gravel out. Mostly, it was what I had available.
I figure that if I have to empty the box for some reason, I could manage to get the gravel out. Mostly, it was what I had available.
755inNY
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blackbird,
I used solid concrete blocks 8"x4"X16". You can find them at home centers next to the standard masonary block. They also come in 2" thick and I used a few of these for fillers. If you are storing your ballast box on a hard surface such as a garage floor, a heavy duty furniture dolly is handy. Set the ballast box on the dolly before removing it from the tractor. Makes it much easier to move around and to re-attach to the tractor.
Jeff
I used solid concrete blocks 8"x4"X16". You can find them at home centers next to the standard masonary block. They also come in 2" thick and I used a few of these for fillers. If you are storing your ballast box on a hard surface such as a garage floor, a heavy duty furniture dolly is handy. Set the ballast box on the dolly before removing it from the tractor. Makes it much easier to move around and to re-attach to the tractor.
Jeff
