Ballast Box vs Suitcase Weights - HeavyHitch Inbound!

[deathtoblackberries]

Decided to bag the idea of purchasing a ballast box, nobody had one in stock locally so today I ordered a Heavy Hitch with suitcase weight bar instead. My local Kubota dealer has the 55lb suitcase weights in stock at a decent price $60. Anyone else own one of these? How has it held up?

 

[Dan33Klein]

Heavy hitches are known for being very good quality. What tractor are you using it on?
The 55lb weights won’t add up to much...

 

[deathtoblackberries]

BX2380 8x55lb plus hitch 55lb = 495lb

 

[Dan33Klein]

Sounds good, will work great for your bx!
I made one myself when I had my John Deere 455, and then bx2370. Worked great. You’ll find yourself using the 2” receiver more than you think.

 

[teg]

Only "issue" I can see (which might be a bonus) is that the weight is very close to the tractor. The farther back the weight is, the better effect as a counter weight it is. Why not just use a box blade for weight? or another implement... even a carryall and load it up with (free) rocks.

 

[the old grind]

Weight rack will surely do more good than loaded tires, and would be easier to 'drop off' if MMM is a "last resort". (a 'compromise', IMO)

t o g agrees with teg. A box blade hangs farther back and is a common and commendable tool for its combo of weight, size, and utility. (sleeper snow weapon, shhh..) BX2380 w/FEL won't be hostling round bales soon, will it? :laughing: I bot another CUT to not take the BB of my 'core' machine (35hp, front remotes, SSQA) except for tilling.

We want to do our best not to apply big ag bits where not the best o'all on CUTs, just as we don't buy a 3PH log splitter to save a few bucks, and then tie up a 50hp tractor using it.

btw, DTB, your recent posts are much fun, even if you weren't inviting our help to spend yer dough. And extra points for a most relevant thread title that will surely ease finding this topic when searched. :thumbsup: (you ROCK, Doc!)

 

[deathtoblackberries]

Thanks teg, TOG, I have zero use for a box blade ahahaha half the forum just fainted. I need to drop all the weight for mowing the primary duty of this tractor. Well and driving my neighbors fence line spraying their **** blackberries :muttering: with chemical DEATH.

 

[ovrszd]

I built (cobbled up) a weight rack that doubles as ballast. I store my suitcase weights on it. I use a Quick Hitch so hitching/unhitching is done without leaving the seat.

The hitch you are buying could easily have legs added that would allow you to set it down with the weights intact using a Quick Hitch. Very handy attachment that way.

Not sure of your location, maybe stop by the local dealerships around, older the better, and ask about used suitcase weights for sale? Or watch farm sales if you have any locally? Lastly, get to know your local scrap yard. I've bought several hundred pounds of suitcase weights from the scrap yard. Last batch I paid .10 cents per pound.

 

[deathtoblackberries]

I found some suitcase weights on my local craigslist...for the same price as sold new at my dealer lol our craigslist is way over priced. One guy was selling a Grizzly lathe for more than what Grizzly sells them for...wait for it...because he had cleaned all the shipping grease off for you, I kid you not lol.

 

[ovrszd]

I found some suitcase weights on my local craigslist...for the same price as sold new at my dealer lol our craigslist is way over priced. One guy was selling a Grizzly lathe for more than what Grizzly sells them for...wait for it...because he had cleaned all the shipping grease off for you, I kid you not lol.

Yeah, I hear that a lot from different parts of the country. I'm pretty fortunate here. Used items sell for used price!!!! Update your progress with this. Always interested to see weight solutions!!!!

 

[Gary Fowler]

I found some suitcase weights on my local craigslist...for the same price as sold new at my dealer lol our craigslist is way over priced. One guy was selling a Grizzly lathe for more than what Grizzly sells them for...wait for it...because he had cleaned all the shipping grease off for you, I kid you not lol.

Same here, I have just about quit looking at Craigslist. Between the high prices and the scammers, it is just a PIA to try to find a bargain.

 

[ovrszd]

Same here, I have just about quit looking at Craigslist. Between the high prices and the scammers, it is just a PIA to try to find a bargain.

Bummer. I'm not familiar with the OP's location. But I would have thought there were "old farmsteads" around in your area. That's normally the source for stuff like this.

The stupid high scrap prices of a few years ago caused a LOT of good farm equipment and accessories to go to China.

 

[deathtoblackberries]

Here people want near retail price for their used stuff, part of the problem are people trying to make a business out of buying stuff then flipping it at a higher price. So we get ridiculous low ball offers from that crowd, and they relist at sky high prices, then normal sellers think they can get that price on their stuff.

If you want to have some fun... what low ball flippers hate more than anything is another low ball flipper getting their ahead of them. When I get a low ball offer that is absurd, I reply with bummer I just sold it for less than you offered lmao they have a category 10 meltdown. I have gotten some hilarious emails back, you were stupid for selling it that low I would have paid you more than that you idiot they have a cow.

 

[2ndhalf]

I use this and am a big believer in a dirt scoop for ballast because when it is not being used for ballast it can be used for transporting tools, saws, wood, Beer coolers etc.

I got mine off CL for $100. The one in this link weighs 275lb all by itself then add weight as you feel you need it.

King Kutter 3" Dirt Scoop DS-3-Y : Rural King

I would not buy a new one.. keep an eye out on CL. They are on there all the time.. and you cannot tear them up so buying used is the only way to go.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, great tool. Always go for the reversible ones too. Some of the older stuff isn't.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

death, I'm half way to a similar setup. Found my used 6-55lb suitcase weights off craigslist last year. 2 separate transactions 3 weights for $100. Cleaned, primed, repainted.




Going with a setup like this


Pro's, don't always need rear ballast, weights can easily be removed. Also doesn't stick out as far as the ballast box does, shed space is becoming a premium. I use the 3pt quite a bit, trailer mover, sprayer. I like the cargo carrier, can be utilized on upper gooseneck mount or lower receiver.
Con's, pricey. Weight farther out is better, but 330lbs should do it.

Originally bought a ballast box but later realized it would not work with my pat's quick hitch. Sold the box.

 

[the old grind]

.. When I get a low ball offer that is absurd, I reply with "bummer I just sold it for less than you offered" lmao they have a category 10 meltdown. I have gotten some hilarious emails back, ... "I would have paid you more than that you idiot " they have a cow.

^^ My kind of guy. btw, not to hijack, but What are you using on the bk-berries? (Amine 400 to use up..) I'm almost wishing they'd spread here from next door, but stop short of bringing them in just for deer cover. Thick where they grow over the fence, I wouldn't want them taking over my shores.

 

[deathtoblackberries]

^^ My kind of guy. btw, not to hijack, but What are you using on the bk-berries? (Amine 400 to use up..) I'm almost wishing they'd spread here from next door, but stop short of bringing them in just for deer cover. Thick where they grow over the fence, I wouldn't want them taking over my shores.

I spray with Crossbow, the blackberries go AH AH I'M MELTING and keel over dead. :devil:

 

[deathtoblackberries]

death, I'm half way to a similar setup. Found my used 6-55lb suitcase weights off craigslist last year. 2 separate transactions 3 weights for $100. Cleaned, primed, repainted.

View attachment 541364
View attachment 541365

Going with a setup like this

View attachment 541366
Pro's, don't always need rear ballast, weights can easily be removed. Also doesn't stick out as far as the ballast box does, shed space is becoming a premium. I use the 3pt quite a bit, trailer mover, sprayer. I like the cargo carrier, can be utilized on upper gooseneck mount or lower receiver.
Con's, pricey. Weight farther out is better, but 330lbs should do it.

Originally bought a ballast box but later realized it would not work with my pat's quick hitch. Sold the box.

Outstanding, love that you cleaned them up and painted. Mine are about half as rusted as yours but filthy. Dealer 1 had them laying outside in the yard. I picked up the final 3 this morning from another dealer, they were still on the shipping pallet and already rusting. I stopped at Wilco Farm Store on the way home and picked up some parts cleaner and several cans of Rustoleum ultra cover dark grey. Thought about going with Kubota orange but with the Heavy Hitch blinding orange already I opted for dark grey.

Also yeah I'm already thinking about how to use that 2 inch receiver on mine for a pin on tool rack for rakes and shovels, etc.

 

[goeduck]

Here people want near retail price for their used stuff.

You got that right. Now and then you can still find a deal here, but it is getting harder. I used to travel by car to 4 states for work and got better deals in Oregon or Idaho. I would take my pickup when I found a good deal.