Planters Ballast Box

[onionfmr]

Recently picked up a 3 point ballast box. Dealer told me to fill it with sand. It has drain holes in the bottom. I have lots of #2 crushed stone. Looking for opinions, why couldn't I just fill it with the stone? Looks to me like sand would seep thru the drain holes in the bottom of the box? I was originally going to fill it with concrete, but, my stone is free and I really like free these days! Thanks for any and all comments Ted.

 

[Long0]

Depending on the stone you have, sand is going to be much heavier than stone - Heavier is better to a point

 

[gwdixon]

Sand is a bit heavier per cubic foot but not much. It is due to the air pockets. I'd just go with the gravel and be satisfied with it.

If you really need it heavier then you could fill it with concrete. But then we are back to the issue of cost.

 

[mark1]

I like free too.So a while ago I went and put a free wanted note in the paper for no longer needed weight lifting equipment.I had a lot of people call and just say come an get em!
I fixed the bar to fit my 3 point arms,and I can add several hundred pounds when needed.
then when not needed I lower the arms and the bar can be rolled away. Yes free is good!

 

[greg_g]

Am in the process of buying a new John Deere 3720, and will be adding a ballast box to offset the loader. If it helps, I've uploaded sample ballast box estimated weight capacities (for that particular box). And if you're worried about sand coming out the drain holes, why not just put a piece of window screen in the bottom? Before you put in the sand of course.

//greg//

 

[onionfmr]

Appreciate the replies. Thanks for the comments - Ted.

 

[NHTC40D]

I just filled mine with rocks and spent time to try to fill it tight and full to maximize weight. You could do that and fill it with sand to fill the gaps. It will work fine.

 

[Thomas]

Gentleman down the road from me fill his ballast box type highway mix spread on icy roads..fine grit..make sure it mix dry also cover..that way if he little extra grit for icy spots.

 

[magicheater]

I like free too.So a while ago I went and put a free wanted note in the paper for no longer needed weight lifting equipment.I had a lot of people call and just say come an get em!
I fixed the bar to fit my 3 point arms,and I can add several hundred pounds when needed.
then when not needed I lower the arms and the bar can be rolled away. Yes free is good!

What a really great idea, if you had all the same size weights you would have a cultipacker!

 

[Deadman]

I can't imagine just throwing some gravel in and out of my ballast box. I took time and worked the tractor with different weights in the ballast box, and I found the right ammount of weight that works best for my tractor, and I don't ever change it unless i am doing a different task.

If you work with getting the correct weight in your own tractor, you'll be amazed by how much more comfortable it is, as in not bucking, not spinning, not pushing the front tires, etc. Its more than just a guessing game.