Barrel Ballast

bunkydad · Oct 30, 2014

Converted a smaller rear ballast box that came with my old tractor (Kubota B7510) for use with my new one (L3800). I cut out the back of the box and make a support for the barrel. My plan is to fill it with steel and cement to get it to about 1000lbs. I think that's the recommended weight that I've seen from reading some of the posts.

I've looked through a bunch of old posts and will most likely put some tubing to hold tools and a rear hitch on it before I fill it. Any recommendations or suggestions before I start mixing the cement would be greatly appreciated.

I know its not pretty...

Msamt · Oct 30, 2014

Like this?

jb92563 · Oct 30, 2014

I'm guessing that your 3pt will reach that low even when your tractor is sitting on top of a foot of snow or ice so there will not be any issues getting it hooked up in any conditions?
A Californian only thinks like that because he formerly lived north of the border.

I'm always thinking multi purpose use so I would think a concrete filled barrel on its side in the form of a 3pt roller would have some additional utility.

Just thinking out loud, your too far along to want to redesign it probably.

Wolfy · Oct 30, 2014

Id throw in some rebar or scrap steel into the concrete to stiffen everything nice.

bunkydad · Oct 31, 2014

Msamt said:
View attachment 396754 View attachment 396755

Like this?

Exactly, thank you. I have a quick hitch so the weight will be a little further back.

bunkydad · Oct 31, 2014

jb92563 said:
I'm guessing that your 3pt will reach that low even when your tractor is sitting on top of a foot of snow or ice so there will not be any issues getting it hooked up in any conditions?
A Californian only thinks like that because he formerly lived north of the border.

I'm always thinking multi purpose use so I would think a concrete filled barrel on its side in the form of a 3pt roller would have some additional utility.

Just thinking out loud, your too far along to want to redesign it probably.

The 3 point on the tractor lowers to about 2 inches above the ground so I think (hope) that it should be enough.

bunkydad · Oct 31, 2014

Wolfy said:
Id throw in some rebar or scrap steel into the concrete to stiffen everything nice.

will do. I have some wire mesh from an old slab pour that I will put in before I fill it. thank you

Paul Thornton · Oct 31, 2014

If you can add a receiver to it you will find it handy.

L2800 w/FEL - 72" Land Pride rake

Msamt · Oct 31, 2014

bunkydad said:
Exactly, thank you. I have a quick hitch so the weight will be a little further back.

My hacked in top link was not high enough, adding some links to extend it 6 inches or so, so check your geometry, i guessed on mine

MossRoad · Oct 31, 2014

I put some rebar and 3pt mounts in a 55 gallon drum and filled it with concrete for my old IH2500b. It weighed nowhere near 1000#. I could tip it over on its side and then I could tip it back up on its end by myself and I don't consider myself a strong man. Concrete weighs a little over 100# per cubic foot. Steel weighs around 500# per cubic foot. So be sure to put enough steel in it to make it worth the effort to construct.