Barrel Ballast

[bunkydad]

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]

Like this?

 

[jb92563]

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]

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

 

[bunkydad]

View attachment 396754View attachment 396755

Like this?

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

 

[bunkydad]

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]

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]

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

L2800 w/FEL - 72" Land Pride rake

 

[Msamt]

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]

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.

 

[bcp]

Concrete is 18-20 lbs per gallon.

Bruce

 

[MossRoad]

It also why you see steel weights on tractors and not concrete weights....

 

[Msamt]

Mine ended up around 900 lbs with the rebar, drawbar and concrete.

 

[JKR]

I put 12 80lbs bag of cement in a 55 gallon drum for a roller. So 80# x 12 = 960 lbs + the drum about 40lbs = 1000lbs.

 

[bunkydad]

Here's the empty barrel and frame:



Weighs in just under 200lbs. Now to fill it....

 

[MossRoad]

That'll be nice. :thumbsup:

 

[bunkydad]

Finally got around to filling it. Filled the corner areas first then started on the barrel. I put quite a bit of scrap steel in with the concrete. Came in at 1055lbs. There's plenty of room left for chains and tools. I put the barrel on a tilt before filling it so when it sits level, the concrete is pitched to the rear for drainage (just in case). I plan on cutting and welding on a hinged top.

 

[MossRoad]

Very nice! I like the tool storage area, too. :thumbsup:

 

[bunkydad]

Cut out the lid and welded on some hinges. Put on the chains to keep the lid from folding back onto the tractor. Gave it a quick coat of primer.

 

[Wolfy]

That should serve you well. I made a 1,000 lb concrete block that gets floated between 3 tractors. That kind of weight really makes the tractor perform, while making it much safer as well.