Concrete Balast Box Cure?

[Racer71]

How long do I have to wait before I remove the form? How long until I can use it?

 

[MrJimi]

You forgot to put lifting hoops/rings in it , If it were me ? I would wait at least 48 hours in comfy temps, not freezing temps. Take your time and you will have a "forever weight box" that you and your followers ( son's, grand children )will enjoy for a long time
Ya should date it with your name. all it takes is another layer.
Do It for them
Jim

 

[Racer71]

Jimi,

I thought about the hooks but didn't for two reasons.

I don't think I can lift it with the FEL.

I can always put a chain through the top link arms.

 

[MrJimi]

Think about this,, You will get a bigger,stronger unit some day. Always plan ahead.
You should be fine for now and you figure a way to pick it up in the future
You can always drill a couple of holes and insert two bolts for lifting
I know I would
Jim

 

[dillo99]

Nice Job Racer.

Looks HEAVY!

I would give it as long as possible to cure...several days if not more. Concrete actually takes about 30 days to reach full strength.

 

[trrjohn]

You should wait about 7 days, if the temperature has been at least 50dF. Concrete gains about 60-70% of its strength in the first week. JHT

 

[Racer71]

So much for waiting.

 

[Racer71]

Nice Job Racer.

Looks HEAVY!

I would give it as long as possible to cure...several days if not more. Concrete actually takes about 30 days to reach full strength.

It came in at 1,300 pounds. It is transfering about 800 pounds from the front axle to the rear axle also.

One use for this is wheel packing my driveway project. With the ballast block and a full bucket I am increasing the weight of my 4,000 pound tractor by 2,000 pounds!

I plan on using it some tomorrow before I head off to the Chili Bowl. It will then sit for a couple of weeks.

 

[Racer71]

This thing is great! If you want to dig in the dirt get a tooth bar and a ballast box. They work very well together.

 

[toolsorbust]

This thing is great! If you want to dig in the dirt get a tooth bar and a ballast box. They work very well together.

Hmmm ripper teeth under a ballest box. thinking of a new toy for breaking up red clay.

 

[rtdiggr]

now that is a piece of concrete.

Shane

 

[jamestaylor72]

So much for waiting.

Now thats cool as Sh*T !!!!! Very nice job Racer !

 

[TBDonnelly]

That is one heck of a rear bumper.

You could sell advertising space on the backside.

Nice work.

Don

 

[skippy957]

Very nice job.

 

[Deerlope]

Nice ballast. When you make the next one put a hitch point right out the back of the box. You never know when you will need to tow or be towed.

 

[rpoage]

Nice ballast. When you make the next one put a hitch point right out the back of the box. You never know when you will need to tow or be towed.

When he builds the next one? Racer71 just build the brick out house of ballast boxes. That thing is going to be handed down to his next generation. When the big one goes off there will be only cockroaches and Racer71's ballast box left. Seriously, nice work Racer71. Every time I think I'm just going to wonder into the Kubota dealer and buy a overpriced ballast box, someone on here posts a home built version that make me feel like a looser for not taking the time to do the same.

 

[wedge40]

I'm curious - how many bags of cement did you use?
the design looks pretty basic. 1/2" plywood, 1/4" threaded rod, and some corner brackets.

It looks nice, but Id like one a tad bit lighter. Even though the Ford is rated at 3200#'s. I'd prefer to keep the box under 1000#'s

I think I'll do shorter then include some hooks for lifting it up and I'd also add 4our anchor points so if I needed to add more I could just stack them on top.

Wedge

 

[Justaplain]

I use chimney blocks. Stack them on end, drive in a rod and fill. They weigh about 100# each filled. "insane"

 

[Racer71]

Hi guys,

That block took 16 bags of quick cement.

$60 cement
$25 drawbar
$20 top link bars
$30 other

I have used it a little and it makes a world of difference. The tractor "feels" solid now.

 

[DViau]

Good job, I'm just wondering, is it more appropriate to use cement like you did than having a box that you can fill with sand or stones so you can vary the weight depending on conditions?