Extra weight on a disk harrow

[Michigan_Mike]

I want to add some weight to my KingKutter disc, and was wondering if anyone knows how much a cement block weighs?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

A concrete block weighs far less than a wife. Just have her stand on the harrow and lean forward to grab onto the ROPS to hold on.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Bob,
That's not a bad idea, but I'm afraid she would hold on to me by my neck!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I suppose I should have posted my reply in the "safety" forum and placed a disclaimer that said something about wearing a neck guard.

 

[daedong]

Mike,

When and if you make a cement block i would like my wife to stand in it as it cures she doesn't weigh much but all helps

 

[daedong]

Mike,

Serious, link to concrete weight

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Thanks, but I got lost on step 3. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
There was a thread on blocks that were made specifically for an implement, but I wasn't planning to make one.
I was thinking about buying a few of the pre-cast blocks that are use for basements, and measure about 8x8x16 (inches)

 

[ThistleKop]

My experience with the commercially available concrete blocks (cinder blocks?) is that they break too easily to use for this purpose. You can use them for a project or short term but I would come up with something else if you're planning on using the weight over and over.

TK

 

[Egon]

Just fill some bags with dirt.

Egon

 

[RobS]

36 pounds for a standard 8X8X16 two holer from Menards. I happen to know this as I have set about eight skids of 'em over the past several weeks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Michigan_Mike]

TK,
Yes, cinder blocks is another name for what I'm looking at.
I'm just working our lot in small patches, so I thought that at less than a dollar each, it would be a good price. I can also use a couple of them for weight on the thatcher for the lawn.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

What kind of bag?
I went into the local TSC and asked for bags to fill with sand, and I just got a blank stare.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Thanks Rob.
That means I can add over 200 pounds for about $6.
I was thinking of using some 2x4s and plywood I already have for a frame. Just to keep them from falling off.

 

[Soundguy]

Lowes sells sandbags cheap. they are a poly bag.. kinda like tarp material.

I've seen some of the smaller angle iron disc's that even have cinder block 'slots' on them.. specifically to hold blocks.

Coupd always pour them solid.. or use the pillow blocks that go in the bottom of some post holes.. or that they set mobile homes with.

Scrap iron.. like railroad track or i-beam from the recycle plant or junkyard works well.

good luck

Soundguy

 

[kensfarm]

The 100lb feed bags would work.. the farmers use to be able to save them & get money back from the feed store.. now w/ the mad cow stuff.. the feed store's won't buy the bags back. I use them for trash bags, and storing potatoes, etc.. they're pretty tuff.

 

[dmp437]

If you're in the SE Michigan area I take that as around Detroit? Locate a machine shop and check for spare/scrap DrillUnit counterweights. The counterweights are made of lead, about 1.5" thick, and are around 100 pounds each.

 

[Soundguy]

Feedbags are great! I save mine.. great tough trash bags.. or to wrap a part in to head into town.. etc.

Luckilly I use only nutreena feeds and they don't use any animal products in thier feeds.

The feed co-op I buy from provides substantial discounts if you buy in bulk. ( One reason i save my bags ). You can also buy hog mix feed by the 55 gallon poly-drum ( or bag your own) for cheap. The poly drums come into the mill with molassis in them.. they sell the drums for 8-12 bucks each.. 12 bucks cleaned and empty.. or 8 bucks if you buy it and the 50# of hog mix. ( the hog mix is merely a mix of different feeds that came out of the mill when they switched over to another feed... so might be some corn, oats.. some 10/12% horse.. sheep.. etc. Probably some dust too.. as they sweep up the mill floor by the hoppers and dump that into the hog mix bins as well..) They sell dog food the same way.. you can buy a mix dog feed that is just the changeovers from one feed to another. Not bad if your farm dogs and hogs aren't picky.

Soundguy

 

[kensfarm]

"The feed co-op I buy from provides substantial discounts if you buy in bulk."

My back still hurts.. had 3 tons delivered 2 weeks ago on a Sat... took Mon. off to rest.. and a farmer showed up w/ wagon load of square bales! He said he had a 14 yr old kid that unloaded wagons for 8 bucks.. I said give him 20.. my back was fried!

 

[Soundguy]

Right before the hurricanes hit here in fl I picked up a couple tons.. saved the delivery charge.. but paid for it in aspirin and ben gay.

The family feed/farm store i get my hay from usually has a young familly member hanging around the hay barn that you can throw some tip money at to load your trailer.. and I always do..

Soundguy

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Thanks.Lots of good ideas other than cement.
I'm actually just North of Ann Arbor.
But there's a lot of small business in the area.
I'll look for a local machine shop.