Making a counterbalance for my mx5200...give me your opinions...please

MechanicalGuy · Jul 23, 2019

Underdog57 said:
I would suggest putting bigger bolts in the top-link bracket and bolt a piece of steel between the bolts on the inside to keep the bolts from possibly pulling out of the concrete.

There is no way they will pull out with the washers nutted on the ends like shown in the picture. Did you notice those?

MechanicalGuy · Jul 23, 2019

DL Meisen said:
Concrete weighs in at about 150 lbs per cubic foot... Find capacity of barrel in cubic feet and multiply by 150....

How to Calculate the Volume of a Cylinder (with Examples)

A common 55 gallon steel drum (cylinder) has a volume of 7.35 cu-ft.... 7.35 cu-ft X 150 lbs =1102.5 pounds (approx)

It will take approximately 18, 60 pound bags of "Saccrete" to fill 55 gallon drum at about $3.40 a bag... About $65 for concrete...

Dale

I did all those exact calculations but I've only seen the concrete with a density of 110lbs per cubic foot. I don't know what number to trust. Is that generally listed on the bags?

MechanicalGuy · Jul 23, 2019

All bolts are 1/2" galvanized. I didn't find where galvanized would have a problem reacting too terribly with the concrete.

Underdog57 · Jul 23, 2019

MechanicalGuy said:
There is no way they will pull out with the washers nutted on the ends like shown in the picture. Did you notice those?

It was just a suggestion.

WranglerX · Jul 25, 2019

MechanicalGuy said:
I did all those exact calculations but I've only seen the concrete with a density of 110lbs per cubic foot. I don't know what number to trust. Is that generally listed on the bags?

This is where I got my numbers....

Concrete Weight Calculator - Estimate the Weight of a Concrete Structure

I made a 2X2X1 ft box (4 cubic feet) and filled it with almost 9 bags of 60 pound per bag sakrete... Lost a little volume due to putting some(4) 2 inch ABS pipes in box for tool holders (shovels, rakes, hoes) .... Numbers seem to work...

Dale

ning · Jul 26, 2019

One thing to consider with ballast boxes is that the goal of having a heavy ballast "nestled in close between the tires" (as has been mentioned in a variety of other threads, not this one) may make the rig more maneuverable, but the closer in to the tractor it is, the heavier it has to be to have the same FEL counterbalancing effect, because of the lever action.

It would be interesting to me to see a ballast box set up with a variable attachment, so the box could be pulled in tighter for lower weight FEL work when clearance is important, and extended farther out away from the rear axle to better counterbalance the FEL load. If the center of the ballast box is typically 4' from the rear axle, moving it a foot back would be equivalent to adding 25% more weight to it.

thekkfan · Jul 26, 2019

I made this one from a pickle barrel. Dropped in (10-1/2) 80lb. bags. At an estimate of 86 lbs/bag cured + the barrel, stabilizer, and other pieces, I think its around 930lbs.

I dropped in a couple pvc pipes for tool storage if needed, and didn't pour all the way to the top. I store chains in the top and lid still screws on.

MechanicalGuy · Jul 26, 2019

thekkfan said:
I made this one from a pickle barrel. Dropped in (10-1/2) 80lb. bags. At an estimate of 86 lbs/bag cured + the barrel, stabilizer, and other pieces, I think its around 930lbs.

I dropped in a couple pvc pipes for tool storage if needed, and didn't pour all the way to the top. I store chains in the top and lid still screws on.

View attachment 614536

Where are you guys getting those top link connectors?

MechanicalGuy · Jul 26, 2019

Also, what is the easiest way to get concrete into this? Do I need to mix it and then pour it in? Or can I just open the bags into the barrel and add water in and leave it be?