Weight Box

[dabull]

Just bought myself a BX 1860 with fel, snow blower and 48 inch deck. Its been a lot of fun and works like a horse. I am wondering how necessary it is to have a weight box when the snow starts flying? Thanks, dabull

 

[Bluegill2]

Weight on the 3pth should always be used when fel is on the tractor.

 

[dabull]

Thanks, actually what I meant was when I have the snow-blower attached is the weight box necessary.

 

[DiggerDog]

Thanks, actually what I meant was when I have the snow-blower attached is the weight box necessary.

I am about to install the front mount snowblower on my BX25 and am wondering the same thing!

 

[Bob77064]

Weight on the TPH will help with traction.

 

[dennisgw]

Blowing snow for 9 years in MN with my BX2200 with no weights, no chains. If it is spins, I put it in 4 WD. Turf tires work great. But we typically have dry snow, if you have more ice that may be different.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Congrads on the new purchase!
Ballast is a MUST with the FEL.
So for that reason you should invest in some or make a weight.
now
use it when necessary with the snow blower also
chains for ice covered pavement may also be necessary especially if you have hills to navigate.
I used to have a 2wd tractor that I plowed with and was unable to climb back up my driveway with just weights when there was ice on the pavement. (freezing rain before the snowfall)
Enjoy your new tractor!
Tom

 

[LD1]

A weight box certainly would help. It will take a little of the load off the front axle and be easier on components.

I see the BX is rated to lift about 1000lbs at the 3PH. With the blower on, I'd start with 500lbs or so back there. It will help tremendously.

But instead of spending money on a weight box, have you though about a 3PH implement. Something like a back blade or box blade. You know, something that is good for more than just dead weight??

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I'm a believer that a boxblade is one of the most versatile and usable implements that can be attached to a BX with FEL and left on almost all of the time for rear weight. Maybe a used one can be found. I've never quite seen the light of buying a weight box that does nothing but add weight. Just one mans opinion which may be worth what's been paid for it.

 

[xerman]

I considered chains &/or weight box when I first mounted my blower. Decided to try it with out either. Been blowing snow for over 10 years with it and have never needed either. I have the turf tires and they work great. Live outside the Buffalo, NY area and we get plenty of snow. You can always add chains or weight box later if you find that you need them.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

He still needs a box blade, weights, ballast.... whatever regardless.
Just for the FEL use.
Tom.

 

[LD1]

The only benefit to having a weight box in lieu of a heavy implement is maneuverability.

I have a barrel with 1000# on concrete in it for ballast when and if I need the maneuverability. Like working back in the woods in and around trees that I dont want all scarred up, or like when spreading gravel in the basement and garage of mom and dads house that is being built. There is a garage door on the basement that is 7'. Getting in and maneuvering around to spread the gravel is alot better with a weight box than with a 7' blade or 6' bushhog back there:thumbsup:

But for just doing a driveway, I'd get an implement.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

BX1860
I think his 3 point hitch is only 670 lbs. @ 24" beyond the pins? which would be about the dimension of say a ballast box.
Just over 400 lbs lift for the FEL.
I can see the point of why a box blade which weighs extends out and adds leverage would be a great combination with a FEL on a BX.
Tom

 

[LD1]

BX1860
I think his 3 point hitch is only 670 lbs. @ 24" beyond the pins? which would be about the dimension of say a ballast box.
Just over 400 lbs lift for the FEL.
I can see the point of why a box blade which weighs extends out and adds leverage would be a great combination with a FEL on a BX.
Tom

992# lift at the pins. Which is closer to where a box would be located.

24" aft would be for things like a bushhog or blade:thumbsup:

 

[mjw357]

The only benefit to having a weight box in lieu of a heavy implement is maneuverability.

I think you could build a weight box of some kind for under $20, cheaper than an implement that he may or may not have use for.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I built a weight box that I could mount on the rear or front. It was made as a steel cage of sorts, with 4 pieces of concrete formed to fit in the box. The steel was about 60- 80# if I remember right. Each concrete block weighed about 40-50#. That way I could still lift each component and got about 200 + # of weight. I could also add more weight on top and secure with bungees.

I posted my build at the time. It was cheap and a fun DIY project. Maybe I can find the thread and post a link.

Edit... Here's a link http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/162564-homemade-front-rear-ballast-box.html

 

[PHILIP8N]

I've never quite seen the light of buying a weight box that does nothing but add weight.

The advantage I have seen using a ballast box is it's compact size when working in tight quarters. That is when I mount my 1250# ballast box. If I am in the open, and need the box blade, then I mount my 1150# box blade. The ballast box is also easier to trailer. Philip.

 

[LD1]

I think you could build a weight box of some kind for under $20, cheaper than an implement that he may or may not have use for.

Yea, maybe, IF you already have steel and crap laying around and a welder and good way to cut the stuff.

You'd have $20 just in a set of pins and a few rattle cans of paint. Let alone having to buy steel to do it.

And since he is wanting to equip his tractor for snow duty, I am certain that he would make good use of a rear blade for a few hundred bucks off c-list.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I agree that a rear blade would be useful for snow removal and would add some ballast. He may want to get a blade and also figure a way to add more weight. Small tractor blades don't weigh much.

 

[Bluegill2]

Heavy box blade is one of the most useful implements I own. I've also added 200+lbs of weight to mine.