When Safe to Move Ballast Box with Fresh Concrete

[WranglerX]

Just made a 2x2x1ft. (4 cu-ft) steel ballast box for my SCUT (MF 1715)... Filled with about 8 sacks of Sacrete, estimated to weigh about 600 pounds... When is it going to be cured enough to be safely uses with out danger of messing with integrity of concrete cure...

Dale

 

[Streetcar]

If possible wait 28 days

 

[RNeumann]

It will make it’s specified compressive strength at 28 days (book answer) and continue to harden with time. The reality is it will make most of its strength in a week or so. Sidewalks etc can be walked on in a few days. Without photos or a design I’m guessing it can be moved gingerly after a few days and abused after a few weeks.

 

[Whitbread]

I only waited a week before hanging my concrete ballast box. My mounting studs didn't pull out and it didn't fall off the front of the tractor. So while not ideal circumstances, it all seemed to work out. Mine held three 80lb bags of quickrete.

 

[WranglerX]

Box is full steel cases and all mounts are welded or bolted to steel case, it fully contained the concrete as just a fill and other than wracking motion of box there should be no stress on concrete fill...

Pictures later...

Dale

 

[RickB]

Box is full steel cases and all mounts are welded or bolted to steel case, it fully contained the concrete as just a fill and other than wracking motion of box there should be no stress on concrete fill...

Pictures later...

Dale

2 days.

 

[ovrszd]

Just long enough that it doesn't slosh over the sides.

You said the box is self contained and supported. No wait time required.

 

[k0ua]

Just long enough that it doesn't slosh over the sides.

You said the box is self contained and supported. No wait time required.

I was thinking the same thing. If it don't slop out your good to go.

 

[RickB]

Just long enough that it doesn't slosh over the sides.

You said the box is self contained and supported. No wait time required.

I was thinking the same thing. If it don't slop out your good to go.

I don’t disagree, so long as he doesn’t use it for a rear mounted battering ram. I was hedging a bit so the 28 day gang didn’t crucify me.

 

[rgr33]

I waited 3 days on my 650 lb concrete box.

Would have been of been ok with using it before that if it was necessary.