Ballast Box

xreadx

New member

Equipment
L3301 & LA525 Loader
Mar 5, 2020
8
12
3
Orange TX
I know there are a lot of people here who dont use their tractor as a tool. This post is not for them. This has greatly increased the stability of my tractor. I lift very heavy things (over the hydros ability). This box has helped me be able to push loads of chips into a pile without tire slippage. It also helps keep the rear tires on the ground instead of driving around on front tires only using bucket like training wheels. I wielded on a vise so I can grab ahold of things and grind out in the yard instead of having metal shavings in shop.. added a brace over top and a heavy duty hook so I can yank things. (Rear tires are already water filled)
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SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
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SE, IN
I use ballast boxes on my B3350, L6060 and M9960 for certain tasks.

I do not use liquid ballast.
 

ve9aa

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TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
Apr 11, 2021
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NB, Canada
That's a great looking all-purpose ballast box for sure. Well done.

Everyone that owns a tractor SHOULD use it as a tool ! ;-)

"... I know there are a lot of people here who dont use their tractor as a tool. ..."
 
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rc51stierhoff

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B2650, MX6000, (BX sold)
Sep 13, 2021
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Nice box…I like the way you finished it. Especially Nice touches on the hooks and the vice. Think the cross piece top dead center is an excellent idea to tie the box together especially since it looks like you have a hook to pull with…well thought out.

I have modified / tuned to my needs a couple different ballast boxes and a carry all. (I plan to start a third one in the spring for the MX) I just finished (mostly)one that I started another thread on and I really was on the fence about the vice. I think I will add a receiver for that though…sort of struggling with the location to weld on though. I put another box on top that is removes me for when I do wood.

Anyway nice job. Thanks for sharing the ideas with pics.

 
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GreensvilleJay

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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
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always NICE to see guys BUILD stuff that works for THEM !!!
I don't need the pick axe hole....gave all of them away due to bad back....
 

jkrubi12

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B2601/LA435/QA54"/BH70/B8160box/BB1254/PFL1242/SGC0554/WC-68 Chipper
Sep 24, 2012
397
289
63
right coast
That ballast box would've made the ballast box 'top ten' easily, but the vise!

The addition of the vise puts it at the top of the list, absolute well-thought out. (y)
 
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xreadx

New member

Equipment
L3301 & LA525 Loader
Mar 5, 2020
8
12
3
Orange TX
The first sentence of your post is pretty silly for a new member, actually first two sentences!
The sentences refer to me being "ignorant".

I will break the tractor in half and go buy a new one.

This post is just to help other "idiots like me" who actually use(and abuse) the tools they purchase.

 

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Mark_BX25D

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Bx25D
Jul 19, 2020
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The first sentence of your post is pretty silly for a new member, actually first two sentences!

Why? He's absolutely right. Some people never do more than mow a lawn or blow some snow.
 
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jkrubi12

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B2601/LA435/QA54"/BH70/B8160box/BB1254/PFL1242/SGC0554/WC-68 Chipper
Sep 24, 2012
397
289
63
right coast
I've got the same sticker on the windshield of my Jeep! :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
 
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GeoHorn

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M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
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And I would consider both of those task as using the tractor as a tool.
I think the problem arises because you worded your response to come across as a criticism of the OP ….you found fault with him…rather than simply point out that mowing is one of the legitimate uses of a tractor. There’s a pretty frequent thing on these forums to attack the person rather than address the difference of viewpoint.

As for a ballast box… I use my 3-pt with implements that perform work other than to simply be heavy…for me to lose the use of the 3pt for weight attachment. I can leave a mower or a box blade back there and not have to change it out for a ballast box…. and accomplish the same end-goal for less work and less expense…. (didn’t buy a ballast box).

As a tool carrier, many implements (shredders, blades, etc) can carry a hoe, sledge, or pick just as well… and a dedicated tool carrier/basket is a better device that doesn’t interfere or remove the value of the 3pt. IMO.
 
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NCL4701

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L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572 box scrape, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
Apr 27, 2020
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I use my tractor as a climbing toy for my cat. But I still like the box, particularly the vise and bumper sticker. 🙂
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GeoHorn

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The cat considers it a tool to get up where you are. :ROFLMAO:
 
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Motion

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Kubota MX5100HST/FEL
Aug 17, 2020
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Mandeville Louisiana
8" pipe, 6 foot long, 2- 20 foot chains with a log choker on one end and a grab hook on the other, two trailer positions (goose neck / bumper pull). 586 pounds. Works great backing filling ruts and slicking down roads. Not a lot hanging out the back when backing up in tight spaces.
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BAP

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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Dec 31, 2012
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The first sentence of your post is pretty silly for a new member, actually first two sentences!
Why pick on a new member who posted a nice long post with great pictures about a home made implement? Do you feel you are better than him? It’s a good way to discourage a new person from coming back to this site.
 
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Mrlunchbox

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2023 BX2380 loader/mower. Land Pride snow pusher, Kapteyn pallet forks
Nov 21, 2020
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Why pick on a new member who posted a nice long post with great pictures about a home made implement? Do you feel you are better than him? It’s a good way to discourage a new person from coming back to this site.

Simple, small man syndrome.
 

ctfjr

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L3800HST
Dec 7, 2009
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central ct
I think you did a great job on the ballast box. Mine is made similarly - a frame out of strut that is in place inside the concrete. On top I have a 3/4" forged eye bolt sticking out as well as 2 1/2" threaded rod stubs. I don't have much use for the vise tho. I wouldn't want the dogs walking through metal chips / spirals.