Ballast for B2601

Chapel Hill Vann

New member

Equipment
B2601, bush hog, pallet forks, boom pole, scraper blade
May 1, 2022
17
23
3
Chapel Hill NC
I recently purchased a B2601 and needed a ballast box. I looked at lots of posts and videos to find out the options and decided what I might need. I wanted about 400-450# total and started figuring volumes and weights. I decided to use a 20 gallon trash can as the base.
I used a standard draw bar for the lower pins and used an accessory top link above. I connected the top link and draw bar with 2 pieces of 1/2" rebar that was bent to shape. I added an extra chain loop at the top for easy lifting. I also added 2 chain saw slots from PVC lumber as well as several sizes of PVC pipes for tool handles. I added L hooks around the sides for chains, a small open pressure treated box for miscellaneous tools/supplies and a 2" receiver for the utility trailer.
After I finished adding all of the metal to the trash can, it weighed 78#. I used 7 bags(50# each plus about 12# water) and the total weight ended up being about 440#. this should be perfect for the 2601 to offset the FEL.
I am trying to decide if I should paint everything or leave it as is.
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jimh406

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
2,154
1,557
113
Western MT
That's trashy. Sorry, I could resist. ;)
 
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skeets

Well-known member

Equipment
BX 2360 /B2601
Oct 2, 2009
14,094
2,755
113
SW Pa
Paint the wood leave the can alone,, the unknowing will look at it and think WTH???
 

ve9aa

Well-known member

Equipment
TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
Apr 11, 2021
1,202
972
113
NB, Canada
I really like it ! I'd paint the wood and leave the rest like Skeets sez.

Do you get subzero temps?

ie: do you have drain holes below each pipe for water to flow out?
 

Chapel Hill Vann

New member

Equipment
B2601, bush hog, pallet forks, boom pole, scraper blade
May 1, 2022
17
23
3
Chapel Hill NC
I really like it ! I'd paint the wood and leave the rest like Skeets sez.

Do you get subzero temps?

ie: do you have drain holes below each pipe for water to flow out?
Yes, before I poured the concrete I drilled holes in each tube/slot and some extra in the bottom. So far, water does not collect.

What color should I paint???? orange, black or ???
 
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JimmyJazz

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601
Aug 8, 2020
1,094
643
113
Pittsburgh, Pa
I recommend an Oscar The Grouch puppet be suitably attached for shits and giggles. Don't paint it. Looks galvanized. I feel the puppet is a must.
 
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ve9aa

Well-known member

Equipment
TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
Apr 11, 2021
1,202
972
113
NB, Canada
I recommend an Oscar The Grouch puppet be suitably attached for shits and giggles. Don't paint it. Looks galvanized. I feel the puppet is a must.
OMG I love this...I wish I had thought of this !

The only thing I'd add is the cans'"lid" overtop of Oscars head. (for full authenticity)
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jkrubi12

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601/LA435/QA54"/BH70/B8160box/BB1254/PFL1242/SGC0554/WC-68 Chipper
Sep 24, 2012
397
289
63
right coast
Very well designed & constructed. (y)

I like the visible wood grain, I vote for some kind of preservative oil (Linseed?) instead of paint.

Let's see a pic of it on the tractor! :)