Woe is me... Ballast box problems

[Downeaster]

So I decided to buy a Speeco Quick hitch for my BX1880 tractor and ballast box. Not for a second did
I anticipate my Kubota ballast box wouldn't line up to the Speeco. My Kubota ballast box that has a
slanted in sides. Looks like I need to keep the Speeco, and sell my kubota box, and buy a generic. A
problem I never saw coming.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Welcome to the club…I had that same model of box, I modified it the way I wanted it, welded hitch in and had a scabbards and all internally to haul my gear with ballast…put a pats east hitch on and was no longer compatible (I was able to sell it on this forum though) so I upgraded the ballast box…not sure it helps but here is my link to what I did.

Upgraded Ballast Box / saw and gear carrier

Good day. Recently I parted ways with a ballast box I had had since I got a BX(I traded to a B a several years back) The original box was not compatible with Pats Easy change that I recently put on the B. so I added this one (which will haul more weight 🥃). Today I finally got around to adding...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[animals45]

Pic's of the issue might be of help .
animal

 

[jimh406]

Fwiw, I have a generic ballast box, and it doesn't work on my Kubota quick hitch.

Assuming the Speeco works on everything else, modify your ballast box.

 

[Downeaster]

I've dragged out a couple of pic's of my Kubota ballast box off the web. it really doesn't matter now as I listed the Speech quick hitch for sale this morning, and already have a buyer. Now I know why Kubota stoped building ballast boxes.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Ok, I was really confused as that's a Quick Hitch compatible box.

Are you trying to use that ballast box with the PAT's or Pat's look alike hitches in your picture?

Because this is a SpeeCo Quick hitch, and that ballast box should fit it!

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Ok, I was really confused as that's a Quick Hitch compatible box.

Are you trying to use that ballast box with the PAT's or Pat's look alike hitches in your picture?

Because this is a SpeeCo Quick hitch, and that ballast box should fit it!
View attachment 95950

Good question…mine worked fine until pats and the lower link arms, the new hooks were just too large for the step side of the box…depending on how that sets with a QH could be same or issue with the frame of the QH interfering with the step in the box…unless it’s a width of pin issue? I can only say no workee with pats. But valid question. I’d almost bet the lever that detents over the pin(locks it) touches the step side of the box just above the pin…it’s was almost in the way with the OEM link arm.

 

[Downeaster]

Ok, I was really confused as that's a Quick Hitch compatible box.

Are you trying to use that ballast box with the PAT's or Pat's look alike hitches in your picture?

Because this is a SpeeCo Quick hitch, and that ballast box should fit it!
View attachment 95950

That is correct. I naively thought that the Speeco or any QH like the one above
would work. I found out from others that have the same Kubota ballast box that
they don't talk the same lingo. I so wanted it too. Anyway I have it for sale
after owning it for one day. I just won't get a QH. I like the ballast box, but
wish it had the straight sides and shape of most boxes.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

That is correct. I naively thought that the Speeco or any QH like the one above
would work. I found out from other that have the same Kubota ballast box that
they don't talk the same lingo. I so wanted it too. Anyway I have it for sale
after owning it for one day.

One day, That’s a pisser for sure.

 

[Downeaster]

One day, That’s a pisser for sure.

Sure was. Being new to the tractor world, I do too much assuming.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Again I think if you search you will see some great ideas on this site from ballast boxes. I Can say with what I have now I am happier it’s much more useful in this configuration than that step sided one plus holds more weight, so if you can figure out the right box/mods you be be happier in long run…still a pisser as purchased though. Whoever was the guy with the trash can Oscar grouch set up…he deserves some sort of medal award on nameplate for creativity IMO…when you find that link you will know what I mean. I wish I would have found this site sooner to copy others ideas. Good luck.

 

[Downeaster]

Oh I have seen a lot of the ideas that fellow owners did to their ballast boxes, even building
their own and adding chain saw slots, and places for gear.. I have actually done the same
with this kubota box. I plan on showing some pic's of it one of these days. I like the box
better than the Hitch. So it is the hitch that goes. The Speeco in black generally is one you
have to use bushing for, and the red one bushings are not needed... tnx When I say old
school i mean it. Currently going on 81.

 

[mcmxi]

Goodworkstractors.com sells those Speeco quick hitches. It would be useful if you could post the relevant dimensions of your Kubota ballast box so that others can avoid this mismatch.

Quick Hitch for Category 1, 3-Point Hitch SpeeCo E-Hitch

The SpeeCo E-Hitch is the smarter quick hitch since it still saves time and effort connecting attachments, but doesn't require unnecessary bushings.

www.goodworkstractors.com

SPEECO CATEGORY-1 HITCH – EXTRA FEATURES
This Category 1 E-Hitch fits most Category 1 tractors and is for use with Category 1 equipment. Includes two lower pins, no top pin.

• Currently Available Only in Red
• Inside Dimensions: 27 1/4″
• Outside Dimensions: 29 1/2″
• Lower Hook Slot Inside Diameter: 1″
• Top Link Slot Inside Diameter: 1 3/8″
• Bottom to Top Hook Height: 14 1/2 – 17 1/2″
• Weight: 70 lb
• No maximum lift capacity. If your tractor can lift it, then so can the Speeco.
• Lots of adjustability between lower links and top links to fit a wide variation of attachments.
• Bonus! Both lower pins are included. 3/4″ TOP PIN IS NOT INCLUDED. Uses a top pin like any other 3-point attachment.

 

[Downeaster]

For GWT. Unfortunately Courtney, I just bought it from you. I do not blame GWT or you for the
fact that it doesn't fit my Kubota ballast box. GWT was just great to do business with. I put the
blame on myself being new to the tractor world. The Speeco hitch is great and hooked right up, but
would not hook up to the ballast box. After checking I found others with the same ballast box
and they say a QH will not work with theirs.

 

[Downeaster]

So to highlight for others my Kubota ballast box problem with a Quick hitch. If you have this ballast box do not purchase a quick hitch. Doesn't matter what quick hit it is. it is visible that the two bottom side pins are tucked in too far, and don't extend out far enough for the bottom of the quick hitch to engage. Also they are two short even if the quick hitch were to let them seat. You wouldn't be able to insert the locking pins. As for the top, where the 3pt hitch pin is. It is too far inside the ballast box, and the locking hook on the Quick Hitch, will not enter correctly.

 

[jimh406]

So to highlight for others my Kubota ballast box problem with a Quick hitch. If you have this ballast box do not purchase a quick hitch.

As I mentioned, I have a similar problem with my generic one. Looking at the Land Pride site, they have a completely different design now.

I'm assuming the Kubota branded one is no longer made which seems to be a good thing.

 

[Downeaster]

Goodworkstractors.com sells those Speeco quick hitches. It would be useful if you could post the relevant dimensions of your Kubota ballast box so that others can avoid this mismatch.

Quick Hitch for Category 1, 3-Point Hitch SpeeCo E-Hitch

The SpeeCo E-Hitch is the smarter quick hitch since it still saves time and effort connecting attachments, but doesn't require unnecessary bushings.

www.goodworkstractors.com

SPEECO CATEGORY-1 HITCH – EXTRA FEATURES
This Category 1 E-Hitch fits most Category 1 tractors and is for use with Category 1 equipment. Includes two lower pins, no top pin.

• Currently Available Only in Red
• Inside Dimensions: 27 1/4″
• Outside Dimensions: 29 1/2″
• Lower Hook Slot Inside Diameter: 1″
• Top Link Slot Inside Diameter: 1 3/8″
• Bottom to Top Hook Height: 14 1/2 – 17 1/2″
• Weight: 70 lb
• No maximum lift capacity. If your tractor can lift it, then so can the Speeco.
• Lots of adjustability between lower links and top links to fit a wide variation of attachments.
• Bonus! Both lower pins are included. 3/4″ TOP PIN IS NOT INCLUDED. Uses a top pin like any other 3-point attachment.

Courtney is fabulous to do business with. If I ever need another attachment, he will be my first call.

 

[mcmxi]

Courtney is fabulous to do business with. If I ever need another attachment, he will be my first call.

Yep. I bought a Del Morino Centurion Super 158 flail mower from Courtney and he went above and beyond to resolve a shipping issue.

 

[DustyRusty]

FWIW I bought a JD "Green" ballast box at a swap meet last fall, and even though it was a "good deal" it will not fit onto the BX23S with or without a quick hitch. I have come to the conclusion that the only way that I will get a ballast box that will work both with and without a quick hitch is to design one myself and then weld up the parts. I have also considered cutting the sides of the Kubota ballast box off and then welding in a new piece of steel to make it into a straight-sided ballast box. I have some great ideas but am lacking both the desire and energy to put them into play. There is a local shop that builds snow pushers and I have talked to them about building ballast boxes that are specifically designed for the BX80 series tractors, but I don't know if there is enough demand for them to do a production run. I guess it will all depend on costs and return on the investment.

 

[Downeaster]

Waste of time and effort. Just sell it off for what you paid, and look for one that will fit. i bought a 3pt Hitch (Speeco), and sold it for a $55 dollar loss. A local was please to pick it up for what he paid, and I have most of my money back. There are plenty of ballast boxes out there for sale, you will just have to watch Facebook Market place and Craigslist, to get one you know will work. Good luck to you.