Does the ballast go from side to side going around a corner because it hangs on the three point hitch? I used a tractor once with a barrel to contain the concrete and it did just that, which irritated the hell out of me. I never used that machine again. For many years, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I plowed snow with an IH 350 Utility tractor. The ballast, which was pretty close to your's in size sat on a rigid hitch and didn't move, so I wasn't being knocked around by the sway if it was on a three point. BTW, with a set or two of wheel weights, and perhaps filling the tires you could have gotten away with a smaller block. I'm awful leery about putting that kind of weight on the hydraulics of a three point hitch, unless you have a way of locking the hitch when it's up so as to take the pressure off the system.
No I made it so it only had about 1 inch on both sides from the quick hitch so it does not slide from side to side at all. I chose not to attach it to the top link, so it can swivel/rotate front to back, but since it fairly balanced vertically it really does not swing much at all, and so it is not an issue at all for me.
How long did it take for the block to completely harden? I would guess the bottom would have remained wet a long time after the top surface had hardened?
Honestly I have never used my 3 Pt without the quick hitch. I am sure it would work just fine but you would need to use a smaller rod than I did and may be put a rod out the top to connect the top link too.
It is solid. Depending on the work. I think a thick pipe like sch 80 woukd be strong enough if kept short. Exceprt it would rust out in time. Gal vanize would last a bit longer.
Hell just make yourself a box out of 1/4 inch steel with a door on the back side put sand in it and ya got your ballist. Dump the sand out and you have a miny truck bed. !!!🤔
Does the concrete block tends to swing back and forth when you start or stop abruptly with the tractor? (since the top of the block is not fixed to the top attachment point on your quick hitch)
No, not at all. it does swing back and forth left and right a bit because of the play in the lower lift arms but it does not seem to be an issue. I have been mowing for about a year now with it and I do not see any excess wear.
I made one with a small tote for my BX. All included with quick hitch I have 400lbs and it cost me about $50
Does the ballast go from side to side going around a corner because it hangs on the three point hitch? I used a tractor once with a barrel to contain the concrete and it did just that, which irritated the hell out of me. I never used that machine again. For many years, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I plowed snow with an IH 350 Utility tractor. The ballast, which was pretty close to your's in size sat on a rigid hitch and didn't move, so I wasn't being knocked around by the sway if it was on a three point. BTW, with a set or two of wheel weights, and perhaps filling the tires you could have gotten away with a smaller block. I'm awful leery about putting that kind of weight on the hydraulics of a three point hitch, unless you have a way of locking the hitch when it's up so as to take the pressure off the system.
No I made it so it only had about 1 inch on both sides from the quick hitch so it does not slide from side to side at all. I chose not to attach it to the top link, so it can swivel/rotate front to back, but since it fairly balanced vertically it really does not swing much at all, and so it is not an issue at all for me.
How long did it take for the block to completely harden? I would guess the bottom would have remained wet a long time after the top surface had hardened?
I am sorry I cannot remember for sure. but I think I waited 2 Days to cure.
So I don't have a quick hitch, would this design work on a regular 3 point hitch well enough!
Honestly I have never used my 3 Pt without the quick hitch. I am sure it would work just fine but you would need to use a smaller rod than I did and may be put a rod out the top to connect the top link too.
Is the lift bar solid or pipe?
It is solid. Depending on the work. I think a thick pipe like sch 80 woukd be strong enough if kept short. Exceprt it would rust out in time. Gal vanize would last a bit longer.
Do you mind including a link for Part 1 of your DIY concrete Ballast box video? I couldn't find it. I probably looked right over it. Thanks much.
Here you go. ua-cam.com/video/j7eNjfDRlYE/v-deo.html
Not sure why it seems to have disappered...
Hell just make yourself a box out of 1/4 inch steel with a door on the back side put sand in it and ya got your ballist. Dump the sand out and you have a miny truck bed. !!!🤔
Sand is 33% lighter than concrete per cubic feet. You just need to know how much weight you need and size accordingly.
Does the concrete block tends to swing back and forth when you start or stop abruptly with the tractor? (since the top of the block is not fixed to the top attachment point on your quick hitch)
No, not at all. it does swing back and forth left and right a bit because of the play in the lower lift arms but it does not seem to be an issue. I have been mowing for about a year now with it and I do not see any excess wear.
did you seal it?
NO, and I would not recommend the time or money on doing that. This thing is bullet proof It will be solid for a century.