Ballast Box

20775 Views 30 Replies 15 Participants Last post by glc, Feb 12, 2010

glc

Discussion Starter · Dec 13, 2009

Hi guys,
I want to get a head start on building my ballast box while I'm waiting for my tractor. There are a couple dimensions that I need though. Can anyone tell me what the vertical center spacing dimension is between the top pin and side pins,and what the outside diameter is of the bushings/bolts/pins.... whatever is used for the I-Match? I would appreciate any info.

:thanku:
Greg

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

Phoenix125

· #2 · Dec 14, 2009

I just measured mine: There is 15" vertical distance between the centers of the side pins and the top link.

The pins are standard CAT1 size, although I added bushings to make them CAT2 size to fit my quick hitch. Here is a link for the CAT 1 & 2 sizes:
TractorData.com

I can post pictures or more info if you need.

glc

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 14, 2009

Hello William
Thank you for the info:thThumbsU
When you stated you had to add bushings to bring your pins to Cat2 size for your quick hitch,are you talking about the I-Match?

Greg

Phoenix125

· #4 · Dec 14, 2009

I have Harbor Freight's version of the iMatch. It cost me $60 (list price is $89 I think) and has an adjustable top link. It's not built as tough as the iMatch, but it's worked great for me so far.

glc

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 14, 2009

I still need to know what the pin sizes are on the John Deere ballast box,when used with the I-Match. I'm pretty sure the tractor data.com pin sizes are for using the actual top link and lift arms. Would the pins for the I-Match be the same?

Greg

footer

· #6 · Dec 14, 2009

http://salesmanual.deere.com/sales/...ctor_hookup/i-match_quick-hitch_lx_mx5-6.html

This should be everything you are looking for.

glc

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 15, 2009

Thanks footer,but I already saw this. It doesn't make sense. A1 has the lower hitch pin OD at almost an inch and a half,1.430-1.440 to be exact. I don't think the brackets on the I-Match will accept anything that big......correct?

Upper5Percent

· #8 · Dec 15, 2009

glc said:
Thanks footer,but I already saw this. It doesn't make sense. A1 has the lower hitch pin OD at almost an inch and a half,1.430-1.440 to be exact. I don't think the brackets on the I-Match will accept anything that big......correct?

No..they will accept pins that large...

The I-Match is just JD's implementation of the ASAE S278.6

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_...ors/Will+an+ASAE+Standard+Quick+Hitch+Fit.htm

ASAE Standard Quick Hitch Pin Dimensions
An ASAE standard Category 1 quick hitch actually requires Category 2 hitch pins at the top and bottom. You can buy at implement dealers and farm supply stores inexpensive bushings that you just slip over the Category 1 pins on the implement. The bushings will be labeled “Cat. 1 – 2 upper” and “Cat. 1 – 2 lower.” The lower bushing outside diameter should be between 1.43 and 1.44 inches, and the upper bushing outside diameter should be between 1.24 and 1.25 inches.

Figure 2. Dimensions for an ASAE standard category 1 quick hitch

A larger picture of this diagram can be found at the bottom of this document...

http://salesmanual.deere.com/sales/...ctor_hookup/i-match_quick-hitch_lx_mx5-6.html

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glc

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 15, 2009

Just happened to look at the thread below mine:duh:,and read what justgurn used. So that's what I'm going to use.
Going to have to support this site,there is a plethera

of information here.

Greg

glc

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 23, 2009

PaulChristenson said:
No..they will accept pins that large...

The I-Match is just JD's implementation of the ASAE S278.6

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_...ors/Will+an+ASAE+Standard+Quick+Hitch+Fit.htm

ASAE Standard Quick Hitch Pin Dimensions
An ASAE standard Category 1 quick hitch actually requires Category 2 hitch pins at the top and bottom. You can buy at implement dealers and farm supply stores inexpensive bushings that you just slip over the Category 1 pins on the implement. The bushings will be labeled “Cat. 1 – 2 upper” and “Cat. 1 – 2 lower.” The lower bushing outside diameter should be between 1.43 and 1.44 inches, and the upper bushing outside diameter should be between 1.24 and 1.25 inches.

Figure 2. Dimensions for an ASAE standard category 1 quick hitch

A larger picture of this diagram can be found at the bottom of this document...
http://salesmanual.deere.com/sales/...ctor_hookup/i-match_quick-hitch_lx_mx5-6.html

Thanks Paul
Just realized you posted this:duh:
I decided to use 1" grade 8 bolts with bushings made from 1" schedule 40 pipe for my lower pins. It comes out to just about an OD of 1-7/16". I don't know if I can get away with just using a 1" pin (grade 8 bolt with threads cut off) for the top pin.

Greg

Upper5Percent

· #11 · Dec 23, 2009

These work better...

http://www.tractorsupply.com/agricu...n-category-2-adjustable-1-1-8-in-dia--0268438

glc

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 23, 2009

:thanku: again Paul,
I already tapped the holes for the 1" bolt,but I can drill them out for the
TSC pins. Do you think it would be OK to leave the top pin 1"?

Greg

Upper5Percent

· #13 · Dec 23, 2009

glc said:
:thanku: again Paul,
I already tapped the holes for the 1" bolt,but I can drill them out for the
TSC pins. Do you think it would be OK to leave the top pin 1"?

Greg

Whatever works for you...

glc

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 15, 2010 (Edited)

3

Here are a few pics of my box before paint. I was planning to paint it the way it is,but a friend and coworker who knows bodywork offered to "mud" the welds and spray it for me. So I went to the JD dealer and bought a quart of paint,thinner and hardener.......70.00...ouch! Paint wasn't bad,the hardener was the most...40.00!! Enough for a gallon though.

I made the box out of leftover 1/2"x12" cold rolled. The box tubing is 1-1/2 square with 1/4" wall. The pipes are 2" schedule 40. The pieces of angle are 3"x3"x1/2". I cut 1" off so it would be flush with the edge. The box measures 24" wide,18" deep,and 24" high. The box weighs 380lbs......empty

For the side pins, I'm using 1"x5-1/2-8 bolts with a piece of 1" schedule 40 pipe over the bolts for bushings. The OD of the pipe will give me just about 1-1/2". I cut the threads off a bolt and drilled a hole in the end for a 7/16" locking linch pin for the top pin. I also added a piece of 3/4"x3"x4" inside the box to give me 1-1/4" for the threaded side holes

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Cat385B

· #15 · Jan 15, 2010

That's some nice work there. :fing02:

BLIND REF

· #16 · Jan 15, 2010

glc, excellent work! Looks like something from the factory.:thThumbsU

hrlyrdr

· #17 · Jan 15, 2010

Great work! Looks like it will work out well. Post some pictures of the finished product.

:greendr:

Cntrmass

· #18 · Jan 15, 2010

Are you sure its going to be stout enough?

Looks like you could set of a bomb in that thing and not chip the paint.

Nice work.

x595

· #19 · Jan 15, 2010

hrlyrdr said:
Great work! Looks like it will work out well. Post some pictures of the finished product.:greendr:

:ditto: !!!

Later,x595

slkpk

· #20 · Jan 15, 2010

Looks great and a very nice job on it. slkpk

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

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