Wanting to add a homemade ballast box to rear of my x475. Approximately what size does everyone typically use and how much concrete. I have access to sheet metal and everything needed to build a box and work so that's not an issue. I plan on using a homemade 2 reciever I have mounted on the back of the tractor now.
I use a ballast box on my 140. It is frame mounted, so sits in tight at the rear of the tractor. Very useful for ballasting the tractor and doesn't stick out and become a liability/obstruction in close-quarter maneuvering. It puts the weight right where I need it - - almost over the rear axle providing great traction.
The other advantage is it works well as a "trunk", meaning I can haul additional tools and fuel in it, which is very handy. Plus the backside is a good spot for the SMV placard.
If you decide to use concrete as your ballast, before pouring it in set 4-6 PVC pipes cut to length and upright in the 4-corners and maybe the middle area. This will give you great storage for anything with a handle - - shovels, brooms, rakes, hammers, pry bars, etc. And don't fill the box to the brim - - you want it to have 6-8" of depth above the poured concrete, for storing other items like a fuel jug, wheel chocks, chains, etc.
However, instead of poured concrete for ballast, I recommend sizing the box to accommodate JD suitcase weights. You could take measurements and size it to accept 6-8 of the 42 lbs weights on the inside, and fabricate it in such a way that additional weights can be hung on the trailing exterior edge if more ballast is needed. By using suitcase weights, you can vary the ballast to the job requirement, and can lighten the tractor as needed while still having your "trunk" mounted. Being able to lighten the ballast box also makes it easier to dismount/store when not needed at all.
Good luck - - sounds like a fun project. P.S. You might want to study how JD mounts these with their "click-n-go" bracket set-up.
