During any contracting job, it’s essential that you have the right tools and team in place. Together, they can help set you up for success and make the job go smoothly.
Invest in a ballast box if you use a compact tractor to move loads. You’ll wonder how you ever operated without one. In this article, we’ll discuss five reasons you need one.
What is a Ballast Box?
A compact tractor ballast box is an empty metal box that attaches to the back of your tractor’s three-point hitch to support its center of gravity. Your tractor’s center of gravity is where it’s properly balanced. If the center of gravity shifts, it can make the machine unstable.
The ballast box adds weight to your tractor. Helping the machine maintain its proper center of balance is one of the many benefits of getting a ballast box, especially when moving heavy loads.
These boxes are empty to begin with but can be filled with gravel, sand, or concrete. What you fill them with depends on your needs and the weight you’re trying to counteract. A ballast box is an add-on to your machine, but it can transform your ways of working and make them safer.
Benefits of a Compact Tractor Ballast Box If you’re unsure about using a compact tractor ballast box, here are five benefits of using one as you move heavy loads.
1. Stability
Ballast boxes help your tractor become more stable. It adds additional weight to the back of the machine to lower its center of gravity. This additional weight acts as a counterbalance, which is especially important when carrying heavy loads at the front.
The more weight you are carrying at the front, the more weight you can add to make it even. The extra weight of a ballast box can prevent the tractor from tipping over. Keep in mind there are different weight requirements across ballast boxes, so you want to make sure you’re using the right one for your job.
2. Traction
Ballast boxes can give you traction when you’re pulling large loads. It can prevent the tractor from slipping on wet or uneven surfaces, as well as if the ground is muddy or loose. The ballast box can also help keep the wheels on the ground, thanks to the additional weight. This is even true when lifting heavy front loads.
The increased traction helps the driver maintain control of the tractor, regardless of the surface quality. If you are dealing with tangled materials or stubborn materials, the additional control and traction will be a game changer.
3. Reduced Wear and Tear
Repeated lifting motions can cause wear and tear on your compact tractor. Lifting heavy loads can place a lot of strain on the tractor’s front end. This includes the axle, tires, and rim. Eventually, you’ll have to replace or repair these parts because of the constant pressure.
However, when you have a ballast box, you’re able to redistribute the pressure more evenly throughout the body of the tractor. The more even the pressure, the less strain you’re placing on one area. It can save you on repairs, extend the life of your machine, and increase the longevity of your tires.
4. Increased Capacity
Front loaders have a maximum capacity. They can only lift a certain amount of weight before there’s a risk of them tipping over. However, with a ballast box, you can increase that capacity. You have more weight to balance you at the back. With an increased capacity, you can move more materials faster. This can impact a project timeline, which is great for those looking to finish ahead of schedule. It’s important to remember that ballast boxes aren’t one size fits all. You can add as much or as little weight as needed to complete your job.
5. Additional Safety
Ballast boxes make your compact tractor a little safer. You’re able to add more stability, which helps reduce tipping while increasing overall traction and grip on the surface. It is a great way to ensure you’re able to navigate any terrain while retaining the compact tractor’s maximum capacity.
When you no longer need it, simply empty it and take it off. It’s a temporary attachment that can add meaningful benefits to your construction project.
Conclusion
Ballast boxes are a great addition to any compact tractor if you want to kickstart your project’s progress. They add stability, traction, and increased capacity, which can greatly impact the amount of materials you can move in a day.
If you’re using a compact tractor to move hefty materials, it’s a worthwhile addition to your renovation project.
