Tractor Ballast: Heavy Hitch Weight Bracket or Ballast Box for (Sub) Compact Tractors 

Great education as usual. I didn’t know I needed weight on the rear until I took the backhoe of my Massey GC1710 last fall to store it for the winter. Thanks Tim and family

Have a 2025R and one of the first accessories I purchased for it was a Heavy Hitch. Love it and was very pleased working with this company, however I have yet a different model and perhaps they no longer make it or it is not available for the 1 family series and that is that mine has a ball hitch on top to be able to move a 5th wheeler around. Not used it but spent the extra few dollars at the time to have an extra option. Great job Tim explaining, keep up the good work and thanks for the great information and input you provide.

This video was suuuper helpful. I honestly got really confused when I visited the Heavy Hitch site looking to pick one of these up for use with my new 2025R. Thanks Tim and family!

Great video Tim. It's good to see all the choices and their application's. Heavy Hitch is truly one great product line.

Tim looks like you got your exercise doing this video. LOL I think you did a great job explaining the pros and cons of each heavy hitch. I think this is a great video for anyone to watch with a subcompact tractor and wanting to get a heavy hitch to help them decide which one that would best fit their needs. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week. God Bless!!!

I look forward to seeing your videos every week! Thanks for all the information... when I get older I can make good decisions on what to buy thanks to you! Keep rockin love the vids!

Thank you Tim your information is so very helpful. I’m a new tractor owner. Thank you and the family again.

I am glad you made the comparison between a ballast box and the Heavy Hitch.

Heavy hitch is A-1 in my book. Thanks Tim, very informative. Great video.

I took the backhoe off my CS2410 this past fall and wow I noticed the difference right away the tractor now feels top heavy I was looking for something like this Thank's for posting.

Great explanation and video, Tim! Thanks for your time and work in making this one. Much appreciated.

Tim a few weeks ago talked with heavy hitch about the of set and weights told me they ship via Fasenal to you local dealer for $50.00 Amy FEL will be here end of May so when we here date will place order using TTWT code also getting cart to move things when not in Kubota Best vedio for me now Heavy Hitch story is true Tim you help us none tractors owner the most God Bless PaK

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I WAS going to get a ballast box until I watched you explain the major differences between the two. I called Heavy Hitch and talked with Greg. Got a better deal via ordering over the phone. I used your discount code too.

Great reviews, Thanks for the info! Needing to rethink my ballast setup....this might be the answer I'm looking for

Thanks Tim,, great video , very informative to all the aspects of the different products...

Great tutorial Tim. Very good explanation on the difference of the 3 HH weight brackets and uses.

I stopped at Heavy Hitch Mfg on my way to visit my folks this Easter. I expected a showroom, and wanted to compare the offset and dual brackets. Turns out, they ship them out as fast as they can make them. Fortunately, for me they pulled a dual rack from the oven just as I arrived. and they let me take it home once it cooled down. The dual is overkill for my JD 1025R, but I am all set if forced to buy a larger tractor in the future. With the dual, you can set the 40# weights in either direction on the higher bracket. This may come in handy if you need to place them to avoid the ears of the top link up high, or the lift bars down low.

Thank you. This video was extremely helpful!

I have been looking at the heavy hitch for my 1025R and to be honest I wasn't sure about the model because the web site doesn't show anything installed on a tractor that would give you some idea of what your going to end up with. I would like to thank you for this video as I will be going with the offset style as I would prefer to use the 70# weights, IMO if your going to add weight you might as well put on as much as you can. Another important point is that while the heavy hitch and added weight will give more stability to your tractor, it will not increase the lifting capacity as that is dictated by the hydraulic system and the actual structure of the arms. So for those that may think adding a huge weight on the back will make the tractor lift more, it really won't. After working on heavy equipment for 10 years at a landfill and going to hydraulic training school, I know that hydraulic systems have pressure relief valves to prevent system damage. Operators should know the capacity of the equipment they are using and never exceed it as this can cause damage to the equipment and could also cause personal injury due to a burst hydraulic hose or failed hydraulic cylinder. It is also important to note that regular inspections should be performed to check for stress cracking, these will usually appear near the welds as the weld is actually stronger than the metal that is welded together. "SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT" It's something you can live with.

What a great explanation, this is so informative. Ty

Very nicely crafted video. Well done!

this is a perfect video because im getting ready to buy one for my New Holland TC18 thank you sir

Informative, educational and entertaining.

Thanks again - you answered a lot of questions for me.

Good stuff, very educational!!

Great video Tim

Excellent video! I am buying a Bobcat 2040 tractor with a front loader. I like your idea of going with the double offset and the sixteen 42# weights as easier to handle and given I would either go with eight 70# or the sixteen 42# weights, it should work well handling dirt, snow or stone. And I will definitely use your coupon code.

Great video, was wondering the differences myself.

Thanks good video. I work second shift I get up early on wen. and fri. just to watch your video's. Thanks again

Very informative video. Heavy Hitch should ask you to do a video for their website.

Excellent video as always, Tim, and it goes without saying that Heavy Hitch makes good products. I was not aware of their level of weight carrying capacity when I bought my 2305 3 years ago, so not being able to afford both solutions (wouldn’t THAT be nice) I opted for the JD ballast box with extension, because with Heavy Hitch, where can you put the various tools you need to take along? So I’ve been in the process of modifying it with a bit less complex version of what craftsman Randy M on GTT built, and given the limitations of the ballast box (wwith Artillian dolly, hence the approach angle possibility you mentioned), as a lighter weight solution I am modifying a Tarter 3 pt platform to carry tools while mowing when the huge amount of offset for the loader is not necessary. But the point is that now your video and the quality of the Heavy Hitch product itself still makes me want to have their product, so you have achieved your goal, and I hope lots of people will keep buying them. We’ve got to continue to support American innovators like Heavy Hitch, Edge Tamers (got those and extenders recently as a gift thanks to you), Artillian, Ken’s Bolt On Hooks, Big Tool Rack, and others. Offers us all lots of options!

Great Information!!

Good Job. By the way, the Killdeer finally made it to the mitten

Great video!

LOL, thanks Tim, now you have me going outside in the dark with a flashlight to see which quick hitch I have, Great information Sir!!!

Great vid tim.

I built a ballast box that holds solid half cinder block. Add or subtract as needed. Enough room for 4 square plastic pails to put junk in that you need or tools etc.

Thank you for mentioning the problem with the Harbor Freight quick hitch, Did way to much swearing trying to use it the 1st time with my king cutter back blade. I just ordered the new style top link hook from your affiliate link, Thanks

Had one for years on my 2305. Love it.

Good video tim.

Very nice presentation!

I just ordered one today Tim, I also got a HD 72" tooth bar and some other stuff. PS, I went to my JD dealership yesterday, My JD 3046R with deluxe cab came in a month early, waiting on power beyond install, and waiting on 72' HD loader bucket, 375A backhoe, snow blower, landscape rake, box blade and pallet fork, expect all for a March 1 delivery. They are going to also put on 4" Bora spacers and fill rear tires with beat juice. Was like Christmas yesterday! thanks for the ttwt code, save me 50 bucks. Todd

LOL Great video Tim thanks for the shout out they are great hitches I have looking at them for a long time back when you got your first one I had been looking at them ! I think I like the dual one just because it gives you the option to hang weights inside and if you're going to spend the money you might as well just get the dual one ! But I would take offset one heck I'd even take a green one if I could get one ! LOL but I do want to get one to use with the Ripper and the Hiller for the garden ! Have a great day and safe week ! God bless ! Kioti Curt 😉👍🚜

I went with the Rim Guard Fluid Option on all 4 of my tires to gain weight and not have another attachment.... over all i added about 275 Lbs on my BX kubota along with a few front weights

Great information, I will check it out for my kubota

If you are using a HH bracket and weights, (the non offset one) I do not feel they should hit the frame like they do. that is a noise and scratch maker for sure. I think Ken's are products are better than that design. I am going to order one but now after seeing they hit I may just get the offset one. I love Ken's products and you are right about the other bands, I have been looking and they are much cheaper built, just surprised me when his own weights hit frame as that is not right thanks Tim for all your videos.

Nice video; good teaching as always. I might be inclined, with those heavy weights, to run a bar clamp through the top hole in the weights - Just a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" black iron pipe and the two parts of the clamp. Yup, it will scratch the paint unless you glue a shim on the outside weight. Otherwise it might make the weights harder to dislodge. Just a thought, I use those clamps for every thing. Just need to change the length of the piece of iron pipe.

The hitch is a decent price, it's the weights that just go ballistic in price per lb. I've tried looking for used weights but to no avail. I have opted to go with a 45gallon drum cut in half with tow bar through it, loaded with cement weight. Time will tell how long that lasts, but it was my cheapest option. I don't use attachments for gardening etc but need the extra weight to push dirt.

I have a Jonh Deere 2320 and the minimum ballast requirement is liquid ballast filled tires (or 3 x 60 lb wheel weights per wheel) PLUS up to 959 lbs (if using a fork, a bit less if just bucket). I have dual weight bracket heavy hitch (TTWT coupon code used) populated with 8 x 42 lb and 8 x 70 lb weights plus the 60 lb hitch - that gets me up to 956 lbs of rear ballast (only 3 lbs shy of the recommended).

Tim, great video. I just received the offset hitch yesterday. I have the same quick hitch as u are using on my 1025R. I noticed you seem to have the same problem with the bottom bolt on the 3 point hook. Do you have any issues using only the one bolt on the top hook?---nick-vermont

Tim, do you have or have you used the heavy hitch quick attach front weight bracket for JD?

Nice video Tim informative

On that off set hitch how tall is the weight bar from the bottom of the square tube? I have some old ford weights that I would like to use. Thanks

Is the coupon code still good on any of the Heavy Hitches as of today 5/29/20 ?

What are you recommending for 2015 LS J2025?

Tim, will a “Top & Tilt” kit fit on the 1 series, or the new 2025R? I had one on my old 4410 and loved it.

That's pretty slick! It's too bad weights are so expensive.

Hey Tim thanks for all these informative videos they are very helpful....im curious when using the quick hitch attachments how does the backhoe get attached. Do you have to take off the Imatch...would be nice to have the backhoe with quick connect

Great video Tim but after adding in the cost of the hitch and 8 (41# weights) it comes to about $900 with shipping. I think I will stick with my 55 gallon drum half filled with concrete that works great. I have about $35 in that.

What off the item on the point of your post hole digger ?

Do you have to have all the weights on or can you have say use 4 70lbs vs 8 42lbs ?

Great video! Are you in Indiana or Illinois?

Excellent info video, Tim. Which heavy hitch do you use and why? I don't have a quick hitch but would love to have one. I'll check out your Quick Hitch video, first. Have a fine evening. Thumbs up.

Good Morning Tim, Awesome and informative videos.Just a couple of quick questions, Just ordered a 1025r w-FEL and Forks and the dealer thinks i need the imatch.No rear implements and I am ordering the heavy hitch. If i skip the imatch and just go with the Middle staggered HH can i put the weights on the inside to save overall length? Do i really need the imatch if I am not planning on any future rear implements? Would love to see a ballast video as you have mentioned. Mainly moving Logs,Dirt and Snow.

Might have to pick one up, this year. I would imagine you can lower your center of gravity a lot more with the heavy hitch vs a standard ballast box, as well, since you can run with the majority of the weight closer to the ground and still not have it drag. The hitch receiver would be nice on the back, as well. I've got the Artillian fork frame with the receiver, but it's a lot harder to get used to moving a trailer that way than it looks; a lot easier to control, but harder to do quickly when you're used to going in reverse. Do you have a video on different quick hitch options, yet? I'd like to see some comparisons of the various brands as I'd like to get one that's on the lighter, but still strong, side so I could keep it in the event I upgrade to a 3-series, later on down the road.

I need to get one for my 420 deere

thanks tim

Hi Tim - How do you know how much ballast weight to add beyond that required to keep the rear wheels planted on the ground? I know that when doing forklift work the more forward load can easily overload the front axle weight limit published in the owners manual and requires a ton of ballast to correct. Thanks!

You have wheel weights, if you didn't, would it change your advice for a 1025R? I don't want wheel weights or liquid ballast due to wet yard issues and mowing. However, I learned to use my loader from my trailer and the dual rack model is looking good.

Do you have a video about wheel weights? Explaining the pros and cons of them.

Hi Tim, would you recommend wheel weights or just more weights on the heavy hitch? I noticed that on some of your videos you have rear wheel weights. Are those the plastic body with cement type or cast iron version? If they are the plastic type, how thick is the plastic and how rugged are they? Were they difficult to install? I guess they will become a pain if you have to service or change the tire. Can you provide any other comments (pros / cons)? Thanks, Matt

Hi Tim Your tractor has the large black bracket the heavy hitch attached too, what is that? What do I need to attach a heavy hitch to my BX?

I have the offset heavy hitch with 16 40 lb weights. works great.

If you get a larger frame tractor will you load the tires with ballast or continue using the heavy hitch?

You seemed kind of on the fence about with the double weight bracket about whether or not the 42 lb weights will hit the lower arms of the 3 point on a 1025R. I have a 1025R with Imatch and was thinking about getting the double bracket to have the most flexibility but am concerned now. Does it hit or not ?

Hello Tim! Two weeks ago, I purchased my first tractor, a 2018 1025r with r4 tires... made that decision largely based on your series that compared the 1025 with Kubota (TY for that!). I am shopping for a new fel now, and before I use it, I want to be sure I have the tractor ballasted adequately. I have read/researched a bit and it seems that opinions vary some on this subject, and I’m still a bit unsure about a few things, and I’m hoping you and others can help me answer a few questions: 1. Will rear tires loaded with fluid and weights cause soil compaction or ruts/marks in our yard when mowing? I use my 1025 to mow our yard, and if I load the tires then I can’t easily unload them before mowing, and I’m concerned the extra weight could cause soil compaction and rut/mark up our yard. 2. Must I load the rear tires with fluid and/or weights to get enough ballast for fel work? If feasible, I would rather use suitcase weights that I can easily add when needed and take off when not needed. 3. If I don’t have to load rear tires to get adequate ballast for fel work, then what are better/best ways to get adequate rear ballast? 4. How much weight can I safely put on the 3point? If the 3point is lowered completely, is it safe to put more weight on the 3point than it can lift? TY

Can u get heavy hitch in Canada

Love your channel. I would like to know which one you would suggest for my 3039r open station? I already have ballast in the rear tires. I thought this might come in handy for clearing brush with my tooth bar. I do have 8-70 pounders that I can use but don't know if I would have a use for more?

;we have sub compact tractor, with a brush hog on the back the brush hog weights (approx) 380 pounds. The front wheels have nearly zero weight on them. how much weight needs to be added to the front end of the tractor?

Tim, I'm so glad I stumbled on your heavy hitch videos. I sold my BX and upgrading to a Kubota L3901 and trying to figure out how much weight to buy with my heavy hitch. So, at this point I have filled the rear tires and that weight is between 600 and 700 lbs. Not sure how much more weight I need for running my 66 inch grapple and 66 inch buck. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I don't see it on the website right now so maybe Greg dropped it, but I kind of wish I had gotten the version with the receiver tube pointing straight up. I doubt I'll ever move a gooseneck trailer, but I saw a forum post where someone one had used it to make a custom tool hanger. I frequently find myself holding a shovel or rake while driving the tractor. Having a place to hang them on the back would be awesome. But, alas, I had already purchased my Heavy Hitch when I saw this and getting finance committee approval for another one isn't very likely. Also, I forget, have you ever played with the receiver hitch weight bracket? That seems like another convenient way to add more weight to the Super Duty Heavy Hitch if I ever need it. It wouldn't be has compact, but oh well.

I have an X738. I don’t have a three point hitch so do they make something like that that would slide into a 2 inch receiver that would allow me to put weights on it and also a ball hitch to tow?

How tight do you make your stabilizers when tilling?

Tim do you have a video where I can learn how much ballast to use in different situations (novice owner)

@ 8:41, is there a little bit of weight on that front end? Look at the front tire !

Tim: Do you currently run loaded tires, wheel weights, and the Offset Heavy Hitch? If you could point me to a video explaining your favorite ballast setup for loader work, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Tim.

Tim did you load your tires or do you just have the wheel weights?

Tim, I'm back on this video and I've also read a few of your articles but am still a bit confused on how much weight I need in the back. My 1025R has a 120R loader and 260B backhoe. I want to store my backhoe, do I need to replace the entire 600 lbs of the 260B or??? Thank you for your help.

Well here I go spending more money, Thanks Tim or should I be cussing you. but great video. just wonder if I can get them to paint mine LS blue.

Thanks for the awesome video. Ordered the offset hitch with 4@70 and 4@42 to allow flexibility on my new GC1723E. I think it will make it a whole different machine on my very hilly lot. #HeavyHitch is shipping to my local Fastenal store.

Hey tim I have a 1025r and my john deere front weights are rubbing my hood. Do you have any solutions or advice? I just have that stock bracket that holds 5 weights

What brand quick hitch are you using? It doesn't look like an iMatch.

Which hitch would you recommend for a 2032R? 42 pound weights would be easier for me to lift but 70 would be fine if they can stay on the hitch when off the tractor. Do you recommend the cart or is it easy to add the hitch to the tractor with the IMatch?

76&3

Thx for the heart...but is there a way to get heavy hitch in canada

Tim; Heavy hitch looks good. But.. I wanted to ask how the stolen tractor episode came out. Were you able to recover cost from the auction co? I had a bad experience and did not recover, just wondering??

Tim, would the HH1PW from heavy hitch that holds the 100lb weights work for a 1025r?

I am looking for a flexible and modular solution to mount weights on the front hydraulics. Is there a system similar to Heavy Hitch?

Which one would you suggest for a vintage JD750 4x4?

Hello Tim. New subscriber here. Was wondering if you could help me out. I am looking to put my new Miller welder to use and would like to weld up my own OFFSET weight hitch bracket (your favorite one) for my 2018 John Deere 1025R but am very confused on figuring out the measurements. Heavy hitch website states 18" X 6" X 12" for all 4 of the category 1's but yours in mounted on the Harbor Freight quick hitch which is 30" wide. I don't see how the heavy hitch can only be 18" wide. I know that 30" for the quick hitch is outside dimensions but its only a difference of a couple inches or so to the inside. 18" just seems way to short. I would like to know the width of the hitch itself (not including the lift arm pins), the height to the top of the bracket on which the weights rest on, and the dimension to the center of the lower lift arm pins to the center of the top pin. That would be so helpful to me and would appreciate it very much. Love your videos!!