BALLASTING ELEMENT COMPRISING A ROTOMOULD HOLLOW BODY FILLED AT LEAST PARTIALLY WITH CONCRETE SOLID IN PLACE

Abstract

A ballast element (10) adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, comprising a rotomolded hollow body (100) defining a volume, in which said volume is at least partially filled with a concrete mixture containing inserts, said concrete mixture being poured into the volume and then solidified in place. A vehicle comprising a ballast element of the invention. A method for manufacturing a ballast element of the invention. Figure for the abstract: [Fig 6]

Description

Title of the invention: BALLASTING ELEMENT COMPRISING A ROTO-MOLDED HOLLOW BODY FILLED AT LEAST PARTIALLY WITH CONCRETE SOLIDIFIED IN PLACE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a ballast element adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, in particular to the front or rear of an agricultural machine, a public works machine or a construction machine. The present invention further relates to a vehicle equipped with such a ballast element and a method of manufacturing such a ballast element. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The prior art knows the use of ballast elements fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle in order to balance the vehicle in particular to compensate for the weight of a load attached to the rear end of the vehicle or the weight of equipment fixed to the front of the vehicle. These ballast elements have the function of preventing a vehicle from overturning.

[0003] Most often, ballast devices, also called ballastings, comprise a ballast arm configured to receive the ballast in order to move said ballast towards the front or rear of the vehicle, in order to increase the effect of moving the center of gravity. In known examples, the ballast device comprises a removable ballast arm making it possible to move the ballast element away from or closer to the vehicle. The prior art knows, for example, the ballast devices for agricultural machinery which are the subject of documents EP 3 636 520 A1 and EP 2 042 410 B1.

[0004] The ballast element may comprise a set of ballasts that can be added or removed to constitute the ballast element. For example, the ballasts may be metal elements, such as cast iron blocks or plates, which are positioned on a support connected to the agricultural machine. The ballast element may comprise concrete. However, this material may degrade when exposed to the normal external operating conditions of an agricultural machine, in particular under the effect of an impact. Thus, there is a need to provide a practical, compact, durable and aesthetic alternative to agricultural counterweights. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the counterweights known from the prior art.

[0006] To this end, according to a first object, the present invention aims at a ballast or counterweight element adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, which comprises a rotomolded hollow body delimiting a volume. Said volume is filled at least in part with a concrete mixture, said concrete mixture having been poured in the liquid state into the volume of said hollow body and then solidified in place. Said concrete preferably comprises inserts.

[0007] Thanks to these arrangements, the rotomolded hollow body constitutes a robust and aesthetic outer shell which can be mass-produced at a relatively low cost. The use of a rotomolded shell facilitates the production process of the ballast element compared to the production processes of ballast elements known from the prior art.

[0008] In addition, the rotomolded hollow body makes it possible to obtain a ballast element mainly made of concrete while avoiding a concrete demolding step. In fact, the concrete remains permanently in the rotomolded hollow body. The use of inserts in the concrete makes it possible to adjust the density of the concrete to obtain a ballast element of a desired weight without modifying the dimensions of the rotomolded hollow body. Thus, the ballast element obtained is more compact.

[0009] It should also be emphasized that the rotomolded hollow body constitutes a protective envelope which at least partially protects the solidified concrete block in place from shocks and humidity.

[0010] Finally, the rotomolded hollow body has an aesthetic external appearance which can have, thanks to the rotomolding technique, any external appearance desired by the manufacturer.

[0011] The ballast element which is the subject of the invention is adapted to be attached to the front or rear of a vehicle. This vehicle is, for example, an agricultural machine, a public works machine or a construction machine. More precisely, it may be a tractor, a horticultural or viticultural vehicle, a machine equipped with a fixed or telescopic arm (such as a crane), or even a forklift.

[0012] In embodiments, the concrete comprises inserts, which have the function of increasing the mass density of the concrete. These inserts are solid materials which are advantageously chosen from cast iron, metal oxides, calamine and magnetite. For example, the concrete may comprise iron oxides.

[0013] Preferably, the inserts are added to the concrete in the form of powder, granules or small fragments. For example, the maximum diameter of the inserts is between 0.05 and 50 millimeters, preferably between 0.1 and 50 millimeters, and even more preferably the maximum diameter of the inserts is between 1 and 30 millimeters.

[0014] Thanks to these arrangements, the small inserts can be distributed homogeneously in the concrete, so that the ballast element obtained after solidification in place of the concrete has a substantially uniform weight distribution.

[0015] In embodiments, the density of the concrete poured into the hollow body rotomolded is between 2.4 g / cm3 and 4.2 g / cm3.

[0016] The rotomolded hollow body delimits a volume intended to receive liquid concrete to be solidified in place. In embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body comprises an opening on its face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element and said opening is configured to receive the concrete mixture during pouring into the rotomolded hollow body.

[0017] Preferably, the rotomolded hollow body has a single opening.

[0018] Preferably, none of the external faces of the rotomolded hollow body, with the exception of the face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element, has openings.

[0019] Thanks to these arrangements, the ballast element has, towards the top and towards the sides, solid faces of the rotomolded body. These solid faces, that is to say not pierced with visible openings, have improved resistance to impact and bad weather. In addition, on the ballast element, all of the visible faces are solid faces of the rotomolded body, which gives a pleasant external appearance to the ballast element.

[0020] In embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body comprises at least one rib running along at least a portion of the surface of the rotomolded hollow body. The term "rib" is understood to mean a projecting portion, generally long and narrow, which extends over all or part of the periphery of a face of the rotomolded hollow body. Preferably, the rib is positioned on an internal face of the rotomolded hollow body. Preferably, the rib runs around the entire periphery of an internal face of the rotomolded hollow body.

[0021] Thanks to these provisions, the rigidity of the rotomolded hollow body is reinforced.

[0022] In embodiments, said rib is positioned at said opening.

[0023] Thanks to these arrangements, the rib has the dual function of reinforcing the structural rigidity of the rotomolded hollow body and of forming a rim useful for preventing the concrete from overflowing when pouring the concrete mix into the rotomolded hollow body.

[0024] In embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body is monolithic and formed from a single material.

[0025] In embodiments, the material forming the rotomolded hollow body is polyethylene.

[0026] In embodiments, a metal frame is inserted into the volume formed by the rotomolded hollow body prior to the solidification in place of the concrete.

[0027] In embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body comprises, on the internal face of the hollow body, supports configured to support the metal frame.

[0028] Thanks to these arrangements, the metal frame can be held in place in a targeted position during pouring and solidification of the concrete mix.

[0029] For example, the supports are “U”-shaped reliefs projecting from the inner surface of the hollow body. The reliefs are an integral part of the rotomolded hollow body. Thus, the metal frame, for example comprising metal rods, can be positioned on the supports, so that the metal rods remain in place by gravity, supported by the “U”-shaped supports, before being submerged by the concrete and locked in place during solidification of the concrete.

[0030] In embodiments, the rotomolded body comprises at least one cavity configured to position lighting means or road signage elements therein.

[0031] Thanks to these provisions, the lighting means or road signage elements, such as headlights or signal lights, allow better visibility of the ballast element and the vehicle to which it is attached.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a ballast element which comprises means for fixing the ballast element to the front or to the rear of the vehicle, said ballast element comprising a rotomolded hollow body delimiting a volume, said volume being filled at least in part with a concrete comprising inserts, said concrete being poured in the liquid state into the volume then solidified in place.

[0033] In embodiments, the weighting element is removably attached to said attachment means.

[0034] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a ballast element suitable for being fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, which comprises: - a step of supplying a rotomolded hollow body delimiting a volume, - a step of supplying a liquid concrete mix comprising inserts, - a step of pouring the liquid concrete mix into the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body and - a step of solidification in place of the concrete in the rotomolded hollow body.

[0035] In embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body has an opening on its face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element and, during the steps of pouring the concrete and solidifying the concrete in place, the rotomolded hollow body is positioned so as to orient said opening towards the sky to receive the pouring of concrete mix.

[0036] Thanks to these provisions, an opening can be provided in the lower face (facing the ground under normal conditions of use) of the rotomolded hollow body. This opening can be as wide as necessary to facilitate the concrete pouring step. Once the process of manufacturing a ballast element is completed, the ballast element is returned to the right side with said opening facing the ground. Thus, said opening is not visible from the outside, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the ballast element and avoids the need for an opening on the upper face (facing the sky under normal conditions of use) or on the side of the ballast element. Such an opening could constitute a weakness, less impact resistance, or even less sealing on the upper face or on the sides of the ballast element which are more likely to be subjected to impacts or to be more exposed to the weather than the lower face of the rotomolded hollow body.

[0037] In embodiments, the method comprises, prior to the step of pouring the concrete mix into the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body, a step of positioning a metal reinforcement in the rotomolded hollow body.

[0038] Certain aims, advantages and particular characteristics of the vehicle and the manufacturing method which are the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the ballast element which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the ballast element and the manufacturing method which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig.l] represents a schematic and perspective view of a ballast element according to a first particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.2] represents a schematic front view of a ballast element according to the first particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.3] represents a schematic and perspective view of the rotomolded hollow body implemented in the first particular embodiment of a ballast element which is the subject of the invention, [Fig.4] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a ballast element according to the first particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.5] represents a schematic perspective view of a ballast element according to the first particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.6] represents a schematic perspective view of a ballast element according to the first embodiment of the invention, the rotomolded body being shown partially transparent so as to reveal a metal frame and means for fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of a vehicle, [Fig.7] represents a schematic and perspective view of the metal frame and the means of fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of a vehicle of [Fig.6], [Fig.8] represents a schematic and perspective view of a ballast element according to a second particular embodiment of the invention, and [Fig.9] represents, schematically and in the form of a flowchart, a succession of particular steps of the method which is the subject of the present invention.

[0040] In the attached figures as well as in the detailed description of the invention, the two- or three-digit numerical references designate: 10, 20 a ballast element 100, 200 a rotomolded hollow body 101 the front face of the rotomolded hollow body 102 and 103 the side faces of the rotomolded hollow body 104 the upper face of the rotomolded body 105 the underside of the rotomolded body 106 the rear face of the rotomolded hollow body 110 the internal walls of the rotomolded hollow body 115 the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body 120 a location for means of fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of the vehicle 130 a rib 151, 152, 153, 154 holes for fixing plates 160 a metal frame (reinforced concrete mesh) 171, 172 vertical threaded rods 173, 174 horizontal threaded rods 180, 181 of the plate fixing housings 191, 192, 193 fixing plates 295, 296, 297 and 298 of the cavities in the rotomolded hollow body 200

[0041] The four-digit numeric references designate the process steps, these steps are listed in [Fig.9]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner. It should be noted, from now on, that figures 1 to 8 are each to scale but that the scales vary between them.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 show a ballast element 10 according to a first particular embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The ballast element 10 is adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle (not shown). Said vehicle is, for example, an agricultural machine, a public works machine or a construction machine. The use of the ballast element 10 on a vehicle makes it possible to compensate for the load imbalance caused by equipment attached to the vehicle and thus prevent the risk of the vehicle overturning.

[0045] The ballast element 10 comprises a rotomolded hollow body 100. The rotomolded hollow body 100 comprises a face 101 which will be called the “front face” and a face 106 which will be called the “rear face”. It will be understood that this face can be oriented towards the front or the rear of the vehicle respectively if the ballast element is fixed to the front or the rear of the vehicle. The lower face is the face 105 of the rotomolded body which is oriented towards the ground in the context of normal use of the ballast element 10. The upper face 104 is the face oriented towards the sky under normal conditions of use of the ballast element 10. The faces 102 and 103 are called side faces. In the remainder of this description, the terms “front face”, “rear face” and “side faces” are used interchangeably to designate the faces of the ballast element 10 or the rotomolded hollow body 100.

[0046] The rotomolded hollow body 100 is obtained by rotomolding. Rotomolding, or rotational molding, is a method of shaping by molding plastic materials. The method of manufacturing a part by rotomolding being well known in the prior art, it is not described in detail here. Preferably, the rotomolded hollow body 100 is a rigid monolithic part formed solely of polyethylene (PE).

[0047] In other embodiments, the rotomolded hollow body 100 comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylics, polyester or polystyrene.

[0048] The structure of the rotomolded body 100 will be better understood with reference to [Fig. 3], which shows the lower face of the rotomolded hollow body in perspective view. The hollow body 100 delimits a volume 115 delimited by the internal wall 110 of the rotomolded hollow body 100. Said volume 115 is configured to be filled at least in part with a concrete mix. The concrete will thus form the majority of the weight of the ballast element 10. The pouring of the concrete into the rotomolded hollow body and the composition of the concrete mix that can be used will be better understood upon reading the description of the method for manufacturing a ballast element.

[0049] It is emphasized that each of the faces 104, 103, and 102 of the rotomolded hollow body 100, with the exception of the lower face 105, are solid, i.e. closed. So that the rotomolded hollow body is open only on its lower face. These arrangements offer the advantage of allowing easier manufacture of the ballast element, while protecting the concrete part of the ballast element from shocks and bad weather.

[0050] Preferably, the rotomolded body 100 comprises at least one rib 130 running along at least part of the internal surface 110 of the rotomolded hollow body. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the rib 130 is present around the entire perimeter of the internal face of the rotomolded hollow body, at the level of the opening present on the lower face of the rotomolded hollow body. In other words, the rib forms a lip which runs around the entire perimeter of the opening present on the lower face of the rotomolded hollow body.

[0051] Preferably, the rotomolded hollow body has a single opening on its lower face. Preferably, said opening is of large size, that is to say that the surface area of ​​the opening represents at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the lower face, preferably at least 80%, very preferably at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the lower face.

[0052] Optionally, a cover (not shown in the figures) having dimensions similar to the dimensions of said opening can be implemented. In the absence of a cover, the lower face of the ballast element remains open so that the concrete can be examined from the outside by observing the lower face of the ballast element 10. It should be noted, however, that the concrete is not visible nor likely to be subjected to impacts linked to contact with the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element. Indeed, the opening formed in the lower face of the ballast element is sufficiently far from the ground to avoid an impact but sufficiently close so that the concrete is not visible unless the observer leans down to ground level.

[0053] In Figures 4, 5 and 6, various views are shown showing the rotomolded body, a metal frame and means for fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of a vehicle, implemented in the ballast element 10. In [Fig.7] the metal frame and the means for fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of a vehicle are shown alone. It is noted that, in these figures, the concrete poured into the volume 115 delimited by the rotomolded hollow body is not illustrated, in order to allow a better understanding of the figures.

[0054] In embodiments, the ballast element 10 comprises a metal frame 160. This metal frame is placed in the volume 115 delimited by the hollow body prior to an operation of pouring a concrete mix into this volume. The frame 160 is preferably a lattice of reinforcing iron bars. The reinforced concrete formed by the combination of the concrete mix and the iron bars forms a more durable and stronger assembly than concrete alone. In the first embodiment of the ballast element, the metal lattice is obtained by four operations of folding a metal lattice so as to form a right-angled spiral. In other examples of implementation, the shape and nature of the metal frame may be adapted according to requirements.

[0055] In embodiments (not shown), the inner face 110 of the inner wall of the rotomolded body comprises reliefs configured to support the metal frame, so that the metal frame can rest on these supports at least for the duration of the concrete pouring operation, in order to facilitate the manufacture of the ballast element 10.

[0056] The ballast element 10 comprises means for fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of a vehicle. For example, these fixing means comprise a plurality of horizontal threaded rods, including 173 and 174, and vertical threaded rods, including 171 and 172, arranged so as to be embedded deep in the concrete. Preferably at least twelve threaded rods of this type are provided. Each threaded rod is fixed to a plate 191, 192 or 193. Said plate is attached to a wall of the rotomolded hollow body. Preferably, the ballast body comprises at least one plate connected to four threaded rods. Preferably, three plates are present, including a plate 192 on the upper face 104 of the ballast element and two plates, 191 and 193, on the lateral faces, 102 and 103, of the ballast element.Advantageously, a cavity 120 of dimensions similar to the dimensions of the plate 192 is provided on the surface of the upper face of the rotomolded hollow body 100; the plate 192 is housed and fixed in place in the cavity 120.

[0057] It is possible to provide, as shown in [Fig. 3], means for fixing the plates to the rotomolded body, these means being able to use holes 151, 152, 153, 154 provided in the rotomolded body.

[0058] All of these fixing means ensure good fixing strength with the vehicle and distribution of stresses over a large part of the ballast element. The ends of the threaded rods 171, 172, 173 and 174 can pass through the rotomolded hollow body 100 through openings provided for this purpose.

[0059] An intermediate part such as a bracket or any other fixing element may be fixed to these ends in order to mechanically connect the ballast element to a vehicle. The intermediate parts making it possible to make the fixing means of the ballast element 10 and a vehicle integral are well known and are not described in detail here.

[0060] Housings, 180 and 181, formed in the wall of the rotomolded hollow body may be provided in the wall of the rotomolded hollow body 100, in order to house a portion of the threaded rods and a nut-type fastener.

[0061] In [Fig. 8], a second embodiment of a ballast element 20 which is the subject of the invention is observed. The ballast element 20 differs mainly from the ballast element 10 in that it comprises a rotomolded hollow body 200 of a different shape from the rotomolded hollow body 100 described previously. In particular, the rotomolded body 200 comprises a plurality of cavities, 295, 296, 297 and 298 provided for aesthetic purposes or configured to position lighting means (not shown) therein. Said cavities can be configured to fix, glue or highlight signage or decorative elements and / or to integrate lighting elements. The lighting elements are for example signal lights or headlights. In embodiments, said headlight signal lights are powered by battery or via a power cord. In embodiments, said headlight signal lights are controlled from the passenger compartment of a vehicle to which the ballast element is fixed.

[0062] It is emphasized that the cavities 295, 296, 297 and 298 are formed directly during the rotational molding of the rotationally molded hollow body 200, without a subsequent machining step.

[0063] More generally, it is emphasized that the rotational molding technique makes it possible to create any desired shape of rotational molded hollow body to meet technical or aesthetic constraints. In particular, the rotational molding mold may be designed to form a rotational molded hollow body comprising an acronym, pattern or logo desired by a customer, for example a company or dealership logo.

[0064] In [Fig.9], presented in the form of a flowchart, we observe a succession of particular steps of a method 1000 which is the subject of the present invention.

[0065] The manufacturing method 1000 of a ballast element adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle comprises a step 1005 of providing a rotomolded hollow body delimiting a volume. The rotomolded hollow body is for example of the type described with regard to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0066] The method 1000 comprises a step 1010 of providing a liquid concrete comprising inserts. It is recalled that, according to the invention, the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body is filled at least in part with a concrete mixture comprising inserts.

[0067] For example, the inserts are chosen from cast iron, metal oxides, calamine and magnetite. Preferably, the concrete comprises iron oxides as inserts. Preferably, the inserts are added to the concrete in the form of powder or small fragments. For example, the maximum diameter of the inserts is between 0.05 and 50 millimeters, preferably the maximum diameter of the inserts is between 0.1 and 30 millimeters. Said inserts have a density greater than the density of the concrete used in the ballast element.

[0068] The use of inserts makes it possible to obtain a high density concrete, that is to say a density higher than the usual density of concrete in the absence of inserts. Preferably, the quantity of inserts is fixed so as to bring the concrete mixture to a density of between 2.4 g / cm3 and 4.2 g / cm3.

[0069] Any type of concrete comprising inserts and suitable in terms of structural strength and density may be used without deviating from the invention. The examples of concrete mix formulations being very numerous and well known to those skilled in the art, they are not listed or described here.

[0070] In embodiments, the method 1000 comprises, prior to the step of pouring the liquid concrete mixture into the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body, a step 1015 of positioning a metal reinforcement in the rotomolded hollow body. Said metal reinforcement is for example of the type described with regard to Figures 4 to 7.

[0071] The method 1000 comprises a step 1020 of pouring the liquid concrete mixture into the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body.

[0072] Preferably, the rotomolded hollow body has an opening on its face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element, of the type described with regard to figures 1 to 7. In these cases, during the casting step 1020, the rotomolded hollow body is positioned “upside down”, that is to say with its lower face substantially facing the sky, so as to receive the concrete pour across an opening provided on said lower face.

[0073] The method 1000 comprises a step 1025 of solidifying the concrete in place in the rotomolded hollow body. At the end of this step, the ballast element obtained can be turned right side up. Fastening elements with a mobile vehicle can be mounted on the ballast element.

[0074] In the method 1000 as just described, the order in which the different steps are executed corresponds to an advantageous embodiment. Only steps 1020 and 1025 must necessarily follow one another, and step 1025 is the last of the method as shown in [Fig.9].

Claims

Claims

1. Ballast element (10, 20) adapted to be fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a rotomolded hollow body (100, 200) delimiting a volume (115) and in that said volume is filled at least in part with a concrete mixture comprising inserts configured to increase the mass density of the concrete mixture, said concrete mixture having been poured in the liquid state into said volume and then solidified in place.

2. A ballast element (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the inserts are chosen from cast iron, metal oxides, calamine and magnetite, and wherein the density of the concrete poured into the rotomolded hollow body is between 2.4 g / cm3 and 4.2 g / cm3.

3. Ballast element (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the rotomolded hollow body (100, 200) comprises at least one rib (130) running through at least part of the surface of the rotomolded hollow body.

4. Ballast element (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the rotomolded hollow body comprises an opening on the face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element and in which said opening is configured to receive the pouring of concrete mix during the pouring of the concrete mix into the rotomolded hollow body.

5. A weighting element (10, 20) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the at least one rib (130) is positioned at said opening.

6. A ballast element (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotomolded hollow body is monolithic and formed from a single material.

7. A ballast element (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material forming the rotomolded hollow body is polyethylene.

8. Ballast element (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which a metal frame (160) is inserted into the volume formed by the rotomolded hollow body prior to the solidification in place of the concrete.

9. Vehicle comprising a ballast element (10, 20) characterized in that it comprises means (171, 172, 173, 174, 191, 192, 193) for fixing the ballast element to the front or rear of the vehicle, said ballast element comprising a rotomolded hollow body (100, 200) delimiting a volume and in that said volume is filled at least in part with a concrete comprising inserts configured to increase the mass density of the concrete, said concrete being poured in the liquid state into the volume then solidified in place.

10. Method of manufacturing (1000) a ballast element suitable for being fixed to the front or rear of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of providing (1005) a rotomolded hollow body delimiting a volume, - a step of providing (1010) a concrete comprising inserts configured to increase the mass density of the concrete mixture, - a step of pouring (1020) the liquid concrete mixture into the volume delimited by the rotomolded hollow body and - a step of solidifying (1025) in place the concrete in the rotomolded hollow body.

11. Manufacturing method according to claim 10, in which the rotomolded hollow body has an opening on its face facing the ground under normal conditions of use of the ballast element and in which, during the steps of pouring the concrete and solidifying the concrete in place, the rotomolded hollow body is positioned so as to orient said opening towards the sky to receive the pouring of concrete mix.

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