Adding weight to balance snowblower

[chucker8]

Hi!

I have a John deere LA120 tractor with the 44-in 2-Stage Snowblower attachment.
I also have 2 rear suitcase weights and chains on the back tires.
I live in Canada where we get lots of snow and this things just ain't handling my driveway, there's not enough traction and the wheels end up spinning.

From researching, it appears I will have to add weight to the rear. I think adding weight using liquid tire ballast is my best choice. There's a garage I can go to that can insert the fluid into my rear tires to add weight.

Could someone help me with choosing the right weight to add to each tire. Or even if the tires I have on the LA120 are even able to have fluid installed?

Here's the machine specs:

Frame: 470 lbs
Snowblower: 249 lbs
Rear suitcase weights: 84 pounds (42lbs each)

Tires
front: 15x6.00-6
rear: 20x10.00-8

Thanks!

[unbidden]

Not enough weight on the rear, just get more suitcase weights; check craigslist in your area.

[Pine Strip]

You will appreciate the extra ballast weight on the rear tires.

[chucker8]

thanks guys! unibidden - I don't think I can add more suitcase weights as the rear bracket only has room for 2 weights.

[Pine Strip]

thanks guys! unibidden - I don't think I can add more suitcase weights as the rear bracket only has room for 2 weights.

My Son's John deere.

[unbidden]

thanks guys! unibidden - I don't think I can add more suitcase weights as the rear bracket only has room for 2 weights.

As Pine Strip has posted, mod or change weight bracket or go with a ballast box.

[Deere Dude]

I would put fluid in the tires, Rimguard if possible for more weight per gallon, and wheel weights.

That is a pretty heavy snow-blower and you need a bunch of weight. I use a X740 and ran with fluid, 2/50# weights on each side and it worked out quite well. This year I put a 200# weight box on and now I can go through a lot of snow. They are two totally different tractors, but the point is you have to get lots of weight on.

[chucker8]

Thanks everyone. I added fluid to the tires and now there is much more traction. However since replacing the tires the auger no longer turns! Could I have done something while taking the tires on and off to cause this?

[Deere Dude]

Really, one has nothing to do with the other.

You must have bumped or accidentally disconnected the seat switch or some other switch near the tires, possibly. Maybe the emergency brakes are on. That would keep the PTO from running, I think.
We probably need more information, such as the motor is running, the emergency brakes are off, I'm sitting on the seat and the PTO kicks in but the auger not turn. Or something like that.

[Dutch445]

unfortunately there aren't many options for adding weight to the 100 series tractors. as a matter of fact,
JD advises against any more weight being added, due to the light weight nature of this line of tractors.
the transmission is pretty light duty and could be susceptible to premature failure if this tractor was to
be loaded down with weights like you can with a garden tractor that is heavier built.

as far as the auger not turning, post back your findings, as deere Dude mentioned there is no connection
with your tires and the snowblower/pto . You may need to investigate a belt issue, or maybe the
shear bolts.