Does Kubota offer front weights for ZD12/11 / ZD1511 ?

[RjCorazza]

I made some changes to my ZD326 backup mower for mowing banks, and front weights would be a good addition.
I spread the rear wheels out with spacers and have filled ag style tires. Going up hill the unintended consequence of the great traction is the front end coming up very quickly.

If you don't mind my asking... What was the total cost of your brackets / weights?

 

[Brown Dog]

The brackets & all hardware was $380 with shipping.
I’m not real sure on the 25lb suitcase weight yet as they haven’t came in.

Id guess the brackets weighs 20lbs per side with bolts & pins. So that’ll help too.

I have my rears fluid filled too & it makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE in Traction but it does rob HP climbing hills.

It Doesn’t spin near as bad.

.

 

[Sportsman762]

Thanks for posting the follow up. Let us know how it does for you once you get the weights in!

 

[Brown Dog]

Finally got around to adding 2 suitcase weights.
It Helped but I need 2 more which I have 6, to keep front end on the ground while mowing my steep bank.
Each side will accept 3.

With 2 weights I still had to slide the seat all the way forward on the steeper areas so I’ll be adding 2 more weights.

It Rides So much better on my rough farm ground now.

 

[Hay Dude]

You mean the weight take away deck bounce?

 

[Brown Dog]

You mean the weight take away deck bounce?

It made it tamer feeling keeping the front tires planted on the ground hitting holes making deck bounce.

I don’t go so fast to make the heavy 72 deck bounce much tho.

I know all my rough spots as I’ve been mowing here since 1996

 

[Brown Dog]

4 weights today : mowed 4hrs on rolling hills. It Did great.
I’ll put it back on the steep bank in a few days.

 

[workinonit]

That's pretty slick. My property couldn't be any flatter than it is so weights and fluid filled tires are not a thing for me.

 

[Hay Dude]

I might try that. Do the weights “clang” a lot? Any drawbacks?

Wonder if they hasten the demise of the front axle pivot bearing?

Definitely have to remove weights to clean deck???

 

[workinonit]

I'm surprised they aren't drilled for a through bolt. You could always wrap a bungee around them. They appear to be pretty tight though.