New suitcase weights for G154

NHmitch · Apr 14, 2012

Hi,

I just added 4 suitcase weights to the front of my G154, and had the front tires loaded today for counter weight because I have had a problem with airborne front tires this week. I ordered the weights through Tractor Supply, and they were listed as steel, however when they came in on special order they are heavy duty plastic coated concrete. I was very upsett about this at first because I wanted the durability of the steel weights, however after reseaching them, the steel weights would be too big by an inch. These weights work great and they fit like a glove. They are the MTD weights,and they are actually very heavy duty given the material. I don't think that they could fit better if they were made by Iseki. The bracket on the front is exactly 11 inches, and they measure exactly 11 inches. I also added a medical kit to my ROPS because I am frequently in the woods or a pasture by myself, cutting wood, or doing work, and if I ever need it, I have it. It fits everything perfectly, and would well as a tool bag too. I may get a second one for the other side. They only run about $20 on amazon. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-769541-First-Aid-Storage/dp/B003EOXF4C/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334379021&sr=8-1-fkmr3]Amazon.com: Smittybilt 769541 First Aid Storage Bag: Automotive[/ame]

Anyways, enjoy spring, and all of the many chores that come with it. It is nice here in New Hampshire to enjoy the fresh air before I am attacked by the state bird, the black fly.

Mitch

284 International · Apr 14, 2012

That sure looks sharp. The suitcase weights TSC advertises are supposed to weight 43 lbs in steel. Do you think your concrete versions weigh the same, or less?

NHmitch · Apr 14, 2012

Thanks! They weight 42 lbs, so you lose a pound, but they make up for it because they actually extend a bit further out to the front, so you gain more leverage. It is amazing how much of a difference this makes. They also filled my tires with windshield washer fluid today as opposed to calcium chloride, or beet juice, but that helped quite a bit as well.

Mitch

JoeBuyer · May 17, 2012

NHmitch,

Where did you get the suitcase weights? Thank you.

creekbend · May 17, 2012

JoeBuyer said:
NHmitch,

Where did you get the suitcase weights? Thank you.

The OP said that he ordered them at Tractor Supply. Just trying to help.

JoeBuyer · May 17, 2012

Creekbend,

Thank you. I had found the attached link but they don't look the same.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/mtd-reg-rear-suitcase-weight-43-lb--4450215

NHmitch · May 17, 2012

Hi,

I did get them at Tractor Supply. They had to order them, but they only took about a week. They have really worked out very well, and they are a perfect fit. There SKU number for them is: #4450215. I hope that this helps.

terraformer · May 29, 2012

I couldnt agree with you more that weight on the front end helps. I have a G192 and pull a 60" mower. The front got very light on upgrades and turns uphill were difficult.

I used some 3/8" thick steel I beams to weld up a box and then welded the box to the front of the tractor. The box weighs about 70 pounds and I keep scrap chunks of steel and chains in it. The tractor handles better nearly always.

I like your use of common tractor weights. I was afraid that any weights would not fit well.

willi67 · May 30, 2012

I used some 3/8 plate and a bracket to lower the weights and extend them forward .. tried to lower the center of gravity

That Bolens looks better than new!

NHmitch · May 30, 2012

biseki said:
I couldnt agree with you more that weight on the front end helps. I have a G192 and pull a 60" mower. The front got very light on upgrades and turns uphill were difficult.

I used some 3/8" thick steel I beams to weld up a box and then welded the box to the front of the tractor. The box weighs about 70 pounds and I keep scrap chunks of steel and chains in it. The tractor handles better nearly always.

I like your use of common tractor weights. I was afraid that any weights would not fit well.

Thanks, They work great, it was hard to find an exact fit, but these weights fit perfect like they were made with the tractor. The steel weights were too wide, so I had to go with these, and they have been excellent. They do make all of the difference in the world. I feel so much more confident more when I am working on the tractor, which is almost every day. I have a pretty steep grad in my wood,s that I have to use my dirt scoop to push manure and shavings from our barn down to a an old dugout area. I use to be worry really bad about doing that, but since I put the weights, and the ROPS on, its very easy to do. These photos are out in my woods, while I was cutting some trees down, to extend the area where we put our used shavings. The photo dosen't show the grade, but it gets pretty steep.