Ballast 790 Front Weights

BFPGW · Jul 10, 2005

I have a desire to use the tractor with rear attachments without the FEL on occasion. Especially, with the rear finish mower. I purchased four front weights Friday with the retainer pin, but the weights don't fit. In addition, the manual states the correct weights are 42 lbs. The ones I got are 40 lbs. I have a 2004 790 with the 419 loader and grill guard type front weight mount. The weights I was sold, #R66949 are about 1/4" too wide to fit two of them in the center section of the mount. I did a search on JD's parts catalog site and found this number is not used on the 790! Anybody know the correct part number for front weights on a 2004 790? In addition, the weights I have when installed six across are too wide for the CH13518 retainer rod kit. I suspect the width of the weights I was sold is quite different from the correct ones.
Jeff

RobS · Jul 10, 2005

Not sure this will help Jeff. My 790 is a '99 and takes five 40 pounders on the standard front weight bracket. The weights have the number "R86949" cast in along with "40". The first 8 could be a 6, hard to tell after a few bumps. Mine takes three in the center section and one in each outside section /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RoyJackson · Jul 10, 2005

I looked on the Deere parts web site and found this kit number: AR112783.
That kit is for a set of 12 (40 lb. each) weights. I can't believe you'd need 12 weights (480 lbs)

I also found the weight bracket used on the 790 is also only used on it's predecessors, the 670 and 770.

That's kind of surprising to me. I expected those weights to be generic across the board, only the quantity used changing.

But the 40 lbs is correct, according to the kit description.

RobS · Jul 10, 2005

I found that same weight kit in my parts catalog. That must be how the dealers have to order the weights. Too bad they don't list the individual part numbers.

Jeff, if it's any help, the weight bracket that is on my tractor is part number AM878019. There are extensions available to make it wider for more weights but I doubt it would be compatible with the loader /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BFPGW · Jul 10, 2005

After I posted this I had an idea. I looked at the 419 loader parts catalog. It shows the grill guard type front weight bracket my tractor has. It is different from the '99 bracket on my neighbor's 790 in that it has space for two in the center and two to three on each side. My neighbor's is like yours Rob. A wide space in the center and two narrow spaces on each end/side. The pin shown to lock the weights in on the loader guard is different than the std 790 wt brkt too.

Unfortunately, the schematic doesn't list the weight, just shows them in a shadowy sketch with no reference number. Guess I'll have to email JD tech or call the dealer back and have him do the goose chase.

I figure four is likely enough to offset lifting a Woods RD60 finish mower. I think it weighs 503 lbs. If not, there should be space for six of them but that seems like a lot. Without the weights my box blade (385lbs) just makes the front tires light, but they still make a full impression in the dirt. Haven't popped a wheelie yet.
Jeff

RoyJackson · Jul 10, 2005

Just out of curiosity, Jeff, have you raised your mower without the weights yet?

I also have the 419 type front bracket. I've transported my 60" finishing mower many times without lifting the front end or even feeling any lightness on the front end.
If I recall, this mower weighs around 480 lbs, not much less then yours.
I rarely have the loader installed when finish mowing.

Now, I wouldn't even try lifting my cutter (615# or so) without some kind of front ballast. That's just way too much weight extending way too far behind the tractor to even try that.

Please keep me informed of what you find out from your dealer. PM if necessary, please.

And, Rob's point about the bracket extensions is correct...not compatible with a loader.

mrf_la · Jul 10, 2005

I have 790 2wd, one dealer told me 2 40 lb weights to offset LX5; another told me 4 42 lb weights. I'm not sure which is correct but the dealer who sold me the 4 42 lb weights per the manual had a palate of them at 36.00 each. My 790 has two narrow slots on the weight bracket; so you can put one on each side and then 4 in the middle I believe. The weights have a handle and slide down over the bar and a little curve at the top for the retaining rod. So i went with the guy who sold the 42 lbs suitcase weights at 36.00 each. The first dealer offered the 40 lbs at 28.00 each as 3rd party or other made.

BFPGW · Jul 11, 2005

Mystery solved, per JD tech support center. The std 790 weight bracket is designed to hold up to six 40 or 42 lb weights. The 419grill guard/weight bracket combo is designed to hold five weights. One in the center and two in each side slot. They will be loose side to side, but that's the way it is. With one second more thought where they placed the two reinforcing ribs they could have permitted it to hold six and the weights would have not had as much room to slide back and forth.

It does take a different retaining pin for the grill guard style. Number N272984 with two lynch pins number B15648.

As for the question regarding if I need that much weight with the mower. I probably don't need it, but my wife is less experienced and will have fewer opportunities to make a mistake on a bump, etc. if I have four weights out there to keep her nose down when she picks up the mower. Call me paranoid, but if Momma is comfortable, everyone is comfortable.
Jeff

BFPGW · Aug 26, 2005

Sorry for the delay getting back on this subject. Roy, I hadn't purchased the mower of mine at the time I wrote this. I had used an old angle frame 6', two row disc and the front end was very light picking it up. I added four weights and it was much better. I added one more to make it five after a week of using the disc.

I picked up the mower last week. The Woods RD60 was my choice. It is 525 lbs. The fifth weight may not be necessary but it is more stable with it than without it. Without the weights the front tires came up just off the ground when lifting the disc. Mowing the first time with the RD60 was great with five weights. That is still lighter than mowing with the FEL so I think the tractor should be fine this way.