Adding weight to a tractor with a twist.

[wushaw]

I had 171lbs on the ft. and need to add more weight to my little 15hp Mitsubishi so I went to my metal place and found a small pallet of lead and the perfect container to put it in. A 4" square 1/4" wall tube almost 33" long.
I capped off one end of the tube and used my torch to melt the lead into the tube ( I used a fan to keep the fumes away) I came out with 183lbs of weight.
I capped off that end after it cooled the next day and layed it on top of the RR track I already have on there and welded it to the track, I used my stick welder 6011 rods and put down three beads on each side.

I think it turned out pretty good and now have 354lbs to help with my 400lb tiller or whatever else I hook up to it.

I spent $43.00 for the lead and tube, I don't know what real tractor weights cost but I figure I got out pretty cheap and the weight I already had on there didn't cost anything.

Two of the pictures is what I had left over from the pallet of lead.

The picture of the welding clamp is one of them magnetic switch types that is just the cats meow for when you don't have a thin place to attach your ground clamp.

 

[Grrrr]

Looks pretty good, using the lead was a good idea.

You could box in the ends of the I beam to make it look more factory with some metal plate.

 

[GuglioLS]

Nice compact way to add weight. Did you just hold the lead scrap in one hand then torch the other so that the lead dripped into the 4" tube?

Did the extra ballast help after you installed the tiller?

Larry

 

[wushaw]

Nice compact way to add weight. Did you just hold the lead scrap in one hand then torch the other so that the lead dripped into the 4" tube?

Did the extra ballast help after you installed the tiller?

Larry

Yup, lead in one hand & torch in the other.
I haven't tried the tiller yet but I can feel the extra weight is gonna do the trick.

 

[JRP]

While you are fixing it up, add some chain hooks. 3/9" hooks work for 1/4" to 3/8 chain and are $5 a pair at harbor freight.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Did you design this weight so that it can come off quick? I would be worried that this much weight on this size tractor might affect the front axle and cause your problems.

 

[diyDave]

Would you like a mower deck for your tractor? I have one in excellent condition for sale in MD. P.M. me for details.

 

[wushaw]

JRP; I don't want chain hooks on this little thing, If I need to really pull some dead weight I use my L2800 or Jeep

Robert_in_NY; Four bolts hold it to the frame and the ft. tires are rated at 770lbs each so I figure that the axle should be up to snuff to hold that and the rest of the ft. of the tractor.

diyDave; I use a 42" bush hog with this one and my ZTRs for everything else...thanks though

 

[diyDave]

Wushaw - I should have looked before I posted, shipping 2-300 lbs to Texas from Md would eat a hole in your pocket, for sure! Does your tractor have the adapter kit that changer the direction of the PTO to the standard size and rotation? If it does, could you post a picture of that little gem?

 

[wushaw]

Wushaw - I should have looked before I posted, shipping 2-300 lbs to Texas from Md would eat a hole in your pocket, for sure! Does your tractor have the adapter kit that changer the direction of the PTO to the standard size and rotation? If it does, could you post a picture of that little gem?

It is a built for U.S. tractor, not a grey unit, built in late 80's is my guess. The PTO rotates the correct way and the PTO shaft is standard..... so no adapters required