Insurance Counter-weights...Cheap insurance!

[LazyK]

While lifting too many tree sections with the 3-point forks on the 4200, I dropped the tail and lifted the front-end w/fel skyward. That's a first!And a last! On a slight slope, I was lucky that the 12 foot trees I was lifting were chained to the forks and they acted as out-riggers to prevent me from pitching over as I started my stationery wheelie. It was easy enough to just drop the rock arms and get back on 4 wheels but I was close to rolling over. Where were my six nice JD satchel weights for the front end? or a few cement chunks in the bucket? Big Dumb....Anyhow, my question is: does JD or anyone make a bolt-on extender for the counter-weight mounting bracket on the front end.Any way I could hang those weights further out from the rear axle and not interfere with the fel would be helpful.

 

[CVHoss]

Deere makes this:

front weight bracket extension that will hold up to 10 suitcase weights, but I don't believe it's compatable with a loader.

Hoss

p.s. I'd also say that if you lifted the front that bad with the fel attached, you're probably gettin' close to the limit on your 3ph. Probably safer, and easier on your equipment, to make a few more trips with smaller loads.

 

[TxBillyed]

I just talked to the local JD Dealer about a similar problem. I have a 4100 and they told me no the front weight do not work with the FEL. No room for clearance. I guess we will both just have to take smaller bites, which just means more seat time.

Bill

 

[LazyK]

Hoss...thanks for the lead and pic of an extension for the weight hanger.Bill...can't sweat the small stuff. Thanx for your reply. I'm going to figure a simple fix which gets those handy weight packets out on the end of the bucket. I don't want to exceed stability or lift limits but some weight in the 420 fel bucket will help keep my [censored] from dragging. Mayhaps a hanger unit that could hold the weights and hook on the edge of the bucket. It would have to clamp tightly so the weights couldn't shift.....Do you have any "inspireventive" thoughts or experience with counter-weight in the bucket? I've thrown concrete rip-rap in for weight but usually end up bumping the controls and dumping the load, or forgetting it's there and unloading the rocky caca on my shop floor!Hey, I never said I wasn't a few frys short of a Happy Meal...HOWEVER, as you constructively suggest, smaller bites and a few extra trips are safer solutions than creative hotdogging. I'll leave 'er lay where Our Maker flang it.

 

[CVHoss]

<font color=red>but usually end up bumping the controls and dumping the load, or forgetting it's there and unloading the rocky caca on my shop floor!</font color=red>

I see your tractor was new in '99. Does it have this control on it?

If so, you might try putting stuff in the bucket and then locking the control so you can't accidently dump it. Cheaper than buying weights.

Hoss

 

[kerr]

So whats that seat taste like on that mighty 42? HA!!!!HA!

 

[LazyK]

Herr Kerr..." 'Cuz it didn't roll,' I can sure tell you...'That seat was sweet on my 42'! " 'Cuz it didn't roll,' When the truth came down...'That seat was nothing more than BROWN !' To be sure, the K-I-S-S method is what I need to practice...Keep It Safe, Stupid. 42's Rule

 

[LazyK]

Randy...I have that FEL lock-out. My only excuse for not using it is laziness and my penchant for leaving my only viable braincell on the bathroom sink in the morning. My reality check in the safety alertness discipline has made me review my habits or lack of them. With serious honesty, I find that casual drinking and tractor operation show up too many times when something "close" occurs. This conclusion is very sobering. My ability to conclude the obvious fact is impressive....NOT! I and my fellow friends are going to hoist a flaggon of grog AFTER the work is done. AMEN?