JD 4520 weight bracket - design quality issue

[eepete]

I recently added the optional front weight bracket that attaches to the frame front weight bracket on my 4520. This lets me put 10 weights on instead of just 6. I need more weight because my MX-6 mower on the iMatch upped the ballast requirements.

The 1st picture is the 6 weight bracket that fits on my JD 318 garden tractor. Note that the retention bar goes through 3 mid position plates.
The 2nd picture is the optional 10 weight front bracket for the 4520. There are no mid position plates- the bar runs the entire width of the bracket. You can see a bend to the bar, and the 3rd picture shows that a little better.

So I put in a 7/16" bolt to keep the bar from bending. Could have used a 1/2", I'll get one sometime. You can see that and the reduction in bend in the next pictures.

When the tractor came back from the dealer, the bar had bent in enough that the inner weights were not secured by it. This part must be for multiple tractors because it has extra room (but not enough for more weights) at the ends.

It's sad that they got it right 15 years ago, and didn't get it right now.

Pete

 

[kennyd]

Good post Pete...I bet they don't sell many of those since most have FEL's attached. I would try to get your dealer to start a PIP (product improvement) for it.

 

[beenthere]

eepete
The 6 larger weights shown in hanging on the bracket don't look to be the right ones for that setup. That possible?

 

[radman1]

eepete
The 6 larger weights shown in hanging on the bracket don't look to be the right ones for that setup. That possible?

I was thinking the same thing. Are the middle weights for a different set up? I would think the purpose of the bar is simple to keep the weights from bouncing off the bracket and the weights should not touch the bar. Are the weights puting pressure on the bar and bending it?

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree that the retainer pin is flimsy. I can't see the need for the extra 4 42lb weights though. Six 70 lb weights keeps the front end firmly planted while using an MX6. I know what the book says but don't see the need unless you do alot of highway travel with the mower.

I always have one end weight flopped out a bit but the bar is straight, a little annoying but no big deal. I included a close up showing the eyes I added for tie downs, holes are large enough to run the 3/8" grab hook through, I have one on each side of the tractor. Also included a pic showing the length of the weight's hook which is long and makes these weights very secure.

 

[eepete]

I had the 4 42# weights from my 318. I purchased the 6 70# weights from the dealer at the same time I ordered the bracket. At the time of order, they did check/ask what kind of tractor I have. I have a total of 6 of the 42# weights, bought at 3 different times, for the 318. All three groups are a little different, but all three fit the brackets. The 70# weights are very similar in terms of the slot they have and the lip that the rod goes over to keep the weights from bouncing off the bracket.

The MX6 mower has a ballast code of 82 according to the manual. If you then go back to the 4520 manual, there is no way to get that ballast with just 42 # weights. In the table labeled "Implement Code using iMatch..." a ballast code of 83 is obtained if you have 12 70# weights. This bracket, the biggest they make for the 4520, can hold 10 weights.

So I was trying to get close to the right ballast, purchased 6 of the 70#, and then used my left over 42# to fill the bar out. This is the equivalent of 8.4 70# weights for a ballast code of around 72. Not quite as much as they recommend, but a lot of weight.

The bar is difficult to insert in the bracket. The lips on all the weights push on it a bit. On the 318, the bar slides through no problem. The extra space on each end of the weight bracket is puzzling too. I'll email the pix to the dealer and see what they can figure out, sounds like very few people have put this bracket on.
Steve, if you've been OK with just the 6 70# weights than I should just return the bracket and go with that since the bracket doesn't fit right. Silly me, I was reading and following the manual :confused2:.

I'll let everyone know what Deere says, tnx for the feedback.

Pete

 

[jimgerken]

I have purchased JD weights so I know how overpriced they are (typically $2 per pound! and then they have the nerve to charge you $80 for a "mounting kit of half a dozen bolts). So, adding up whats in that first picture, you have about one-fourth of the price of a 400 CX loader.

 

[eepete]

The bracket was $215. If it worked, that would be fine by me. Weights run just a bit over $1/#. Also keep in mind I have a good relationship with the dealer, and they get all my business. Bought a land plane recently, and worked hard with them to figure out how I could buy something from them. This included showing them what else I was looking at, etc. So prices in areas vary, and I'm hoping that if the dealer knows I'll always come to them 1st that they might go for more reasonable prices to get all the business. Just a guess/hope on my part.

So I'm about 11% towards a loader. While I'd love to have one, the compact size of the weights is nice. All I have to worry about is the big 'ol MX6 sticking out of the back.

Dealer has the pictures, says he's looking into it. I suspect he'll forward the email off to the Deere mother ship. He has verified that the brackets and weights are correct for the 4520.

Pete

 

[arrabil]

The weight bracket and restraining bar on my x475 looks exactly the same as yours. They just cheaped out in making it I think. The bar is just there to prevent the weight from popping off and nothing else from what I can tell.

And it was such a huge pain in the arse to get four smaller weights under the bar that I can't even imagine how you got your's through at all.

 

[jenkinsph]

Easy way to get the pin in with all 70# weights was to use a jack with a 4x4 supporting all the weights. It is hard to install the pin without holding up slightly.