Suitcase weights and front end loader

Mike_Kanzer · May 13, 2006

I took of my FEL on my L3830 so that I could mow around my fences easier with my 5ft brush cutter. Added 4 55lb suitcase weights to front bumper for stability which worked out real well. When I went to put the FEL back on I couldn't get it to seat properly until I removed the weights. Seems they were hitting the cross bar of the FEL when I tried to drop it onto the frame. Once I took them off the FEL went back on.
Has anyone else found this to be the case? Seems to be really inconvenient to bolt and unbolt the weights if I want to use the FEL. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

wushaw · May 13, 2006

I think it would be best to remove them anyway to remove unnecessary dead weight off the ft. axle and tires.

Doc_Bob · May 13, 2006

( I took of my FEL on my L3830 so that I could mow around my fences easier with my 5ft brush cutter. Added 4 55lb suitcase weights to front bumper for stability which worked out real well. When I went to put the FEL back on I couldn't get it to seat properly until I removed the weights. Seems they were hitting the cross bar of the FEL when I tried to drop it onto the frame. Once I took them off the FEL went back on.
Has anyone else found this to be the case? Seems to be really inconvenient to bolt and unbolt the weights if I want to use the FEL. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

Every dealer I have spoken to say you have to remove suitcase weights to use FEL. Interference as you discovered.
Bob

ksmmoto · May 14, 2006

I remove my loader on my L3430 to finish mow and hang four suitcase weights on the front. You do have to remove them to use the loader. No way around it.

ksmmoto

Mike_Kanzer · May 14, 2006

THANKS GUYS-
I learned the hard way after struggling for an hour to try to get the FEL to seat. Guess I shouldn't do things at the end of the day when I'm tired. In retrospect it was obvious that the weights were hitting the FEL.

Mike_Kanzer · May 14, 2006

THANKS GUYS-
I learned the hard way after struggling for an hour to try to get the FEL to seat. Guess I shouldn't do things at the end of the day when I'm tired. In retrospect it was obvious that the weights were hitting the FEL.

N80 · May 15, 2006

Off topic, but how much do those weights cost and are they specific to the model of tractor (I have an L4400) or brand? In other words, are there generic weights that will fit?

N80 · May 15, 2006

Off topic, but how much do those weights cost and are they specific to the model of tractor (I have an L4400) or brand? In other words, are there generic weights that will fit?

Dishpointer · May 15, 2006

George,

I have been pricing tractors and my Kubota dealer quote me $75 per weight. He said that the cost of shipping them makes up 50% of the cost. As for specifics on fit I have no idea but I would think they have a universal mount.

Dishpointer · May 15, 2006

George,

I have been pricing tractors and my Kubota dealer quote me $75 per weight. He said that the cost of shipping them makes up 50% of the cost. As for specifics on fit I have no idea but I would think they have a universal mount.

gordon21 · May 15, 2006

JD weights are approx $1 per pound if that saves you some money. They have the built in handle at the top and thus the name suitcase weights. $42 for a 42# weight.

gordon21 · May 15, 2006

JD weights are approx $1 per pound if that saves you some money. They have the built in handle at the top and thus the name suitcase weights. $42 for a 42# weight.

Dishpointer · May 15, 2006

I just looked at the quote ant my dealer is charging $70 for 55#. Sounds high to me.

Dishpointer · May 15, 2006

I just looked at the quote ant my dealer is charging $70 for 55#. Sounds high to me.

N80 · May 15, 2006

( I just looked at the quote ant my dealer is charging $70 for 55#. Sounds high to me.)

Me to. Nearly $1.50 per pound. The tractor itself cost less than $3.00 a pound. My rotary cutter was about a buck a pound, my box blade about $1.25. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

N80 · May 15, 2006

( I just looked at the quote ant my dealer is charging $70 for 55#. Sounds high to me.)

Me to. Nearly $1.50 per pound. The tractor itself cost less than $3.00 a pound. My rotary cutter was about a buck a pound, my box blade about $1.25. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mike_Kanzer · May 15, 2006

I paid about 75$ per 55lb weight. That includes a mounting kit which is basically a bolt, nut and some washers to hold it onto the bumper. They also have a hole in them which I put an 8" threaded rod through to help keep them tight together.
They recommended 220lbs for my L3830 with a 5ft brush cutter on back.

Mike_Kanzer · May 15, 2006

I paid about 75$ per 55lb weight. That includes a mounting kit which is basically a bolt, nut and some washers to hold it onto the bumper. They also have a hole in them which I put an 8" threaded rod through to help keep them tight together.
They recommended 220lbs for my L3830 with a 5ft brush cutter on back.

ksmmoto · May 16, 2006

After I posted about removing the weights to put on the loader I looked at my tractor and I had left the weights on and had the loader on! It was setting on the weights. I thought it went on kind of strange.

Didn't hurt anything, I just removed the weights. The loader won't go down below ground level with the weights on.

ksmmoto

ksmmoto · May 16, 2006

After I posted about removing the weights to put on the loader I looked at my tractor and I had left the weights on and had the loader on! It was setting on the weights. I thought it went on kind of strange.

Didn't hurt anything, I just removed the weights. The loader won't go down below ground level with the weights on.

ksmmoto