Suitcase Weights for YM1500

[NCDaveD]

I'd like to keep the front end of my YM1500 on the ground when moving implements around, so it looks like some weight up front is in order. I have read the threads on making your own vs. buying them, and will probably buy them since I don't have the equipment for bending rebar or other metals. Does anyone have any idea if the 43lb John Deere or 43lb Lowe's suitcase weights will fit on my little Yanmar (or how to make the weights w/o bending metal)?

Thanks for any help!

NCDaveD

 

[California]

Suitcase weights are pretty much universal. Larger tractors will have a taller bumper, so a deeper notch on the back of the weight, but weights made for a larger tractor are easy to adapt to a small bumper. Those Deere or Lowe's weights should be close enough to make them fit. Just measure everything before bringing them home.

I found a great price on four 43 lb weights for a larger tractor. I bolted in a chunk of 4x6 lumber to fill the gap below the bumper, and put a piece of metal plate on the 4x6 where the weights bear upward against it so the weights couldn't dig into the lumber. Everything fits snug like it is supposed to.

One comment if you decide to make your own weight: I think it is a mistake to put on a wide front bumper made from railroad rail or filled pipe. These tractors can turn very sharp and a long bumper will hit everything you are turning to avoid. Turn the front wheels sharply and note the outer radius swept by the front corners of the tractor - then design something that stays within that radius. Sticking weight way out front is harmless, in fact it gives more effective ballast per lb of actual weight, and is way preferable to making a wide weight.

 

[clemsonfor]

Suitcase weights are pretty much universal. Larger tractors will have a taller bumper, so a deeper notch on the back of the weight, but weights made for a larger tractor are easy to adapt to a small bumper. Those Deere or Lowe's weights should be close enough to make them fit. Just measure everything before bringing them home.

I found a great price on four 43 lb weights for a larger tractor. I bolted in a chunk of 4x6 lumber to fill the gap below the bumper, and put a piece of metal plate on the 4x6 where the weights bear upward against it so the weights couldn't dig into the lumber. Everything fits snug like it is supposed to.

One comment if you decide to make your own weight: I think it is a mistake to put on a wide front bumper made from railroad rail or filled pipe. These tractors can turn very sharp and a long bumper will hit everything you are turning to avoid. Turn the front wheels sharply and note the outer radius swept by the front corners of the tractor - then design something that stays within that radius. Sticking weight way out front is harmless, in fact it gives more effective ballast per lb of actual weight, and is way preferable to making a wide weight.

This is good advice i have a bar bumper with a lead filled pipe. I hit it on a tree when i got to close in one of my fields and pulled the bolt through the hole on the tractor and bent my bracket on the pipe that i had made. Usually its no big deal as im in the open, it was my mistake going to fast and close to a small tree in the field. I still need to bend it back flat, but it is rebolted back up.