Tractor Weighting

SouthernX · Oct 23, 2008

1) I have a NH 2420 (4200 lbs.) and will have a BushHog 286 on the back (950 lbs.). Will I need some weight on the front to keep from lifting the front wheels when I lift the BushHog off the ground?

2) People seem to have lots of "home-brew" ways of getting weight on the back of the tractor (e.g. filled 55gal drums, carryalls loaded down, box-blades, etc.). What "home-brew" ways have you guys come up with for putting weight on the front of the tractor?

3) Is there a good reference that discusses how to weight a tractor (both front and / or rear) for particular jobs and / or conditions?

greg_g · Oct 23, 2008

I find it curious that NH considers front weights as optional equipment, but did you buy any with yours? If yes, and you still want more weight - you could consider ballasting the front tires. Anyway -
1. Possibly. But that depends upon whether the 4200# includes either a front loader or the (optional) front weights
2. On my KM454 (no loader), I ballast my front tires to augment the factory removable front weights
3. Try this: http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/agengin/g01235.pdf

//greg//

Diamondpilot · Oct 23, 2008

My buddy has the same problem with a Case DX29 with no FEL. What we did was weld up a box out of angle Iron aprox 16" wide, 12" deep, and 12" from front to back. We included studs so it could be attached to the tractor via factory holes. We then lined it with some Masonite then filled it with concrete. Its quite heavy and cheap to manufacture.

Chris

smitty9266 · Oct 23, 2008

I have a tc40 and a 295 Bush hog, little heavier bushhog, same tractor weight. when I take the loader off to mow in the woods, I use 2 100 pound weights or 3 60 pound weights, either set will fit on the front bracket. You must put 1 bolt in each weight and remove before you put the loader back on takes maybe 5 minutes. Adds enough weight to keep front end down and provide traction.

Jeff

Ford850 · Oct 23, 2008

I have the same size frame (dx55) as your 2420 and use a King Kutter rotary mower that is a couple hundred pounds lighter than yours. I remove the FEL to mow when possible, and have no issues at all with the weight. I mow some fairly steep hills in a couple areas and I've never noticed anything close to a light front end. Your mower will be a couple hundred pounds heavier, but I would try it first before thinking about front weights. You'll still have the FEL frame hanging on the tractor and that helps quite a bit.