Ballast Wheel Weights

[Anonymous Poster]

I have two wheel weights (per tire - 4 total) I'm about to mount on a NH TC33D. Will the zinc washers suffice or should I go for the galvanized? How do I get the weights perfectly centered on the rims? Any insight before I do this would be appreciated.

 

[W5FL]

Most tractors won't run but about 20 mph, so centering is primarily for looks anyway. Galvanized washers are better. Use what you have and change them out next year. The important thing is being sure the bolts don't come loose.

 

[JerryG]

JayD, I always use galvanized washers. Like Wen said the centering is mostly for looks, but I saw one once that would shake the tractor that was off center quite a bit. Just get them where they look right and they will be close enought. Make sure they are tight because that is where the most problems will come from. I had a weld break on a wheel weight bracket and it dropped 200 lbs. of weights on the valve stem breaking it. That cost me a $79 service call. So make sure you double check all fasteners and attachment points.
JerryG

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a NH 1720 and am interested in rear wheel weights. I don't want to pay for new ones from dealer. Any idease where i amy be able to purchase used?

 

[stevepio]

Build your own like I did! See my post on the Cub Cadet topic.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=photos&Number=26743&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1#Post26743

 

[Thomas]

homer,
Have you check the classifieds also place an ad,maybe visit a couple or farm auctions you be surprise what you may find real cheap.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[gerard]

Haven't tried this yet but on my list of things to do is make some wheel weights out of 45lb olympic size weightlifting plates. I figure some steel plate with the bolts welded for mounting to the inside of the rim and then a steel post in the middle sized for the weight hole. Should be able to get 4 plates per wheel easily at only a 6 inch width which should keep the whole assembly inside the rim. That's only 180 lbs per wheel but if I keep my eyes open I should be able to get the weights cheap. (It would be too expensive to buy them new, I think they go for about $1 per lb.

 

[Harv]

Gerard -

Using olympic-sized weights is also my backup plan if I never get around to melting the lead that I bought. I even have a friend who works for a fitness equipment manufacturer who says I can come and get all the weights I want for free. Apparently they just toss defective or blemished plates in a pile and have them hauled away periodically.

Best part is, I could have him carry them to my truck. When we used to work out together, he would bench 320 lbs. (compared to my 170). I would say it's because he's 17 years younger than me, but 17 years ago I could barely bench press the blankets off me in the morning. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Maybe I should pick some up and drop them in an envelope and mail them to you. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

[Disclaimer to all those who might be getting ideas -- I'm not sure how far I could push his under-the-table offer.]

 

[bpence]

gerard, I use bar bell weights on my B7100-100 lbs per side and they work fine. You may want to check out some pictures I posted a while back on how I attached them. I made brackets similar to the ones you are considering, but was able to do it without welding (only because I don't know how). I think the post was under attachments or customization....explained how they were made.....the picture of the attachments is included here. Due to wheel size I could only use the 25lb weights. If I remember, cost was only about 45-47 cents per lb. Total cost for 200 lbs of weights and the mounting hardware and bolts was well under $100.

Also, if you can find Mike Simpson's Tractor Page, there are pictures of some pretty heavy duty wheel weight brackets made for a B2400 on that site.

Bob Pence

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Stevepio,
Thanks, looks great. May give it a try.