Front counter weight

[cperky]

I want to add some weight to the front of my MF 1140. The suitcase weights are $40 each for 25lb weight. I thought I might take a piece of RR rail and mount it to the bumper instead. Does anyone know of a good way to cut the rail to the length I want. I figure 2' ought to be about right. I plan on using a couple of heavy bolts to attach to a couple of holes already in the bumper.
What do yall think?

 

[DaveNay]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Does anyone know of a good way to cut the rail to the length I want.)</font>

An oxy-acetylene torch, and a bunch of time on your hands? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The one time I cut a length of RR, it took me about 30-40 minutes with the torch. Granted, I was 16, and had never held a torch before in my life /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Dave

 

[Lazy]

Hi
I have used a cutting torch to cut some pieces to make anvils. A cut off saw might work as well or better.


Charlie

 

[DougM]

If U have a FEL there is only about 4 in. of space there so
look at it real close or u will have to re do it ( do not asked me how I know this )
DougM

 

[cperky]

Well I got it cut with a torch. But now I am trying to make holes for the bolts. Wasn't able to blow through with torch and already ruined a drill bit using a drill press. I guess i'll try a plasma cutter next. Any suggestions as to how to make me some bolt holes?

 

[Tractors4u]

Burning through with a plasma cutter may be difficult as well. Is there anyway you could attached it U bolts?

 

[cperky]

Hadn't thought of that but is may be possible. How heavy of a u-bolt do you reccomend? Are they usualy available at my local hardwaqre store?

 

[Tractors4u]

How heavy is your front weight going to be? I have 2 planters that I just mounted to a homemade toolbar and I would guess that they easily weigh 200 lbs each along with 50 lbs of seed in them and they are mounted with two, 1/2" dia. U bolts on each planter. I would think that your piece of railroad track would easily be held in place with a couple of 3/8" U bolts. I would check your local hardware stores, my planters came with the U bolts from the farmer.

 

[cperky]

I would guess that the rail I cut is going to weigh about 100 lbs

sounds like the u-bolt idea would work and would be alot easier

 

[CTyler]

I'd drill the holes in my drill press with a good bit like Titanium etc.. Use a cutting fluid or oil and clear the cuttings frequently. Use a slow speed on the press and take your time.

I drilled 4 9/16 holes through 1" of steel with no problems at all using that method. The 4th hole cut just like the first using 10-30w.