Mexican Wheel Weights - JD Copies......

[nmu98]

I put in my order for the new tractor yesterday and my dealer tells me he can cut the cost of the wheel weights in half by going with a mexican wheel weight. He said they are exact copies and you can bolt up these to the factory deere weights or vice versa...

The only thing he said was they are a bit less refined and not as smooth as the JD weights. Anyone ever use or see these?

 

[jenkinsph]

While I wouldn't think first off that these weights should be a problem I can say that with three Deere 110# weights on each wheel has been trouble free. I was concerned about balance with the possibility of 330 #s on each of my wheels and/or loosening of the weights. So far the Deere weights have remained tight, if it were me I would stick with them.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Given the amount of moving parts on a wheel weight, I'd go for it.

Any more info on these weights? I wouldnt mind getting an additional pair for my 3520...

 

[nmu98]

I plan to locktite the bolts and I also plan to silicon the weights lightly when I install them. It has worked great on my larger tractors.

Dave I will send you a PM.

 

[RoyJackson]

Any idea if they cast suitcase weights too?

 

[jenkinsph]

Roy,

Sure you can get suitcase weights too. Another forum member got these and they wouldn't fit the retainer rod correctly.

 

[jenkinsph]

Given the amount of moving parts on a wheel weight, I'd go for it.

Any more info on these weights? I wouldnt mind getting an additional pair for my 3520...

I would say the whole thing is a moving part.

As long as you can keep them tight and secure they will work.

 

[nmu98]

Roy,

Sure you can get suitcase weights too. Another forum member got these and they wouldn't fit the retainer rod correctly.

Do you know where that thread is? I would like to read it. As long as stuff is not too far off, these are very easy to modify!

 

[grnspot110]

I plan to locktite the bolts and I also plan to silicon the weights lightly when I install them. It has worked great on my larger tractors..

We always used cast iron wheel weights on the old two-cylinders (4-150#er's on the 720D) never had any problems with them loosening up! Just use lock washers & tighten them tight to begin with.

I would prefer to have cast on my (new-to-me) JD 790, but since the fluid is already in there, the damage is done. ~~ grnspot110

 

[jenkinsph]

Do you know where that thread is? I would like to read it. As long as stuff is not too far off, these are very easy to modify!

I am sure he will be along when he sees your thread, EEPete is the OP and he has a 4520cab 2009.

 

[whitedogone]

Do you know where that thread is? I would like to read it. As long as stuff is not too far off, these are very easy to modify!

http://www.northstatesalesco.com/

 

[kennyd]

Do you know where that thread is? I would like to read it. As long as stuff is not too far off, these are very easy to modify!

I am sure he will be along when he sees your thread, EEPete is the OP and he has a 4520cab 2009.

Here: JD 4520 weight bracket - design quality issue - TractorByNet.com

Post #12 is where he found out they where not JD OEM weights.

 

[AKfish]

I would be concerned about using the "knockoff" wheel weights if I were planning to use them with the 8-position R1 rims.

If there are irregularities with the shape and balance of the weights they could create problems with the center rim bolts.

Fellow that bought my 970 (had brand-new rims and R1's) told me that he didn't check the bolts on one of the rims and it ovaled out some of the holes and he's gonna have to buy a new rim...

AKfish

 

[nmu98]

I would be concerned about using the "knockoff" wheel weights if I were planning to use them with the 8-position R1 rims.

If there are irregularities with the shape and balance of the weights they could create problems with the center rim bolts.

Fellow that bought my 970 (had brand-new rims and R1's) told me that he didn't check the bolts on one of the rims and it ovaled out some of the holes and he's gonna have to buy a new rim...

AKfish

I know its not apparent from my first post on these, but I am not overly happy that my dealer wants to use these weights. We hammered out a price and it was not until I said "OK order it" that he told me about the weights. Last night I was trying to go to sleep and thinking about this situation.

For the $300 extra it will cost for me to go tot he JD weights, I think I might do it. The amount of money I have into this machine, 300 is not going to be even a percent of the cost. I plan to keep this tractor for a long, long time... and the last thing I need is a weight cracking or something else happening...

Maybe I should save my money and go with these weights, but I will never know.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Maybe I should save my money and go with these weights, but I will never know.

Tricky call...on one hand, its hard to flub up a weight...IMO, the perfect application for imported parts. On the other hand, there is always a risk.

If the prices were somewhat close, I'd prolly say go Deere, but 1/2 price is a big chunk of change.

They seem capable enough to cast engine blocks down there......

 

[nmu98]

Tricky call...on one hand, its hard to flub up a weight...IMO, the perfect application for imported parts. On the other hand, there is always a risk.

If the prices were somewhat close, I'd prolly say go Deere, but 1/2 price is a big chunk of change.

They seem capable enough to cast engine blocks down there......

I worry about a few things... Over time, what will the hardware look like. Is their hardware zinc coated like JD's? Is it grade 8 like jd's? What if one or two of their bolts failed? How much would that cost me?

I think I would try them if I would not have just changed out the complete suspension system on my jeep due to the use of foreign bushings and joints. So it cost me the purchase of what I thought was a good kit, then the cost of a Currie kit. From that experience, I have said it cost less to do it right the first time.

Dave and I were discussing in PM's if you might be able to bolt a 110 on the inside of the wheel. Anyone know? That would allow 3 weight per wheel without sticking out instead of 2.

 

[jenkinsph]

Since I have three 110# weights per side I can tell you the third weight sticking out is not a problem. Since it is smooth mine has never snagged anything that I can remember. I would bolt them all in place and go for it.

 

[nmu98]

Since I have three 110# weights per side I can tell you the third weight sticking out is not a problem. Since it is smooth mine has never snagged anything that I can remember. I would bolt them all in place and go for it.

I need to get close to trees mowing. I have rows of these things that are 1300 feet long. Its nice to mow in straight lines and not have to look out to make sure I don't bash the wheel weight off a tree, then look back to see if the mower got close...... I will have an mx6 with the 4520.... Not alot of over lap....

 

[eepete]

EDIT: the kennyd link is the one. Tnx kenny !
Search for the thread:
JD 4520 weight bracket - design quality issue
posted by eepete

I had problems with non-Deere weights that did not fit well. If you're thinking of going that route, I'd just buy one and make sure it's made OK, and then hope that the others are the same "fit and feel".

You might be able to work with your dealer on price if he knows what other choices you're considering.

It's hard to paint this topic with a broad brush. The 42# weights I got worked OK (but fit was not quite as good as the Deere) but the 70# weights I got did not work.

Pete

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I worry about a few things... Over time, what will the hardware look like. Is their hardware zinc coated like JD's? Is it grade 8 like jd's? What if one or two of their bolts failed? How much would that cost me?

Well, as for the hardware...even if I bought genuine JD weights, I wouldnt buy their hardware....too pricey for just a few standard off the shelf bolts & nuts. I'd get my bolts from Fastenal. I know thats my game plan for when/if I get additional weights.

I have said it cost less to do it right the first time.

You're absouletly correct...no way I can say it any better then you did.