Weight on Rear of PT

[BobRip]

I would like to get suggestions for weight on the rear of the PT. When I first starting adding weights, I felt it would only be used part time. But I have found that I rarely take it off, and when I do the PT is not nearly as useful.

I have done several different things, but what I am using now uses up my 2 inch receiver. (see attachment) I wonder what others have done. I am also looking for some suggestions for other weights. Is lead available any more? I need something compact.

 

[KentT]

In addition to having loaded tires (all four), I had a small weight box built for me that pins on to the PT's rear hitch. I use a couple of 45 lb garden tractor wheel weights and a couple of chunks of old cast iron.... probably 125 lbs or so, total.

Lead is still used for weights to balance tires, but I suggest you just visit the local scrap metal yard. They'll often have all kinds of old cast iron or steel that could be used. For example, my friend had a 3ft chunk of railroad track cut off and welded to mounts that'll fit the front of his Kioti...

 

[J_J]

I would like to get suggestions for weight on the rear of the PT. When I first starting adding weights, I felt it would only be used part time. But I have found that I rarely take it off, and when I do the PT is not nearly as useful.

I have done several different things, but what I am using now uses up my 2 inch receiver. (see attachment) I wonder what others have done. I am also looking for some suggestions for other weights. Is lead available any more? I need something compact.

Bob,

Please refresh my memory as to why you need added weight on the back.
I am guessing that the purpose is to allow you to lift more and prevent the PT pucker. I don't think there are but a few of us that need more weight on the back.

 

[BobRip]

Bob,

Please refresh my memory as to why you need added weight on the back.
I am guessing that the purpose is to allow you to lift more and prevent the PT pucker. I don't think there are but a few of us that need more weight on the back.

My PT has the engine in the middle of the engine compartment and it is very easy to cause the PT pucker. (the new PTs have the engine in the very back of the engine compartment). Even without the pucker the rear gets very light easily and traction is lost. The only way I can lift 800 pounds (the rated lifting capacity) is with a person standing on the back bumper. I once picked up a rock that weighted 819 pounds with my neighbor standing there. So yes, to be able to lift more and stop PT pucker.

Clint Blake has put antifreeze in his rear tires and is very pleased with the results. This is very tempting.

 

[Piperflyer]

Here's a front counter weight I put together for the kubota for about $25.00. It's made from 6" x 1/4" square stock filled with concrete. Comes in at 200 lbs. Takes 10 minutes to take on or off.

 

[RegL]

I have been thinking of trying to bolt up some steel plate to the bottom of the back pan for extra weight and also to lower the center of gravity while mowing side hills. You would lose a little ground clearance. I don't know the weight but I can't imagine one would need to use thicker than 1/2 to 3/4 inch steel.

 

[catsco]

FYI, steel weighs 490 lbs. per cubic foot.

Therefore, a 1/2" x 12" x 12" plate would weigh 20.41 lbs.

So, even a an 3/4" x 18" x 24" plate would only weigh 91.875 lbs.

Don't know if that would make a hugh difference or not, assuming a plate that large could be installed.

Regards, Mark H.

 

[Barryh]

I would like to get suggestions for weight on the rear of the PT. When I first starting adding weights, I felt it would only be used part time. But I have found that I rarely take it off, and when I do the PT is not nearly as useful.

I have done several different things, but what I am using now uses up my 2 inch receiver. (see attachment) I wonder what others have done. I am also looking for some suggestions for other weights. Is lead available any more? I need something compact.

There are two things that seem to be discouraged on this forum (by most). One is adding weight to the back, and the other is reversing wheels. Even though I understand why, it's really not a good thing to push these tractors past there limits, broken mounts ect…

I do note on a (Regular Basis) I could have used both more weight on the back, and a wider wheel stance. My little tractor seems to pickup very surprising heavy objects, trees, rocks ect. The limiting factors in most cases are the tipsy feeling I get going up and down hills, or sideways with an overly heavy load, or when the back end comes up.

In most cases just a little added weight a 100 pounds or so, would have made a big difference. When I move my 2400 Lb trailer around off camber in the yard the back end just barely stays down when turning. I feel tipsy. Of course right now most of that is because I am using my forks rigged with a tow ball bolted to the end of one fork, which has the PT reaching way out from the lift point. I am waiting for my welded hitch receiver to get back.

I guess what I am trying to say is, I am considering adding weight myself, if I break a mount, then the time and expense of getting it fixed is on me. Not wanting to start this controversy up again, the jury is still out on the wheel reversal. I’m convinced it would shorten the life of the wheel motors, but I also know it sure would help in those off camber situations.

As for how I might add weight, I am thinking of a wrap around bumper for the rear. I may put a basket like bottom in it, so it might also make a good place for adding weights, kill two birds with one stone so to speak. I rarely use my back hitch for anything. Anytime I tow or move something I tend to use the front end of the tractor, or I use my craftsman for towing my cart ect.

 

[MossRoad]

I have been thinking of trying to bolt up some steel plate to the bottom of the back pan for extra weight and also to lower the center of gravity while mowing side hills. You would lose a little ground clearance. I don't know the weight but I can't imagine one would need to use thicker than 1/2 to 3/4 inch steel.

I'm no strong man, but I can lift a 3 x 5 sheet of 1/2 diamond plate on one end and slide it around. It doesn't weigh that much.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

There are two things that seem to be discouraged on this forum (by most). One is adding weight to the back, and the other is reversing wheels.

Fourteen -- Your Cue