Mounting suitcase weights...opinions?

TEET · #1 02-02-2011, 03:35 PM

Howdy all!

While plowing some of this fabulous, grainy, heavy snow today with my 1211, I got to thinking about some weights that picked up years ago, and have been collecting dust in my shed. I currently am running the stock 23x10.5 turfs, 2 link chains, and 75# wheel weights. I don't really have a traction problem..once in a while they will break free on ice, but no biggie..I was just brainstorming some ways to add a little more weight

The weights that I have are 100# Ford suitcase weights from a farm tractor(pictured below) I would plan on using 2 most likely because of the size of these suckers, but I also don't want to damage the rear frame area of my CCC. I think 2 would be enough..I'm roughly 190#, 2x75# wheel weights, and 200# of suitcase weights = 550# with me on it, 360# as it will sit idle. My questions are: is this too much weight for the the Al rear end and/or axles? Do I really need that much weight? and if I do decide to do it, what are some "temporary" mounting options? I'd like to be able to remove a weight bracket without too much effort to service the rearend, summer usage, etc.

Like I said I'm not really having too many issues with traction ...but was just...."thinkin"

I look forward to some constructive criticism

Jeff (teet)

_DX3_ · #2 02-02-2011, 03:40 PM

The only criticism I have is that rear end looks clean enough to eat off of

.

hmmmm that didn't sound just right did it?
I am curious to see what is suggested also. Oh, I love that light on the back.

TEET · #3 02-02-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _DX3_

The only criticism I have is that rear end looks clean enough to eat off of

.

hmmmm that didn't sound just right did it?
I am curious to see what is suggested also. Oh, I love that light on the back.

I assure you, its not that clean now..lol. I took that pic after I went through the rear and replaced a lot of seals and gaskets...it did look nice

I love the light too..sure comes in handy!

Jeff (teet)

cj4200 · #4 02-02-2011, 04:06 PM

Loading your tires is a easy way of getting 50lbs plus per tire.

jbollis · #5 02-02-2011, 05:11 PM

TEET,
When I switched from the plastic cement filled wheel weights to the cast (gilson) ones I had to remove some of the extra weight I had in the rear box. I have found If I get to much rear weight (rear box) on my 1211 that it will tend to push the front straight instead of allowing it to turn when I want.

I am about 275 plus the 65x2 wheel weights and about 100-125 in the rear box. This is the best I can get as far as enough weight to push anything I want and still be able to steer good. I started with around 250 in the rear box and have since removed about half that. It will be different according to front tire choice and how much you hang on the back. The more you hang on the back the lighter the front will get.

If you want to make a mount, I would suggest finding a hitch or bagger plate. They bolt to the frame and are an easy starting point. I bolted my rear box to one then bolted the regular hitch on the back of the box. Works nice for what I use it for.

JOE

juniors1282 · #6 02-02-2011, 05:20 PM

Jeff, Skip the ford weights and drink a few more brews. That will ad extra weight to your mid section and you'll be all set, That's what I did, HeHeHe. Later Bud

TEET · #7 02-02-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbollis

TEET,
When I switched from the plastic cement filled wheel weights to the cast (gilson) ones I had to remove some of the extra weight I had in the rear box. I have found If I get to much rear weight (rear box) on my 1211 that it will tend to push the front straight instead of allowing it to turn when I want.

I am about 275 plus the 65x2 wheel weights and about 100-125 in the rear box. This is the best I can get as far as enough weight to push anything I want and still be able to steer good. I started with around 250 in the rear box and have since removed about half that. It will be different according to front tire choice and how much you hang on the back. The more you hang on the back the lighter the front will get.

If you want to make a mount, I would suggest finding a hitch or bagger plate. They bolt to the frame and are an easy starting point. I bolted my rear box to one then bolted the regular hitch on the back of the box. Works nice for what I use it for.

JOE

Great Idea Joe, I was thinking along the lines of a reinforced bagger mount..I'll have to keep my eyes open. I know what you mean about trying to steer, its hard enough sometimes with my front turfs on snow..maybe time for some better front tires too

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by juniors1282

Jeff, Skip the ford weights and drink a few more brews. That will ad extra weight to your mid section and you'll be all set, That's what I did, HeHeHe. Later Bud

I hear ya Eric!! I'm already "gaining" in that area since I quit smoking a few months ago..lol..what the heck a few brews wont hurt, and it might make the plowing that much more interesting

Jeff (teet)

juniors1282 · #8 02-02-2011, 07:04 PM

Hey Jeff, I know where you can find a bagger mount!!!!! LOL. Only A few?

gcbailey · #9 02-03-2011, 08:20 AM

Jeff, I don't know the exact specs, but are the frame widths of the CCC and current MTD the same? The rear weight bracket from a 25XX series should let you hang those weights. With mine I could put 4x42lb suitcases on there. They come up on epay all the time for around $20-$30... nothing more than a thick U shaped bracket.

The fluid filled tires are a big plus. I think that helped me out more than anything, you've got the weight right there on the ground.

Surplus center.com has the carlisle x-tracs w/rims for like $24 each. http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.as...EN=20&PageNo=2

I replaced the front turfs with those and my snow steering improved by 100%, heck, even in the summer it's almost like poor mans power steering.

TEET · #10 02-03-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juniors1282

Hey Jeff, I know where you can find a bagger mount!!!!! LOL. Only A few?

Hey Eric, you may have to hang on to that one now..lol I'll trade you some stuff

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcbailey

Jeff, I don't know the exact specs, but are the frame widths of the CCC and current MTD the same? The rear weight bracket from a 25XX series should let you hang those weights. With mine I could put 4x42lb suitcases on there. They come up on epay all the time for around $20-$30... nothing more than a thick U shaped bracket.

The fluid filled tires are a big plus. I think that helped me out more than anything, you've got the weight right there on the ground.

Surplus center.com has the carlisle x-tracs w/rims for like $24 each. http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.as...EN=20&PageNo=2

I replaced the front turfs with those and my snow steering improved by 100%, heck, even in the summer it's almost like poor mans power steering.

Thanks Gary, looks like I have some research ahead. I like the look of the x-tracs too.....power steering would be nice

Jeff (teet)