[North585]

For years, I ran my X585 and 47" blower without any added weight on the rear. I didn't have any traction issues per se (even had turfs on the 585!) and it didn't seem to stress the machine. My dealer didn't say that ballast was required.

I've read a few threads about some X700 (and the cousin X500s) owners having suitcase weights etc. for counterbalancing the blower and for traction. I have no need for a 3 point hitch set up and don't see the need for the rear pto. When I bought my X748 this summer, my dealer knew I'd be having the blower on the machine (he and I put in the axle drive shaft together)....again, no comment about counterweight.

Can I get some thoughts about the idea of having ballast/counterweight, if it's a for sure need, what are the options, and photos would be great.

Thanks in advance for the ideas!

Keith

 

[Kennyd]

I always think counterbalancing weight hanging on the front of a tractor is a good idea. Without it, more weight is placed on the front axle, and often it is not designed to carry that extra weight; and the front drive system (axle, hubs, driveshaft) end up doing a majority of the work.

Think of it like a see-saw on the playground...your front wheels become the fulcrum point when the blower is hanging out in front. Adding weight to the rear will reduce that stress on the front axle by transferring more to the rear axle.

Just my thoughts...may be worth what you paid for them:laugh:

 

[mjncad]

I second Kenny's comments. Regardless of the machine, rear ballast to counteract the weight of the blower hanging off the front end is a good idea. I suspect Deere has a weight bracket kit for the X7xx series to hang suitcase weights on. If not, a bracket would probably be easy to fabricate.

 

[8086Bruce]

Deere has one that will hold six suit case weight and also there is a seller on ebay that makes one that holds six. Four to six weights would do the trick for the blower.

 

[RonS]

Where is the best place to buy suitcase weights? And are there different models? I see that Home Depot sells them but they say they are for the 100 series. I can't imagine that Deere makes different models for different tractors (referring to the 42lb units).

 

[Kennyd]

I bought mine at the dealer...they go for just over $1.00 a pound nowadays. The ones at Home Cheapot are the same.

 

[KBear]

I've read a few threads about some X700 (and the cousin X500s) owners having suitcase weights etc. for counterbalancing the blower and for traction. I have no need for a 3 point hitch set up and don't see the need for the rear pto. When I bought my X748 this summer, my dealer knew I'd be having the blower on the machine (he and I put in the axle drive shaft together)....again, no comment about counterweight.

I will agree you should use weights as ballast and for traction on the rear of your X700 while using a front mount Snow Blower. That said, however, I looked at JDParts for a rear weight bracket (instead of a 3 point hitch) for a X700 but only found a front mount weight bracket. You'll need to speak to your John Deere dealer to determine if there's a rear weight bracket available.

Where is the best place to buy suitcase weights? And are there different models? I see that Home Depot sells them but they say they are for the 100 series. I can't imagine that Deere makes different models for different tractors (referring to the 42lb units).

Regarding John Deere Lawn and Garden tractor suitcase weights of the 42lbs kind there is only one kind available. John Deere Part Number (PN) R66949. Instead of buying them from HomeDepot or Lowe's you really should support you local John Deere dealer by purchasing your weights and required brackets from them. These item are a part of the Sales Dept. and not the Parts Dept.



Kenneth

 

[North585]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'll get to my dealer this week to see if a bracket can be ordered, and let everyone know how I make out.

 

[RonS]

I do support my dealer as much as possible as long as the dealer price is somewhere close to what is offered elsewhere. However, there are times when it is not practical or financialy feasible. For an example, a bushing kit from the dealer is $60 but if you check the threads on this forum you can find the exact same bushings for $11. To me, that is not reasonable especially since I wanted 6 kits. Another example would be the lighting kit (front and back). The lights can be bought for quite a bit less than what the dealer price is according to one of the threads on this forum. Having said that, I bought my kit from the dealer as he has treated me well......but I was tempted.

 

[rotax14]

Regarding John Deere Lawn and Garden tractor suitcase weights of the 42lbs kind there is only one kind available. John Deere Part Number (PN) R66949. Instead of buying them from HomeDepot or Lowe's you really should support you local John Deere dealer by purchasing your weights and required brackets from them. These item are a part of the Sales Dept. and not the Parts Dept.Kenneth

they actually have also avail a 72lb suit case weight, they are in the impliment catalog.......

 

[T-Mo]

MTD also makes suitcase weights, and I think Sears does also.

I'm also a proponent of using my dealer for parts. I can understand saving a few dollars, but at the same time, having a relationship with your local dealer, especially the sales and parts department, will pay dividends in the long run. I'm on a first name basis with both the head salesman and the head parts guy at my local dealer and even have both of them help me look for things like a 54 inch blade for my 445 and a 3 point hitch for my 316. Also, buying parts from JD will help keep the demand of certain parts going so those parts don't become NLA (No Longer Available). It's still a supply and demand world.

Having said that, the weights from HD are the very same weights your dealer has, so.......

 

[Deere Dude]

For years, I ran my X585 and 47" blower without any added weight on the rear. I didn't have any traction issues per se (even had turfs on the 585!) and it didn't seem to stress the machine. My dealer didn't say that ballast was required.

I've read a few threads about some X700 (and the cousin X500s) owners having suitcase weights etc. for counterbalancing the blower and for traction. I have no need for a 3 point hitch set up and don't see the need for the rear pto. When I bought my X748 this summer, my dealer knew I'd be having the blower on the machine (he and I put in the axle drive shaft together)....again, no comment about counterweight.

Can I get some thoughts about the idea of having ballast/counterweight, if it's a for sure need, what are the options, and photos would be great.

Thanks in advance for the ideas!

Keith

Unless you get only an inch of snow weights and chains, are an important part to your set up. I can't believe the dealer didn't suggest wheel weights at least and possibly loaded rear tires for traction. With these options, all the weight is directly on the ground and not having much effect on the rear end bearings and casing. But, I'm sure the tractor can handle suitcase weights anyway because they are offered. If all you do is mow lawn and blow a little snow, suitcase weights would be easy because of their easy removal in the summer for mowing.

 

[obee1kubota]

Trailer Hitch Suitcase Rack Combination

I think this will carry eight 42lb weights

http://www.omni-mfg.com

 

[obee1kubota]

Counterweight option

Check these options out.

http://omni-mfg.com/TRANSFORMER-Platform-with-Integrated-Weight-Rack-P2403664.aspx

 

[North585]

Thanks for the link Obee. I don't have a 3 pt on the 748 however it's maybe something I need to consider.

 

[jenkinsph]

My new landplane makes a good counterweight but for snow I would suggest a rear blade. I used a 5' rear blade on my 749 this winter and it worked out great.

 

[dieselshadow]

Nice work Steve!:thumbup1gif: Does it work good?

 

[jenkinsph]

Nice work Steve!:thumbup1gif: Does it work good?

So far so good, I will try and finish it today and then use it later next week. I will take some pics in action.