I called my dealer about getting wheel weights for my CC XT3 and was told that CC no longer makes wheel weights for this tractor and they recommended a suitcase setup. Is there a reason to avoid wheel weights on a garden tractor?
What's up with wheel vs suitcase weights?
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factoryguy
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I called my dealer about getting wheel weights for my CC XT3 and was told that CC no longer makes wheel weights for this tractor and they recommended a suitcase setup. Is there a reason to avoid wheel weights on a garden tractor?
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On my initial order for my 2020 XT3 GSX in late August, I wanted the Cub Cadet wheel weights as a separate item alongside the tractor. Dealer said that wasn't possible as they were required to install the weights and also charge me an hour of labor to do so. Told them to just forget the weights. Very same day, I ordered the Arnold (MTD) wheel weights from Amazon.
Something is just a tad screwy there as MTD is the overall corporate owner, Cub Cadet is their premium line and Arnold was bought by MTD years ago. So it is all under the same umbrella.
For your question of suitcase weights vs wheel weights, it pretty much all boils down to use. The wheel weights are semi-permanently mounted to the wheels and the suitcase weights can be moved around to the front or rear, or even removed more easily.
Something is just a tad screwy there as MTD is the overall corporate owner, Cub Cadet is their premium line and Arnold was bought by MTD years ago. So it is all under the same umbrella.
For your question of suitcase weights vs wheel weights, it pretty much all boils down to use. The wheel weights are semi-permanently mounted to the wheels and the suitcase weights can be moved around to the front or rear, or even removed more easily.
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I was going to suggest he consult with Steve Urquel for some advice on method and color schemeJust get them from John Deere and paint them, we won't tell!
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Ok, thanks everyone! It seems to be mainly a convenience issue.
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Not exactly. You add weight to a tractor for one or more of 3 reasons. Traction, counterbalance of attachments and stability.
Having both types of weights is useful for adding traction weight. You can have more total weight using suitcase weights (frame weights) and wheel weights together. Your traction gives you your power to pull and push things. Weight gives you more traction. Good treads, chains and weights gives you traction. You can have suitcase weights, wheel weights and loaded tires for maximum weight and power.
Suitcase weights are good for traction weight and are the ones needed for counterbalance with various attachments. A FEL, plow, brush and snowblower need counterbalance in the back. A backhoe, scrapper blade, rototiller, etc needs counterbalance in the front.
Now wheel weights can be counterbalance some but not direct front to back. Wheel weighs are excellent for traction Wheel weights provide more weight right over the wheels. If you don't have traction you don't have the full power of your tractor.
Loaded tires add the weight right inside the tires. This would theoretically give the best weight over tires results.
Wheel weights, and even more so loaded tires, also lower your center of gravity and thereby give greater stability when cutting grass or moving on slopes and hills.
So it comes down to what kind of things do you do with your tractor to determine what weights to use.
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They do still have wheel weights Wheel Weights - 100 lb. - OEM-190-784 | Cub Cadet US they Just say for 2006 & Prior But the wheel weight Mounting Holes are still On the rims on the XT3 series But it actually about Marketing 4 Suitcase weight get them $246.36 two wheel weights gets them $142.99 if Going with OEM.
I run 4 suitcvase weights and two 50lb wheel weights On My JD GX335 for Plowing snow Going to let is sit our this winter Possibly and use the XT3 GSX with 4 aftermarket Black suitcase weights and let it do the Plowing this winter since I now have a Set of HDAP style tires On the Rear of the GSX now No need for chains or Terra-Grip rubber chains either I can Plow Just fine with 4 suitcase weights But adding wheel weights the JD GX335 is almost unstoppable and I have never used the diff/lock on the JD GX335
Basically the same information as Tractor Beam displayed, but with a bit of extra info.
Liquid ballast is supported by the ground. It actually pinches the tire tread between it and the ground for the best possible traction from existing conditions.
Wheel weights are supported by the air cushion in the tire. The added weight causes the tire to squat slightly resulting in more tread area to support the load.
Liquid ballast and wheel weights are primarily for traction and stability.
Suitcase weights are supported by the bearings in the axle housings.Their primary use is to counter the weight of attachments at either the front or rear of the tractor. The added weight causes the tires to squat slightly resulting in more tread area to support the load. Traction benefits are dependent on the existing setup of the tractor and can range from less than normal traction (weights added to the front without the corresponding rear implement attached, to substantial (weights added to the rear without the corresponding front implement attached).
Suitcase weights do not contribute significantly to stability like liquid ballast and/or wheel weights.
Liquid ballast is supported by the ground. It actually pinches the tire tread between it and the ground for the best possible traction from existing conditions.
Wheel weights are supported by the air cushion in the tire. The added weight causes the tire to squat slightly resulting in more tread area to support the load.
Liquid ballast and wheel weights are primarily for traction and stability.
Suitcase weights are supported by the bearings in the axle housings.Their primary use is to counter the weight of attachments at either the front or rear of the tractor. The added weight causes the tires to squat slightly resulting in more tread area to support the load. Traction benefits are dependent on the existing setup of the tractor and can range from less than normal traction (weights added to the front without the corresponding rear implement attached, to substantial (weights added to the rear without the corresponding front implement attached).
Suitcase weights do not contribute significantly to stability like liquid ballast and/or wheel weights.
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Wheel weight put the weight right where you need it, and without putting extra pressure on bearings.
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Wow... thank you guys for the education! This all makes a lot of sense.
I mow on 2 acres of pretty hilly terrain with a few steep grades, so it sounds like the wheel weights may be useful for year-round stability when cutting the grass (especially in the spring). I will add the suitcase weight for when I am using the bucket or plowing snow as a counterbalance and a little added traction. Finally, from the other thread, a set of new HDAP tires are going on this weekend to improve traction year-round. Very helpful!
I mow on 2 acres of pretty hilly terrain with a few steep grades, so it sounds like the wheel weights may be useful for year-round stability when cutting the grass (especially in the spring). I will add the suitcase weight for when I am using the bucket or plowing snow as a counterbalance and a little added traction. Finally, from the other thread, a set of new HDAP tires are going on this weekend to improve traction year-round. Very helpful!
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Nice! There's also kind of a hybrid approach. Someone apparently used to sell adapters that bolt to the wheels, the way that wheel weights do. Except these provide a horizontal rod, and you slip iron weight-lifting weights onto them.
So the weight is still on the wheels. But you can more easily adjust the amount of weight, sort of like suitcase weights.
I think someone used to sell them on eBay? They could likely be fabricated as well. They just struck me as an interesting option.
So the weight is still on the wheels. But you can more easily adjust the amount of weight, sort of like suitcase weights.
I think someone used to sell them on eBay? They could likely be fabricated as well. They just struck me as an interesting option.
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I didn't like how those were designed because they put all the weight on the wheel and studs. The ones I made use compression of the plates against the wheel to provide support and limit endshake.
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Steve,
Didn't you do a post on this? I think you need an Etsy store where we can order some of this stuff! 😊
Kent
What Tractor Beam and Tudor said.
I once bought a GT3200 that had wheels about to break in two and fall apart, and it had the bolts that hold the differential together come loose and cause internal damage. The tires were filled to the max and even with the valve stems at the top, fluid would come out if the valve core was depressed.
The tractor also had the "neutral return spring" missing and it was very abrupt when going from F-R or R-F. I am not sure how long it was operated that way by the PO. Apparently too long.
I suspect that the damage to the wheels and loose dif bolts was primarily caused by the spring being missing. I think the very heavy wheels was also a factor, but probably to a lesser extent.
I once bought a GT3200 that had wheels about to break in two and fall apart, and it had the bolts that hold the differential together come loose and cause internal damage. The tires were filled to the max and even with the valve stems at the top, fluid would come out if the valve core was depressed.
The tractor also had the "neutral return spring" missing and it was very abrupt when going from F-R or R-F. I am not sure how long it was operated that way by the PO. Apparently too long.
I suspect that the damage to the wheels and loose dif bolts was primarily caused by the spring being missing. I think the very heavy wheels was also a factor, but probably to a lesser extent.
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Yeah here's the link. Final build is on page 2
Barbell Wheel Weight And Sleeve Hitch Adapters
So, we were talking about this the other day here--> Wheel weights Since I put the front bucket on my 3240 it has lost a lot of traction and I knew I was gonna need to add some ballast. Probably has an extra 200lbs on the front end now. I've been buying plate weights when I find them cheap and...
www.mytractorforum.com
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I would rethink that one. May not add weight to the vertical load. But any added weight at the end of the axle adds to bearing stress. Increased traction and even lack of it can create bearing stress.
Some remember pressure on bearing can be both vertical and horizontal.
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That's it! Where is the link to order a set? 😊
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