[nlannan]

I am making a rear weight bracket for my 318. I bought a 47" snowblower over the summer and was curious if anyone had a recommendation of how much weight I should use for the winter. I also need some weight for the mini loader I built. Right now I have 80 lbs on each wheel plus the bracket and weights are 260 lbs. I got the weights off an old universal weight machine that someone was throwing out on CL and machined them to fit over some 2x4 tubing.

 

[GlenPettit]

I would think that 420# plus your weight is pretty much at the maximum, but my concern would be more on how far the weight bar tends to stick out beyond the rear axle. That 260# is about 24" behind the axle and would pivot to lighten the front, maybe 50–60# less up there, and with your snowblower in the down working position, the lightness would certainly hinder steering. Your tri-ribs (very smart on front) would help, but I feel you might need to add weight to the front tires, either steel weights or better yet, filled inside with Rimguard (gives 40# to each tire).
The extra rear weight on the axle will give you traction and get you out of trouble, but it's the weight/steering on the front that keeps you out of going into trouble in the first place.
With the FEL, that rear weight will really help in lifting & balance, but might contribute to bouncing when traveling.
Very nice looking tractor, and I really like the way those weights you got on CL look. "Nice save & reuse".

 

[TUDOR]

As mentioned, weight behind the axle will cause the front end to be light when the blower is on the ground, but weight in the tires will not.

You already have the wheel weights, now add Rim Guard to the tires for another 75 lb per side and take some of the weights off the back to install on the front when using the snow blower. Put them back when using the loader.