Front weights or bumper for JD M

[ThreeEdwardsM]

Looking for advice on front weights and possibly a front bumper/guard for my 1948 John Deere M.


What I want to talk about:

• Original front wheel weights for the M — how hard are they to find? I've only ever seen one set for sale, they were rusty as hell and even more expensive, and the shipping costs would have been astronomical.
• Correct part numbers or photos of original M front weights
• Whether front suitcase-weight brackets have been adapted cleanly (pictures/examples?)
• Period-looking front bumpers or brush guards - It would add weight, I could hang chains off of it for weight and utility, and it would also help protect my currently mint but vulnerable front clip.
• Receiver-hitch or chain-hook mounts up front for trailer maneuvering
• Whether anyone has built a reversible bolt-on front bumper/brush guard that doesn’t look out of place
• How to avoid stressing the front end in all of this - not the most robust front steering linkage or attachment between the front axle and the frame.
• Were there factory or dealer front bumpers/guards for the wheeled M? Could the MC guard be used?
• Best place to mount light front ballast without stressing the pedestal or sheet metal (Wheel weights, liquid ballast in front wheels, tool box/jerry can/other practical weight somewhere on the frame forward of the balance point, front pedestal, etc)

Thanks for any photos or parts leads.

 

[ThreeEdwardsM]

I don't have access to OMC2451, but @Glen in TX seems to be saying the Model 30 front end loader had a pipe front bumper attachment for the M?

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=jd&th=206156

 

[ChrisInPA]

I downloaded OMC2451, which you can do here: https://techpubs.deere.com/en-US/Search/Equipment

This is the bumper referenced. I’ve never seen one before.

 

[ThreeEdwardsM]

I downloaded OMC2451, which you can do here: https://techpubs.deere.com/en-US/Search/Equipment

This is the bumper referenced. I’ve never seen one before.

Thank you! Well that's cool. Doesn't look hard to fabricate. I assume the u-bolts clamp to the front wheel/axle uprights. I've been thinking of modifying one of these NOS Front Bumper for John Deere 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050:

 

[ThreeEdwardsM]

I downloaded OMC2451, which you can do here: https://techpubs.deere.com/en-US/Search/Equipment

This is the bumper referenced. I’ve never seen one before.

This feels like a dumb question, but how are you using that search page? whenever I look for relevant manual numbers, like:

• John Deere Model M Operator’s Manual — OMTM31051
• John Deere Model M Series Parts Catalog — PC848
• John Deere No. 30 Hydraulic Loader Operator’s Manual — OMC2451
• John Deere No. 30 Hydraulic Loader Operator’s Manual — OMC24553
• John Deere No. 30 Loader Parts Catalog — PC175

Whether I select "Model #", "Part #/Keywords", or "Serial Number" I get "No results found" -_-

 

[ThreeEdwardsM]

Thank you! Well that's cool. Doesn't look hard to fabricate. I assume the u-bolts clamp to the front wheel/axle uprights. I've been thinking of modifying one of these:
View attachment 158396

Here's what the NOS Front Bumper for John Deere 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050 Tractors looks like on a Model 40

 

[ThreeEdwardsM]

I assume the u-bolts clamp to the front wheel/axle uprights

Well, I say that, but looking at the N0. 30 loader, it looks like it would attach to the loader sub frame assembly itself, which makes more sense with it being grouped with the loader.