Installing wheel weights

[tlrols]

I recently purchased a set of Wilkerson "Nutwell" wheel weights for my TO-20. I am looking for advice on any tricks for installing these guys--they may be installed either inside or outside the rim. They weigh 300 lbs a piece so it isn't like you can stand there and think about a different way to put them on! I was thinking about using my engine hoist to get them on. Any thoughts, tricks, tips, or horror stories to share?

Thanks

 

[jimNCal]

Those were made here in Fresno and are as common as dirt on tractors. As such, I have loads (pun intended) of experience with them.

First, you already know they only mount with 3 bolts. Use the other 3 points to 'pre-mount' the wheel center to your rim with original hardware.

If you want to put the weights on the inside, lay the wheel outside down and 'side them' up on and to center. BEING careful of the airstem. They WILL make quick work of ruining a tube.

Contrary to opinions, I use new, zinc plated, hex bolts on the other 3 mounting points IF stainless steel isn't readily available.

Certainly, ANY sort of loader or hoist is a big plus/help.

My e-mail is always open and typing is a VERY slow process for 2 fingers. Contact me if you want to yak.

jim

 

[Docgj]

With the risk of stealing the thread...Is it better to mount the weights on the the inside or outside of the rim?
docgj

 

[tlrols]

Jim, thanks for the tips. I am staring at these things and wondering how to get an engine hoist to do what I want. A loader would be nice, but the loader is on the tractor the weights are going on...sigh...maybe I need 2 tractors!

I think I can get the weight to hang on a long rod through one of the three holes for mounting and then slide it on the wheel. I would like to do this with the tires on the tractor---taking those monsters off just isn"t something you do without the proper equipment.

 

[jimNCal]

I've even put the 600 pounders on by myself. It just takes safe care and a bit of deliberate ingenuity.
If you're wanting to add these to the OUTside, pull 3 bolts with the wheels ON the tractor. Roll the weights up a ramp placed alongside the wheel and 'walk' them into the rim. I've found that the metal wheel ramps used to raise your auto works best for this.

 

[tlrols]

Perfect...I hadn't thought of that but it should work quite well. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Leroy]

You say common, maby on the west cost but not east of the big muddy.

 

[jimNCal]

Yes, I meant 'around here'. Actually, it is way more UNcommon to find a tractor HERE withOUT Wilkerson-Nuttwell weights.
Also, seeing as we don't 'hard freeze' often, or for very long, we get to run just straight water if we want to fluid fill.

jb

 

[tlrols]

At 350 lbs each I imagine shipping makes the Wilkerson"s mostly a west coastish item. I wonder if any pie weights are out there...

 

[jimNCal]

Doesn't really matter. Owner/operator's preference. I like 'em on the INside cause I think it looks 'cleaner' but, that's just me. Some people like the look of 'pie-weights' hanging out there too but, I think they're ugly.

 

[jimNCal]

BTW.....I talked with Matt yesterday. Your weights came off MY place! LOL Small world.

jim
ps.....you got them for a great price. (that's what friends are for).

jb

 

[tlrols]

I figured as much...Matt has a stock pile of all sorts of good stuff...I think he needs to downsize!

 

[jimNCal]

Eh? 'DOWNsize'? NEVER! LOL Lucky for ME I ignored my wife's pleadings along those same lines. I got 'downsized' out of a job in June and these old tractor parts are keeping the lights on!!