4200 weight bracket choices - pic heavy

Dan G · Jul 22, 2011

I have a 4200 that I've been restoring for years. I rebuilt the front end in preparation on hanging weights on the front end. It's pretty light in the front.

The 'correct' weight bracket for it is non existant from salvage yards. NH wants 500$ for a new one (I can't believe they still have them). I aquired a bracket from a 7600 which with a tape measure seemed like it would fit without modification.

I've attached pics of the bracket, just hung there with bolts hand tight. It's .825" short on the front with all bolts in. I could get a piece of metal made for it. 3/4 or 1 inch would be easier!

Two things. One: even if I modify this bracket to bolt on tight, would the FORD 60lbers hang on it without issue (not hitting the axle, etc). Two: Does anyone have a pic of what the 'correct' bracket looks like? The parts diagram I can't visualize it. I can't find any pics of weights on a 4200, anywhere.

I'd rather put on the right bracket, but for 500 bucks, I think the choice is easy. I don't want to Bubba it.

RodinNS · Jul 23, 2011

I think as long as you don't move the bracket any closer to the tractor you should have sufficeint clearance for the weights above the axle. I can't promise you that... but I'm reasonably certain. Best thing would be to find a weight and try it first.
As far as the bracket goes... I think I would get a piece of plate of the appropriate thickness to take up that space. Drill 4 holes in it to match the 4 holes on the front bolster. Fit the bracket in front of ot, tack it, then take the whole outfit off and weld it up good and solid. I'd be rather uncomfortable hanging a full 800# of weights on the front of that by the 4 bolts you've shown. 6 would be better or simply use the 4 in the front and not bother with the side ones.

Rod

Shetland Sheepdog · Jul 23, 2011

(reply to post at 22:24:16 07/22/11)

DO NOT order the weight bracket shown in the parts catalog diagram that you posted! That is the bracket for 2xxx thru 4xxx SU tractors, NOT for 4xxx AP or row crop tractors!
HTH, Dave

Shetland Sheepdog · Jul 23, 2011

Just a thought, drill new holes for the rear/side bolts and you should be golden! All the stress on those bolts is up and down, not back to front. Try bolting it solid to front with no spacer, hang 1 weight on it to determine axle clearance. Judging from your picture, I'm guessing you will have adequate clearance.
JMHO, HTH, Dave

Fordfarmer · Jul 23, 2011

I think the diagram you have from NH is showing
the bracket for the 3000/4000SU. Most 4200's that
I've seen with front weights have had the 'pillow'
weights that bolt directly to the bolster.
The weights should clear the axle OK with the
bracket tight to the bolster. I'd redrill the bolt
holes for the side bolts before I made a spacer. I
can't quite tell from the pics... are the upper
bolt holes directly above the lower ones? If they
are, the bracket from a 4600 will fit.
One other thing... you may want to check the
owners manual before you put too much weight on
there... I think there is a limit for front end
weight on the 42/5200's. (due to spindle
strength?) I had a welding shop make a copy of my
4600's bracket that I put on a 5200 that I had a
few years ago.

RickB · Jul 23, 2011

Hang a weight on it just the way you have it and check the axle clearance, I'll bet it clears just fine.

Then build a shim to close the gap across the front; make it tall enough to use all 4 bolt holes in the face of the bolster. Weld the shim securely to the weight bracket. That will give you the most strength & durability.

mhb@ufe · Jul 23, 2011

North State Sales Co in Greensboro NC makes brackets and weights for tractors and are resonably priced if you can find a local dealer to order them through. Dealers can get free frieght if they order 1000lbs or more.

Mark
Tractor weights

Dan G · Jul 23, 2011

I think I'm gonna make a plate to bring it out, and make it a four hole on the front. I'm not going to bury the 4200 with weights. I'm thinking in the range of 5 @ 60lbers would do the trick. I bolted it up tight in the front, and I'm just about 13/16 from those side holes. Does a buck a pound sound right for weights? I called a local salvage yard, and they said that's what their price is.

RickB · Jul 24, 2011

A buck per pound where you can pick them up without shipping isn't the best deal you can make, but it isn't the worst. Weights can be found for 50 cents a pound, but only when you aren't looking for them.

Keith Williams · Jul 24, 2011

This is the worst time of the year to buy weights because all the tractor pull people are looking for extra weights.

4200 weight bracket choices - pic heavy

Dan G

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RodinNS

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Shetland Sheepdog

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Shetland Sheepdog

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Fordfarmer

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RickB

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mhb@ufe

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Dan G

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RickB

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Keith Williams

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