[Dazzler]

My new mower is a bit tail heavy for our sloping block so I put 15 KG of Scrap lead in my glove box under the seat and this 17 KG stainless bar across the front (no holes drilled managed to get some exhaust brackets to go straight through existing holes.)  Cost me around $40 all up from a scrap yard (versus around $180 from the Dealer)



I've also cut and shut a 100 mm wide C section Galvanised Fence Post to make a one piece Towbar/bumper. Be about $35 including paint compared with a complicated multi-piece genuine one costing about $150.

Here is a photo of it with the remainder of the post.



And her was a test fit (I have since got it fitting much better) and will post another picture when painted and fitted properly.
Fairly proud of my handywork to be honest! 

[The Gonz]

Ride-on mower - the retiree's hot rod. 

On a more serious note, that's some creative work!
Be sure to add the weight as far from centre as possible to stop wasting it as extra fuel.

[Just Rick]

Good Job,maybe instead of having the lead under the seat you cold melt and mold it to fit in the two foot rests at the front,would be simple enough to do and give you more weight up front,that's the biggest issue with most zero steer machines all the weight is up the back.

[Dazzler]

Thanks Guys.. I will have a think about relocating that lead 

Here is the bar with one coat of primer and one coat of topcoat..

[Just Rick]

Thanks Guys.. I will have a think about relocating that lead 

Here is the bar with one coat of primer and one coat of topcoat..

  are you going to paint the stainless bar and the exhaust brackets.make it look a little less conspicuous

[rustynutz]

How about running water in the front tyres? 

Painting the footrest bar sounds like a good idea, but why not either wrap it with rubber tread or partial wrap with aluminium strip to hold the rubber at its edge.

The water in the front tyres is a great idea.  That's often used in heavy equipment such as tractors for extra ballast.  Rolling weight in tyres is definitely a good idea.

[rustynutz]

And of course you could always eat more, Daz.... 

A few "all you can eat" restaurants and that belly of yours will be sagging like mine, putting more and more weight towards the front of the mower.... 

[Dazzler]

How about running water in the front tyres? 

The front tyres are solid rubber. But a good thought otherwise!

[rustynutz]

Looks like my other idea is the best option then, mate.... 

[Dazzler]

Wrapping the bar in rubber would probably be easier than trying to paint stainless steel.

[Alasama]

Would be better to place a rubber piece between stainless bar and the U clamp to prevent sliding.
Use the C-shape steel to make a cover (and apply green painting) for this stainless bar. 

Wrapping the bar in rubber would probably be easier than trying to paint stainless steel.

Agree Dazz,  even if you manage to prime and paint it, the paint will rub off in no time.

[Dazzler]

I fitted the painted Bumper/Towbar very happy with the look and fit! 

[rustynutz]

It's come up alright, Daz.... 

What will you be towing with that tow bar?

[Dazzler]

It's come up alright, Daz.... 

What will you be towing with that tow bar?

My Trusty old poly trailer (the towbar is stronger than it looks but I can add another reverse element to the Tongue if necessary)

[rustynutz]

Cheers Daz, I thought it must've been something fairly light....