YardForce Classic 500 wheel weight

This container fits in the wheels of the Yardforce Classic 500 and can hold lead balls to weigh down the mower for better traction.

The project is inspired by CSobels (https://www.printables.com/de/@CSobel_858331) contribution to the OpenMower discord (https://discord.com/channels/958476543846412329/1079054431758332027/1124398580493471904) He has glued the lead balls directly into the wheels with two-component silicone (or something). I wanted a solution that I can easily undo, so I 3d-printed a container for the balls that can be put into the wheels and fixed with the existing weight plate.

I guess for the load on the axles, bearings and transmission, it is better to put the weight in the wheels than in the mower itself. I run my modified (OpenMower) mower with the weights for about one month and notice good results, but I have no long-term experience yet.

• print with 0% infill and supports on build plate only
• drill a hole in each chamber (from the back side) about 7mm diameter
• completely fill the chambers with lead balls (for one wheel I needed about 1200g of 1,5mm diameter lead balls)
• I closed the holes with hot glue
• put the container into the wheel and mount it again ... and yes, the hub cap will fit back on afterwards ;)

If you want less weight

• I don't recommend to fill all chambers only partially, but to choose even and symmetrical pattern of chambers and fill them completely for that. This should keep the wheel evenly balanced.
• or use a lighter material to fill the chambers

I printed the container in PETG, but PC or ABS will also work. Maybe PLA is not heat resistent enough for outdoor use in the sun.