A counterweight attachment and removal system includes a machine mounting bracket and a link having two spaced apart arms. A proximal end of the link is pivotably coupled with the machine mounting bracket. A rotate cylinder has a proximal end pivotably coupled with the machine mounting bracket and a distal end pivotably coupled with a distal end of the link. A slide cylinder has a proximal end pivotably coupled with the link and a distal end pivotably coupled with a lift pin. The lift pin is positioned through slots defined by the two spaced apart arms. The counterweight attachment and removal system includes a first configuration in which the link is pivoted away from the machine mounting bracket, the rotate cylinder is retracted, the slide cylinder is extended, and the lift pin is positioned through distal portions of the slots. According to a second configuration, the link is pivoted toward the machine mounting bracket, the rotate cylinder is extended, the slide cylinder is retracted, and the lift pin is positioned through proximal portions of the slots.