General Performance Guidelines

Attaining Optimum Performance

Before adding ballast to your tractor, consider these important factors to attain optimum performance:

  • Total tractor ballast must not exceed 66 kg (145 lb.) per PTO horse power
  • Total tractor weight and static weight split (percent of static weight on front and rear axles)
  • Type of ballast used (cast weight or liquid)
  • Tire inflation pressures
  • Type of front axle (Standard MFWD, or MFWD with Independent Link Suspension)
Recommended Weight Split

Tractor should be weighed to accurately determine amount and type of ballast. Weight should be distributed depending on how tractor is equipped and the conditions in which it will be operated.

NOTE: Ideal weight split is 35 percent front, 65 percent rear, of total tractor weight.

Correct Ballast

Use no more ballast than necessary, and adjust ballast as tractor use changes.

For correct ballast, measure amount of travel reduction (% slip) of the drive wheels. Under normal field conditions, wheel slip should be 10-15 percent for two wheel drive tractors or 8-12 percent for MFWD and Independent Link Suspension tractors. Add more weight to drive wheels if slip is excessive. If there is less than minimum percent slip, ballast should be removed, unless needed for stability.

Correct ballast allows for most efficient use of tractor's available power and will not make up for an implement which is too big for the tractor. Adding ballast will not improve performance, if engine speed falls below rated speed and/or wheel slip is not beyond the recommended range.

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Correct Inflation Pressure

Inflate tires to correct pressure to carry load on each axle for optimum tractive performance.

NOTE: See Wheels, Tires, and Treads Section for inflation pressure charts.

Selecting Ballast Carefully

NOTE: Radial-ply and bias-ply tires use same ballasting procedures.

Factors Determining Amount of Ballast
Soil surface-loose or firm
Type of implement-integral/semi-integral or towed
Travel speed-slow or fast
Tractor power output-partial or full load
Tires-small or large
Type of front axle (Standard MFWD, or MFWD with Independent Link Suspension)

 

Pulling a lighter load at a higher speed is more economical and more efficient than pulling heavier loads at a lower speed.

Too Little Ballast Too Much Ballast
Excessive wheel spin Soil compaction
Power loss Power loss
Tire wear Increased load
Fuel waste Fuel waste
Lower productivity Lower productivity

 

Ballast Limitations

IMPORTANT: Tractor weight exceeding heavy ballast limits should be avoided and may void the warranty due to "overload" conditions.

Ballast should be limited by the lowest of either tire capacity or tractor capacity. Carrying capacity of each tire should not be exceeded. If a greater amount of weight is needed, larger tires should be considered.

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