Basic Ballasting Definitions
Ballast is mass added to tractor chassis and/or wheels to:
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Increase TOTAL WEIGHT
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Influence WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION between front axle and rear axle (static balance).
Static means that front and rear axle loads are determined when tractor is parked. The static weight distribution between front and rear axles is sometimes called WEIGHT SPLIT. It is usually expressed as percentages of total tractor static weight supported by the front axle and by the rear axle. For example, if the front axle supports 40% of the total static tractor weight, the tractor has a 40/60 weight split. The percentage of front axle weight is always stated first in this formula.
Major Considerations
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 (MFWD, or Independent Link Suspension) |
| 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 |
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A tractor PROPERLY ballasted for a given type of implement (towed, integral, or semi-integral) has both the correct TOTAL WEIGHT and STATIC BALANCE for that type of implement.
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Pulling a lighter load at a higher speed is more economical and more efficient than pulling heavier loads at a lower speed.
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When changing from one implement or attachment to another it may be necessary to reconfigure ballast on the tractor.
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Correct ballast allows most efficient use of tractor 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.
Ballasting Is Required To:
1.
Insure that front axle carries sufficient weight for steering security and stability with field draft loads as well as transport in the field and on the road.
2.
Provide sufficient traction to efficiently pull high draft loads.
3.
Provide proper fore-aft balance to minimize occurrence of power hop in tractors equipped with MFWD and Independent Link Suspension.
4.
Insure that rear axle carries sufficient weight for traction, braking, and stability when an implement is attached to front of tractor.
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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