Ballasting Machine

CAUTION: Avoid Injury! Ballasted machine can become unstable when attachment is raised. Always drive slowly over uneven ground and when turning with raised attachment.

IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Do not overload tires. Do not exceed tire maximum inflation pressure or maximum load capacity.

Add weight to machine front end if needed for stability. Heavy pulling and heavy rear mounted implements tend to lift front wheels. Add enough ballast to maintain steering control and prevent tipping. Remove weight when it is no longer needed.

IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Remove ballast from machine when no longer needed.

Implement Codes

Use the following tables to determine the number of front weights to use with John Deere implements. Implement code data can be found in the ballasting section of the implement operator’s manual.

Match the implement code from the implement manual with the codes for your machine and type of hitch. If the code falls between two numbers in the table, use the next higher number for the number of front weights to use with that implement.

These codes are for ideal conditions. Actual field conditions can require additional ballast. Some John Deere implements require using a certain number of front weights rather than giving implement codes.

Maximum recommended implement codes:

• Base tractor: 21
• Tractor with 305 / D160 loader: 52
• Tractor with 305 / D160 loader; bucket removed: 36

Implement Code Using iMatch™ Quick-Attach Hitch
Number of 20 kg (42 lb.) Weights	3032E and 3038E
0	21
1	23
2	25
3	27
4	29
5	31
6	33
7	35
8	37
9	39
10	41

Implement Code Using iMatch™ Quick-Attach Hitch
Number of 32 kg (72 lb.) Weights	3032E and 3038E
0	21
1	24
2	28
3	31
4	35
5	39
6	42
7	46
8	49
9	53
10	57

Tire Capacities

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not overload tires. Do not exceed tire maximum inflation pressure or maximum load capacity.

If necessary ballast exceeds tire load capacity, reduce load or install other tires.

See tire maximum inflation pressure and maximum load capacities in the SPECIFICATIONS section.

Verify maximum tire inflation pressure and maximum load information if embossed into the tire side wall.

Using Optional Rear Cast Iron Wheel Weights

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not overload tires. Do not exceed tire maximum inflation pressure or maximum load capacity.

CAUTION: Avoid Injury! Machine component or attachment is heavy. Use a safe lifting device or get an assistant to help lift, install, or remove component or attachment.

Fasten weight to each rear wheel using a safe lifting device. A total of three weights per wheel can be used. See your implement operator’s manual for installation and number of weights to use.

Rear wheel weights are available from your John Deere Dealer.

Using Optional Rear Ballast Box

CAUTION: Avoid Injury! To improve front loader-machine stability, use of ballast box is recommended. Use ballast as recommended in loader operator’s manual.

The rear ballast box is used for carrying ballast on the 3-point hitch. Approximate weight of different materials is given in the implement operator’s manual.

Using Liquid Weight in Tires

CAUTION: Avoid Injury! Installing liquid ballast requires special equipment and training. Injury can occur from exploding tire. Have the job done by your John Deere dealer or a tire service store.

IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Cover rim completely with solution to avoid corrosion, but never more than 90 percent full. More solution would leave too little air space to absorb shocks. Damage to tire could occur.

NOTE: Use of alcohol as ballast is not recommended. Calcium chloride solution is heavier and more economical.

A solution of water and calcium chloride provides safe economical ballast, and prevents freezing. If used properly, it will not damage tires, tubes, or rims.

A mixture of 0.4 kg of calcium chloride per liter of water (3.5 lb./gal.), prevents freezing solid above -45 °C (-50 °F).

Fill tubeless tires at least to valve stem level (minimum 75% full). Less solution would expose part of rim, possibly causing corrosion.

Tube-type tires can be filled to any level below 90%.

Optional Front Weights and Front Weight Bracket Extension

LV16786-UN-05MAR13

A - Front Weight Bracket

IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Do not install weights on front bumper plate, damage to can occur to the front grille. Use optional bolt-on weight bracket for front weights.

Quik-Tatch™ weights and attaching hardware are available at your John Deere dealer. Each weight is 19 kg (42 lb.) or 32 kg (70 lb.).

An optional front weight bracket extension kit (A) is available at your John Deere dealer. This optional front weight bracket extension kit holds up to ten Quik-Tatch weights.