General Ballasting Information

Basic Ballasting Definitions

Ballast is mass added to tractor chassis and/or wheels to:

• Increase TOTAL WEIGHT
• 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
Tire wear	Power loss
Fuel waste	Increased load
Lower productivity	Fuel waste
	Lower productivity

• A tractor PROPERLY ballasted for a given type of implement (towed, integral, or semi-integral) has both the correct TOTAL WEIGHT and WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION for that type of implement.
• Pulling a lighter load at a higher speed is more economical and more efficient than pulling heavier loads at a lower speed.
• When changing from one implement or attachment to another it may be necessary to reconfigure ballast on the tractor.
• Correct ballast allows most efficient use of tractor available power. Ballast 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 in the recommended range.

Ballasting Is Required To:

1. Insure that front axle carries sufficient weight for steering security and stability. Sufficient front axle weight is important for stability. Sufficient front axle weight is important for stability with field draft loads as well as transport in the field and on the road.

2. Ensure proper steering response when using AutoTrac™.

3. Provide sufficient traction to efficiently pull high draft loads.

4. Provide proper fore-aft balance to minimize occurrence of power hop in tractors equipped with MFWD and Independent Link Suspension.

5. 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 carrying capacity tires should be considered.