General Performance Guidelines

Attaining Optimum Performance

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

• 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

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 operating conditions.

Recommended weight splits (percent):

		Front	Rear
Towed Implement		51—55	49—45
Hitch-Mounted Implement		55—60	45—40
High Load Transfer Implements		65—70	35—30

NOTE: Use 60—65 weight split on front when operating with heavy draft implements causing extreme weight transfer from front to rear.

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, travel reduction should be 8—12 percent. 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 beyond the recommended range.

Correct Inflation Pressure

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

Selecting Ballast Carefully

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—Single or dual; small or large

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 can 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 duals or triples should be considered.