General Guidelines for Tractor Weight Based on PTO Horsepower Rating

IMPORTANT: Do not exceed maximum tractor ballast:

7210R, 7230R, 7250R, 7270R and 7290R - 88 kg/kw (PTO) (145 lb./hp) (PTO)

7310R - 82 kg/kw (PTO) (135 lb./hp) (PTO)

IMPORTANT: To extend power train life, tractor should never be operated with continuous full-power loads below 6.6 km/h (4.1 mph). With any transmission, ground speed may drop briefly below that level in hard pull situations, but must recover to higher levels during normal operations. This applies to tractors with all types of transmissions. For tractors equipped with IVT™/AutoPowr™ transmission operating in automatic mode, engine will not labor in high draft situations, but minimum ground speed guideline must still be followed.

NOTE: Use of radar to continually monitor wheel slip is recommended. Checking wheel slip manually is possible but will only show slip in area of field where check is performed.

Total tractor weight needed to efficiently deliver power through wheels to ground for field draft applications depends on travel speed. Table shows recommended weight per PTO power rating for three draft speed ranges.

Recommended Travel Speeds

Wheel slip should normally be in the range of 8-12 percent for optimum power delivery efficiency at these field speeds. Wheel slip may briefly rise above this range when tractor encounters a higher draft area in field, but should not remain there continuously. Add more weight to drive wheels if slip is excessive. If there is less than minimum slip percent, ballast should be removed, unless needed for stability.