Select Ballast Carefully

Match amount of ballast needed for each job. What is right for one job could be wrong for another job. Ballast for traction and stability.

CAUTION: When determining front and rear axle ballast, ensure that permissible axle loads and maximum permissible machine weight (including mounted implements) are not exceeded (see Specifications Section in Operator’s Manual). Comply with local regulations regarding installation and maximum permissible number of weights. In order to maintain steerability, at least 20% of the unladen mass must be on the front axle. Unladen mass is mass of tractor without special equipment, attachments, trailer, or ballast, but with hydraulic oil and lubricants, a full fuel tank and an operator weighing 75 kg.

CAUTION: Use suitable lifting tackle/hoists when handling weights. Safety and performance of tractor depend on correct ballasting of front axle (front weights) and rear axle (wheel weights, filling tires with liquid ballast, pick-up weight).

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
• Tire size

Ballasting MFWD-Equipped Tractors

Ideal tire slippage for MFWD equipped tractors is 8—12%. To reduce the wheel slip to this level, more weight is needed on the front than with two-wheel-drive tractors. The ideal weight split is 40% front, 60% rear, of total tractor weight. In some cases, liquid ballast is needed in front tires to obtain this weight split.

If equipped with a loader, provide adequate ballast to rear wheels.

NOTE: Implement codes are used to determine proper ballast for stability and steering control. Refer to the implement code in the implement operator's manual, along with use implement code in this section, for determining the minimum number of front weights that are required for tractor models. In some cases, additional front ballast is required for optimum field performance. If more assistance is needed, see nearest John Deere dealer.

Matching Ballast to Work Load

Do NOT use more ballast than necessary, and remove ballast when it is no longer needed.

Rather than weighing tractor down to pull heavy loads, try to reduce load. Pulling a lighter load at a higher speed is more economical and more efficient.

Too Little Ballast		Too Much Ballast
1.	Excessive wheel slip	1.	Increased load
2.	Power loss due to churning soil	2.	Power loss due to carrying extra weight
3.	Tire wear	3.	Tire strain
4.	Fuel waste	4.	Soil compaction
5.	Lower productivity	5.	Fuel waste
		6.	Lower productivity

Ballast Limitations

Ballast is limited by either tire capacity or tractor capacity. Each tire has a recommended carrying capacity which must not be exceeded (see Wheels, Tires, and Treads section). If a greater amount of weight is needed for traction, a larger single tire must be considered.

Ballast can be added as either liquid or cast iron.

Checking for Correct Ballast

The best way to check for correct ballast is to measure amount of travel reduction (% slip) of the drive wheels. Under normal field conditions, travel reduction must be 10—15% (8— 12% for MFWD tractors).

Add more weight, to drive wheels if slip is excessive. If there is less than minimum recommended slip, weight must be removed.