Check 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 should be 10—15 percent.

Add more weight to drive wheels if slip is excessive. If there is less than 10 percent slip, weight should be removed.

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