Determining Ballast

Factors determining amount of ballast

• Soil surface (soft or firm)
• Type of accessory:
  • Integral (on three points of hitch)
  • Semi-Integral (on lift arms and selective control)
  • Drag (on drawbar)
• Ground speed (partial or full load)
• Tires (single or double)

Weight split factors (%)
	Drawbar	Semi-mounted or integral	3-point mounted or integral
4x2	25 / 75	30 / 70	35 / 65
4x4	35 / 65	35 / 65	40 / 60

Pulling a lighter load at a higher speed is more economical and more efficient than pulling heavier loads at a lower speed.

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

• Total tractor weight and static weight split (between front and rear axles)
• Type of ballast (cast iron or liquid)
• Tire calibration pressures

Consult (Tire Calibration Pressure Chart, in Section—Ballasting).

The weight should be split according to the implements mounted on the tractor and working conditions.

Start with the minimum requirement for the job. Then add ballast to obtain required performance.

Correct weight split must be maintained when adding or removing weight.

Ballast levels are based on the following ground speeds.

	Ground speed
	Light	Medium	Heavy
Tractor	8.7 km/h (5.4 mph)	7.7 km/h (4.8 mph)	7.2 km/h (4.5 mph)
	Manufacturer's recommended weights, in kg (lb)			Maximum weight, in kg (lb)
5075E	3430 (7562)	3720 (8201)	4200 (9259)	4500 (9920)
5078E	3430 (7562)	3720 (8201)	4200 (9259)	4500 (9920)
5085E	3430 (7562)	3720 (8201)	4200 (9259)	4900 (10802)
5090E	3430 (7562)	3720 (8201)	4200 (9259)	4900 (10802)

Excessive ballasting signifies inappropriate use of the product, which implies a loss of warranty coverage for the product.

If the drive force at full load results in a ground speed of 8.7 km/h (5.4 mph) or more, the tractor may operate unballasted. Medium ballast is recommended for operating at full load with a ground speed of between 7.7 km/h (4.8 mph) and 8.7 km/h (5.4 mph).

Heavy ballast should only be used for those few implements (such as deep rippers) that oblige a ground speed at full load below 7.2 km/h (4.5 mph).

Avoid working for long periods of time at ground speeds lower than 6 km/h (3.7 mph) when the tractor is operating with maximum ballast and the engine at maximum power.