Select Ballast Carefully

CAUTION: When determining axle ballast, ensure permissible axle loads and the permissible weight are not exceeded, see “Specifications” section.

Comply with local regulations regarding installation and maximum permissible number of weights. To maintain steering capability, at least 20% of total weight must be on the front axle.

CAUTION: Use suitable lifting tools when handling weights.

Safety and performance of your machine depend on ballasting of the front axle (front weights) and rear axle (wheel weights, filling tires with liquid ballast).

Match amount of ballast needed for each job. Changing implements or attaching a loader requires changing ballast for best performance.

Factors determining amount of ballast:

• Soil surface—loose or firm
• Type of implement—integral/semi-integral or towed
• Travel speed—slow or fast
• Machine power output—partial or full load
• Tire size

Ballasting MFWD Machines

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

The best way to check for correct ballast is to measure amount of travel reduction (% slip) of the drive wheels. Add more weight to drive wheels if slip is above 12%. If there is less than 8% slip, remove wheel weights.

If a loader is attached, provide adequate ballast to rear.

NOTE: Implement codes are used to determine proper ballast. Refer to implement code in the implement operator's manual, along with “Implement Codes” in this section, to determine the minimum number of front weights required. In some cases, additional front ballast is required. If more assistance is needed, see your John Deere dealer.

Matching Ballast to Work Load

Use no more ballast than necessary, and remove ballast when it is no longer needed.

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

To Little Ballast		To 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 limited by tire capacity or machine capacity. Each tire has a recommended carrying capacity, see “Wheels and Tires Maintenance” section. If a greater amount of weight is needed for traction, consider a larger single tire.

Maximum Machine Weight	8600 kg (18,960 lb)
Maximum Front Axle Load	3200 kg (7055 lb)
Maximum Rear Axle Load	6000 kg (13,225 lb)