
Maxam Tire International, Mark Turner, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Agricultural TiresĬorrect ballasting for field work is entirely about ensuring that slip rates are kept in the best window that allows optimum tractive efficiency and drawbar pull. This should be an all-encompassing solution to maximize traction (which reduces slippage and soil compaction), torque and fuel efficiency, minimize power hop and road loping, and overall productivity. In many cases this can be costly however, we can work with the current weights on the machine and air pressures to transfer as much torque as possible. Each Michelin field representative is equipped with a set of tractor scales and the knowledge to calculate proper weight distribution to efficiently transfer the machine’s maximum torque to the ground. We strongly encourage producers to work towards proper weight distribution of their machine. As a direct result, you would gain better fuel economy, ideal slip, less soil compaction, a better ride, and increased yield. On the flip side, however, adding wheel and/or suitcase weights or a ballast box, you could achieve proper weight distribution for your machine and its horse power. Michelin Ag, David Graden, Operational Market Manager – Agricultureĭepending on the machine’s use, improper ballasting will cost more time and money than most would expect. In this instance more weight means better grip for force transmission to the ground.
Farming usa 2 ballast box Patch#
Here, all the engine power is transformed into a high torque on the axles, which means high forces in the contact patch between tire and soil. for implements with lower working speed like a plow where the operational speed is less than 6 mph.

Ballasting can help counter this unbalance to lessen the need to lower speed. With higher loads on one end, the maximum speed may be reduced for both the axle and the tires. when working with a heavy front loader and adding ballast in the rear hitch or on the rear axle, or when using a front ballast as a counterweight for a heavy rear hitch. To prevent an unbalanced situation on the tractor, e.g.Those situations can be clustered in two main topics: However, there are certain applications and operations where ballasting is needed and reasonable. Each pound that needs to be moved forward needs energy during acceleration, creates more energy during braking, creates a longer stopping distance on average, and creates more soil compaction during operation on wet soil conditions. Generally speaking though, the tractor should be as least ballasted as possible, if the ballast is not really needed. The right ballasting for tractors depends on many factors. And if the weight is poorly balanced, you can lose efficiency and experience power hop.Ĭontinental Agriculture North America, Harm-Hendrik Lange, Agriculture Tires Field Engineer If you have too much weight, your soil compaction increases and your fuel efficiency can be reduced. Your slip increases and you just aren’t getting all the power you paid for when you bought that machine.

If you have too little weight, your tractor isn’t working as efficiently as it should.

Farming usa 2 ballast box series#
This series features a trending question followed by an abridged version of the answers. Editor’s Note: This Q&A originally appeared in AG Tire Talk to provide answers that farm equipment dealers have about farm tire technology.
