4 - 36
(10) Ballasting weights (optional)
For sufficient traction and maximum performance in heavy draft operations, and to counterbalance
rear-mounted equipment, weight should be added to the tractor in the form of liquid ballast, cast
iron weights, or a combination of both. Only enough weight should be added to provide good
traction and stability. Adding more weight than is needed results in unnecessary soil compaction,
increased rolling resistance, and higher fuel consumption.
NOTE: When adding weight to the tractor, verify the tire pressure is correct. See chapter 4-5-(5),
“Tires and Load capacity” in this manual for tire pressures and permissible loads.
Front end ballast may be required for stability and steering control when weight is transferred from
the front wheels to the rear wheels as an implement is raised by the tractor three-point hitch.
Use the following as a general guide:
• Ballast the tractor (less implement) so that approximately one-third of the tractor weight is on the
front wheels. For optimum traction, tractors equipped with 4WD should be ballasted so that
40 –
45%
of machine weight is on the front wheels.
• When a rear mounted implement is raised to the transport position, the front wheel reaction
should be at least
20%
of tractor weight.
• Add additional front end ballast as required for stability during operation and transport. Tractor
front end ballast may not always maintain satisfactory stability if the tractor is operated at high
speed on rough terrain. Reduce tractor speed and exercise caution under these conditions.
• When using front-mounted equipment, add weight to the rear axle to maintain good traction and
stability. Front-mounted equipment varies in weight. Refer to equipment manual for ballasting.
Tractor ballasting
Weighting limitations
The weighting limitations that follow are limitations only. They do not imply that the tractor should
be weighted to attain the weights given. Use only enough weight to obtain good performance.
Summary of Contents for MT342
Page 1: ...LS TRACTOR OPERATOR S MANUAL MT342 MT347 MT352 MT357 Stage...
Page 2: ......
Page 46: ...1 32 2 9 6 11 3 1 Roll Bar 5 10 7 8 4 12 13 14 16 18 17 10...
Page 62: ...1 48...
Page 76: ...2 14...
Page 180: ...4 42...
Page 248: ...5 68...
Page 258: ...7 2 Unit mm Roll bar type Front tires 9 5 16 6PR Rear tires 13 6 24 8PR...
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Page 264: ...P NO 52132436 05 DATE 20220000...
