This information, in technospeak, is intended as a guide to determine the minimum ballast and tread settings recommended for operation of an agricultural front loader mounted on a two wheel drive agricultural tractor or a two wheel drive agricultural tractor with front assist.
Please Note: The Standard Discussed Herein Is Currently Undergoing Revision By The ASABE. We will update this post when the new Standard is released.
Per the ASABE (ASAE EP562 MAR2005): The operational ballast criterion has been met when a minimum of 25% of the gross vehicle reaction is retained on the rear axle in a static condition on level ground.
How To Correctly Determine Your Ballast Needs:
- Stuff, where the weight of the stuff is equivalent to the Lift Capacity at maximum height, should be placed in the loader bucket. See Reference “A” in image.
- Raise the the boom until the bucket pivot pin is the same distance from the ground as the boom pivot (farthest forward position). See Reference “C” in image.
- The rear axle weight (“R” in image) and the gross vehicle weight (Sum of “F” and “R” in image) should be determined while in this condition on hard level ground.
- Ballast must be added to the rear wheels ( “D” in image) and/or hitch (“B” in image) until the rear axle weight (“R” in image) on level ground is a minimum of 25% of the gross vehicle weight (Sum of “F” and “R” in image). Ballast added to the rear hitch should be kept as low as practical.
But WAIT, there’s more…
Minimum Tread Settings
Per the ASABE (ASAE EP562 MAR2005): Minimum tread settings are recommended to provide static stability on a side slope up to 15 degrees under conditions detailed above when proper ballast is attached.
If minimum tread settings are not available for a specific tractor/loader combination from the loader manufacturer, minimum rear tread settings should be selected from the following chart:
And NOW: Caveats, Provisos, Stipulations, Limitations:
- When a loader is used in a dedicated situation, an operator may determine the appropriate ballast, based on the maximum load to be carried.
- A loader manufacturer may recommend ballast, based on the criteria listed above and knowledge of the physical characteristics of the tractor and loader.
- When Choosing and Installing Ballast Weights: ALWAYS refer to the recommendations contained in the owner’s manual for your equipment. ALWAYS refer to the maximum load rating of your tires.
Need more information? Generalized and ballast options we often see utilized are listed here.
As always, we invite you to contact us regarding your specific situation and equipment.
This blog is general information only, representing the opinions of the author, and does not cover all aspects of the subject matter. Use of the information contained herein is voluntary.
