Buhler 2180 - Manual (Page 178)

SECTION 2 - OPERATION
2-132
SELECTING BALLAST
When tractor horsepower loads vary, the optimum
weight of the tractor will change. This means that
ballast may have to be added or removed to maintain
the best tractor performance. Proper ballast will
greatly improve tractor operation and ride.
NOTE: Using these procedures will result in radial ply
tires and bias-ply tires having different ballast. Radial
tires require less overall weight to achieve the same
tractive effort as bias tires. Proper ballasting of radial
tires is commonly achieved with cast iron weights
alone. While bias tires commonly require both cast
iron weights and liquid ballast in the tires.
Always treat all the tires on a tractor axle equally
when selecting ballast and tire pressure.
The amount of ballast required is affected by:
• Shipping weight of tractor
• Soil and traction conditions
• Type of implement: fully/semi-mounted or trailed
type
• Working speed
• Tractor horsepower load
• Tires - type, size and number of tires
• Tire pressure
ADAPTING BALLAST TO WORK LOAD
AND GROUND SPEED
Do not use more ballast than needed. Excess ballast
should be removed when it is not required.
Do not add excessive weight to the tractor to pull
heavy loads. Reduce the load because pulling a
lighter load at a higher ground speed is more efficient
and easier on the tractor.
The recommendations in this manual are based on
a 8-10 kph (5-6 MPH) ground speed. If the tractor is
operated below 8 kph (5 MPH), additional ballast is
required to maintain proper traction. This will cause
excessive strain on the tractor drive line compo-
nents.
NOTE: Heavy draft loads should not be continually
pulled in a gear that results in laboring the engine at
ground speeds below 8 kph (5 MPH). Reduce the
load as required to achieve recommended ground
speeds.
Too Little Ballast
Rough ride
Excessive wheel slip
Power loss
Tire wear
Excess fuel consumption
Lower productivity
Too Much Ballast
Higher maintenance costs
Increased driveline wear
Power loss
Increased soil compaction
Reduced fuel economy
Reduced productivity