Shibaura ST450 - Tractor Weighting; Weighting for Stability; Weighting Limitations

 SECTION 2 – OPERATION 
2-36
TRACTOR WEIGHTING
For sufficient traction and maximum performance
in heavy draft operations, and to counterbalance
rear-mounted equipment, weight should be
added to 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 unnecessary soil compaction,
increased rolling resistance, and higher fuel
consumption.
NOTE: When adding weight to the tractor, tire
pressures may need to be increased. Refer to the
Tire Inflation Pressure chart found in page 2-38 of
this manual.
WEIGHTING FOR STABILITY
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.
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 front-wheel drive should be
ballasted so that 40-45% of machine weight is on
the front wheels.
When a 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 of the tractor to maintain
good traction and stability. Front-mounted
equipment varies in weight. Refer to equipment
manual for 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.
Permissible Axle Load (Including tractor weight)
Tire
Type
Front Axle Rear Axle Total
AG
8-16
950kg
13.6-24
1,950kg
2,900kg
Turf
27x10.5-15
1,200kg
475/65D20
1,950kg
3,150kg
Large
Turf (FD)
8-16
950kg
13.6-28
1,950kg
2,900kg
Industrial
(R4)
10-16.5
1,250kg
17.5L-24
1,950kg
3,200kg