Proper weight distribution improves fuel efficiency in tractors. Good weight distribution reduces tire slippage allowing your tractor to be more productive. There are simple procedures to follow when considering whether a tractor has proper weight distribution.
First, consider how much wheel slippage is occurring in the field with your tractor. Soft sandy soils usually require additional weights for your tractor to run efficiently. Even Firm soils can require counter-weights if your machine doesn’t have proper weight distribution. Measuring wheel slip on a tractor is a simple exercise and can be done by following the procedure below
1 – Place a mark on the center of the rear tractor tire (any tire if all tires are the same size) that you can see from the tractor seat.
2 – Run a string, rope or measuring tape from the mark one complete revolution around the tire center. This determines the circumference of the tire.
3 – Mark off a distance 100 feet (200 feet for an even more accurate assessment).
4 – Drive to the marker, and count the number of revolutions the tire makes at the desired operating speed.
Calculate wheel slip using the following formula
(Rotations x Circumference) / Marker distance
If the circumference of the tractor tire is 15 feet and it takes 8 rotations to go 100 feet, then
(8 rotations * 15 ft circumference) / 100 feet = 1.20 (20% wheel slip)
IMPROVING WHEEL SLIP
On a tractor 10% to 15% wheel slip is ideal. Lower than 10% of wheel slip can cause severe damage and excessive wear to the power train, however greater than 15% wheel slip and the tractor is wasting power on turning the wheels. For more information on wheel slip on various soil types click here
ADD WEIGHTS FOR SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE
Proper weight distribution is one of the many ways to improve wheel slip and ultimately tractor performance. All CASE IH tractors have additional weights available as an optional item. Weights can be easily added or removed for your ballasting requirements. Water in the front and rear tires can also be used to properly ballast your machine. Proper weight distribution can improve safety especially when using front-end loaders, backhoe attachments or three-point hitch mounted equipment. On sloped surfaces proper ballasting can prevent tipping and damage.