6 Free Reasons You Should Optimise The Weight Distribution On A Tractor
Article written by Ascenso Tyres UK
Why Weight Distribution Is So Important
Put very simply when the weight distribution of your tractor, for a specific role is spread correctly across the axles both front and rear, the operator, farmer, and owner will see the following benefits.
- Power from the tractor is more effectively harnessed at the tyres.
- Reduced front wheel slippage.
- Increased fuel economy
- A more comfortable ride.
- Slower tyre wear
- Savings in operating time.
How is this achieved
Before we altered the weight distribution of this New Holland Tractor, we measured how much force the tractor was exerting through each individual tyre. To achieve this, we used a heavy-duty electronic pressure plate which, when placed under each wheel displayed a perfectly accurate reading.
Once we had the data for all the tyres, we then assessed the best way to bring the forces going through the tyres into the ground back into balance, all whilst ensuring they were optimised for the tractors desired task.
As we aren’t able to make the changes to the tractors weight, we advised the customer to look at ballast options such as wheel weights, liquid ballast or more commonly a vehicle weight block.
From here we started to focus on the set up of the tyres themselves. The pressure in each tyre significantly correlates to the overall efficiency and wear of the tyre.
Too little pressure and the tyre’s increased footprint requires more fuel to drive it due to greater friction forces. Too much pressure and the tyres wear quicker, loses traction in the field, plus increases soil compaction because of the smaller contact point.
However, as mentioned earlier, the task the tractor will be performing determines how the weight distribution should be balanced. This is due mainly to the fact the agricultural work that a modern tractor performs is so incredibly diverse.
Every agricultural tyre manufacturer creates a data sheet for their tyres with tables listing recommended tyre pressures for specific loads at certain speeds. (See example here from Ascenso TDR 850). Using the data in these tables we were able to set the pressure in each of the tyres for optimal performance.
When a new tractor rolls off the production line it will be given a Pre-Delivery Inspection often referred to as a PDI. Part of this PDI is to check the balance of the tractor unit.
The problem is, without a crystal ball, the manufacturer has no idea as to the application or applications that their shiny new tractor will be put through as it varies so much from farm to farm.
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