trctrman
New member
Just got some good info from a fella at MF about how to ballast my tractor (MF1533 w/1525 ldr) and why loading the tires may not be the best way to ballast the load (mine are loaded). I've cut & pasted our correspondence:
_________________________________________________________________
Hi,
I have a MF 1533 w/1525 FEL and need to know how to properly ballast the tractor to do some rock work. My owners/operators manual doesn't go into any detail on the matter & I have searched all over but can find no information or instructions. Can you send me this information?
Thank you,
Brandon
_________________________________________________________________
Brandon,
The goal for proper ballasting is to maintain a minimum of 25% weight on your rear axle. This is really only possible to quantity if you have access to scales. Based on a 1533 platform tractor you will need around 800 lbs in a 3 point weight box to get to this balance. Once you get there you would need to verify the weight distribution on a scale since tire options, operator's weight and many other variables come into this calculation. My advice is to use a 3 point weight box and you could contact a Massey Ferguson dealer and look into one offered thru them such as catalogue number 7541502M which has a 9 cubic foot capacity which when filled is about 900 lbs. The proper way to check your weight distribution is as follows.
* Install 3pt weight box and fill to capacity.
* Load bucket.
* Drive onto scale and raise loader so bucket pin is hood high.
* Record gross weight.
* Drive front tires off scale and record rear axle weight.
* Rear axle weight is to be at least 25% of gross weight.
* If necessary, remove weight from weight box and check new gross & rear weight for 25%.
Thanks,
Thomas Beason
Marketing Specialist
Compact & Commercial Equipment
Livestock, Dairy & Rural Lifestyle Marketing, N.A.
Thomas.Beason@agcocorp.com
_________________________________________________________________
Thanks for the info.
I loaded my rear tires which put about an extra 800 pounds or so on the rear of the tractor.
I値l take the tractor down to the quarry and weigh it on the scales like you said and see how close I am.
I just want do everything possible to keep from tearing it up. They ought to put that info in the loader manual.
Thanks again,
Brandon
_________________________________________________________________
Brandon,
I understand that most people prefer loading tires over using a 3 point weight box but let me give you some reasons why a weight box is the best option.
By using a weight box you use your rear axle as a pivot point to actually reduce the weight on your front axle. You also get more weight advantage using a weight box because you are increasing your wheel base. Use the scales but you may have to use 3 point weight to achieve proper balance and stay inside axle capacities which are listed in your tractor痴 op manual.
Thanks,
Thomas Beason
Marketing Specialist
Compact & Commercial Equipment
Livestock, Dairy & Rural Lifestyle Marketing, N.A.
Thomas.Beason@agcocorp.com
(770)232-8048 Office
(770)813-6040 Fax
(770)778-7358 Cell
_________________________________________________________________
Hi,
I have a MF 1533 w/1525 FEL and need to know how to properly ballast the tractor to do some rock work. My owners/operators manual doesn't go into any detail on the matter & I have searched all over but can find no information or instructions. Can you send me this information?
Thank you,
Brandon
_________________________________________________________________
Brandon,
The goal for proper ballasting is to maintain a minimum of 25% weight on your rear axle. This is really only possible to quantity if you have access to scales. Based on a 1533 platform tractor you will need around 800 lbs in a 3 point weight box to get to this balance. Once you get there you would need to verify the weight distribution on a scale since tire options, operator's weight and many other variables come into this calculation. My advice is to use a 3 point weight box and you could contact a Massey Ferguson dealer and look into one offered thru them such as catalogue number 7541502M which has a 9 cubic foot capacity which when filled is about 900 lbs. The proper way to check your weight distribution is as follows.
* Install 3pt weight box and fill to capacity.
* Load bucket.
* Drive onto scale and raise loader so bucket pin is hood high.
* Record gross weight.
* Drive front tires off scale and record rear axle weight.
* Rear axle weight is to be at least 25% of gross weight.
* If necessary, remove weight from weight box and check new gross & rear weight for 25%.
Thanks,
Thomas Beason
Marketing Specialist
Compact & Commercial Equipment
Livestock, Dairy & Rural Lifestyle Marketing, N.A.
Thomas.Beason@agcocorp.com
_________________________________________________________________
Thanks for the info.
I loaded my rear tires which put about an extra 800 pounds or so on the rear of the tractor.
I値l take the tractor down to the quarry and weigh it on the scales like you said and see how close I am.
I just want do everything possible to keep from tearing it up. They ought to put that info in the loader manual.
Thanks again,
Brandon
_________________________________________________________________
Brandon,
I understand that most people prefer loading tires over using a 3 point weight box but let me give you some reasons why a weight box is the best option.
By using a weight box you use your rear axle as a pivot point to actually reduce the weight on your front axle. You also get more weight advantage using a weight box because you are increasing your wheel base. Use the scales but you may have to use 3 point weight to achieve proper balance and stay inside axle capacities which are listed in your tractor痴 op manual.
Thanks,
Thomas Beason
Marketing Specialist
Compact & Commercial Equipment
Livestock, Dairy & Rural Lifestyle Marketing, N.A.
Thomas.Beason@agcocorp.com
(770)232-8048 Office
(770)813-6040 Fax
(770)778-7358 Cell