5 . MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
5.25
Challenger MT500B EU
5
5.17.6 - Ballasting the tractor
Fig. 43: Under certain conditions the tractor may need bal-
lasting to increase the traction power of the drawbar and
reduce excessive wheel slip. This additional weight can be
obtained by adding a calcium chloride solution to the tyres,
fitting cast iron counter-weights to the wheels or a remov-
able front ballasting weight. The weight required depends
on the condition of the ground and the work to be under-
taken.
The optimum load is generally set at 60 kg/ PTO hp, but the
total tractor weight can be increased to the maximum of
72.5 kg/PTO hp. Your dealer will inform you of the ballast-
ing specifications of your tractor in order to optimise per-
formance. If the ballasting is excessive, the tyres will leave
visible tread marks (1). If the ballasting is insufficient, the
tyres will leave blurred marks (3) due to wheel slip. Tractors
with 4WD operate most effectively when wheel slip is be-
tween 8% and 12%.
Ensure the tractor ballasting does not exceed the level re-
quired for adequate traction. The total load on each wheel
must not exceed the load levels advised by tyre manufac-
turers and indicated on the tyres.
It is also recommended to take off additional weights for
work requiring less traction, for example tilling, planting
etc. Extra weights increase soil compression, uses more
fuel and decreases the life span of tyres, bearings, gear-
ings, etc.
When a weight is added to the rear wheels, the tractive
draft increases and tends to reduce the weight of the front
wheels.
WARNING: Ensure that the tractor always has
sufficient weight to remain stable and keep
control of the steering.
The ideal distribution of ballast on 4WD tractors is as fol-
lows: 40% at the front and 60% at the rear.
If there is a power / wheel hop deviation on 4WD tractors,
use the following procedure, carrying out a field test after
each stage:
1. Distribute the ballast as required (40% to front, 60% to
rear).
2. Adjust the total tractor weight, maintaining the 40/60
distribution, until the wheels leave marks similar to
those in diagram 2 of Fig. 43.
3. Gradually reduce the rear tyre inflation pressure by
increments of 2 psi.
4. Gradually reduce the front tyre inflation pressure by
increments of 2 psi.
5. Redistribute the ballast (35% to front and 65% to rear)
by removing the tractor front weight.
NOTE: Ballast should not be added to the rear axle
when redistributing the weight unless all additional
weights have been removed from the front axle.
6. Check the tyre drag percentage in this paragraph.
7. Consult your Dealer.
5.17.7 - Using the front loader
Comply with the following instructions in using a front load-
er.
1. Take the front weight off 4WD tractors, including the
liquid ballast in the front tyres.
2. Set the front wheel track to the widest dimension
allowed by the width of the bucket.
Fig. 43
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