Proper weight distribution is key to unlocking a tractor’s full potential, in terms of fuel consumption, tire wear and drawbar performance.
At the 2015 Agritechnica show in Hanover, Germany, John Deere showcased its 1.7 tonne drive-over EZ Ballast System. Since then, the EZ Ballast offering has expanded to include a new, wheel weight system.
The wheel system, which received a silver medal at Agritechnica 2017, offers operators the opportunity to quickly add up to 1.5 tonnes of weight to the tractor’s wheels, with one 250kg weight for each front wheel, and two for each rear wheel.
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According to John Deere, it takes about five minutes per wheel to add or remove weights with a pallet fork, and can be done with one person. The weights are fixed with toggle levers, instead of bolts, and it is not necessary to jack up the tractor.
The company’s Ballast Assist system takes the ease one step further, with the CommandCentre recommending the most suitable weight distribution, depending on the front and rear implements selected for a specific job.
According to John Deere, the EZ Ballast Wheel System can reduce fuel costs up to three percent for and increase transport capacity up to nine percent for road travel.
Check out this TechTour episode for more on Deere’s wheel system for adjusting weight and weight distribution:
RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney talks to Christoph Loos of John Deere, about the new system, at Agritechnica 2017, in Hanover, Germany.
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