5 things to know about weights
Victor Julien
Q1: Where can a weight be fitted?
It's important to fit the right weight to the right place to strengthen the performance of the tractor. We can have a front weight to balance heavy rear implements, a rear weight to counterbalance the front loader utilisation, a wheel weight to add traction directly on the wheels and a belly weight to improve the overall weight of the tractor.
Q2: What are AGCO weights made of?
AGCO weights are made of cast iron.
Q3: Why not concrete?
Making them in cast iron allows them to be more compact. Cast iron offers more weight per size than concrete and it’s a material that is more resistant to damage.
Q4: What are weights used for?
It depends where you put them! If you put a weight on the rear, it will balance your tractor so you can use a front loader effectively and safely. The weight prevents the tractor from leaning forward. Fit a weight on the front to stabilise your machine. When you pull a heavy implement at the rear, the tractor’s centre of gravity shifts backward. Adding a weight at the front prevents the front axle from becoming too light and the steering from becoming imprecise. The range of adjustable or modular weights means you can incrementally add weight allowing for ultimate flexibility with every task.
Q5: What are the benefits of weights?
A weight is not only an accessory but a key element for the performance of your tractor. You can improve the machine’s balance and the traction while reducing the slippage and improving safety.
By adding weight at the right place, you keep the front axle on the ground and increase the normal force on the drive wheels to reduce slip and convert more engine power into traction.
It’s important to use the right weight for the right task in order to reduce soil compaction and achieve optimum fuel consumption - which ultimately can lead to a reduction in costs.