|
Northeast Implement - Canada |
|
|
TRACTOR STABILITY Farm tractors are fairly narrow. For forestry use one should widen out both front and rear wheels to their widest position. The increased width improves side stability. Row crop tractors with narrow front ends can not be used in the forest. The weight of the attachment or trailer makes the tractor light in the front end which makes the tractor difficult to steer. One must therefore add front end weights to the tractor. Tractors are also prone to roll over backwards. The risk of roll over is higher when traveling up hill. The roll over might happen in a couple of seconds even when the tractor is moving at walking speed. Uphill slopes must be avoided, especially when skidding or when pulling a trailer. The trailer tow hook should be low and under the tractor. The combination of tractor, the attachment and the load should put at least 30% of the total weight on the front axle. This means that one must always add front end weights.
FRONT END WEIGHTS Some tractors have more weight in the front than others. A tractor with a front end loader is heavier in the front end, and filling the loader bucket with dirt improves the weight distribution even more. The rule of thumb for adding weights for stationary tractors is that if the attachment is short and light add front end weights equaling half of the weight of the attachment. If the attachment is heavy and long such as a processor, add 60% of the attachments weight to the front end. This rule does not apply to moving or tractors that are pulling a load. 2WD Tractors A moving farm tractor becomes often light in the front end due to the weight of the attachment or the resistance of the skid. The tractor becomes difficult to steer and there is a risk for roll over. One must therefore add front end weights to the tractor in order to stabilize the tractor. For skidding or pulling a trailer with a 2WD tractor the rule of thumb is to add 10 lb. front end weights for every horse power of tractor engine power. Thus on a 40 HP tractor one adds 40x 10=400lb. of front end weights. This assumes “average” conditions and tractors without tire chains. The use of tire chains will increase the traction on inclines. where tires without chains will spin. One must therefore compensate for the increased traction by adding weights in order to reduce the risk for tractor roll over. Some experimenting will be necessary to find the right amount of weight for your tractor and terrain.
4WD Tractors On 4WD tractors all of the weight of the tractor is always on the driving wheels. One can therefore weigh down the front end of these tractors to the maximum front axle weight that the manufacturer of the tractor permits.
|
|
Northeast Implement Corporation. Please email us at valby@baka.com with any questions concerning our products. Phone: (607) 589-6160 Fax: (607) 589-4026 Mail: PO Box 402, Spencer, NY 14883 |