Buhler 2180 - Manual (Page 182)

SECTION 2 - OPERATION
2-136
IMPORTANT: To extend tractor life and avoid
excessive soil compaction and rolling resistance, do
not over ballast. Ballast should never exceed the
weight needed to provide traction for sustained full
power loads.
TIRES AND BALLASTING
The tire chart in Section 5 shows the load carrying
capacity per tire.
IMPORTANT: Do not overload tires. If maximum
tractor weight exceeds the load rating of the tire as
listed in the tire chart, reduce load, install higher rated
ply tires, or reduce road speed.
Calculating Tire and Axle Loads
NOTE: Include the weight of fully raised three-point
hitch implements when calculating rear axle load
when operating at road speeds for an extended
period. An example is:
Model 2180 with UltraSteer with rear axle weights
with duals = 7470 kg (16434 lbs)
3-point hitch load fully raised = 2727 kg (6000 lbs)
Total rear axle load without additional ballast = 10197
kg (22434 lbs)
Estimated additional ballast 439 kg (966 lbs)
Total rear axle load supported by 4 tires = 10636 kg
(23400 lbs)
Divided by 4
Load supported by each tire with 3-point hitch fully
raised = 2659 kg (5850 lbs)
NOTE: An 18.4R46 tire would require 1.6 bar (24
PSI) inflation pressure to carry this weight during
extended high speed road use. See tire inflation table
in Section 5. If the three-point hitch load was not
present, or if three-point load is on the ground, the
load per tire would be 1973 kg (4350 lbs). The tire
pressure should then be reduced to maintain the
proper tire side wall deflection for best traction.
REAR TIRE WEIGHTING
NOTE: Install cast iron weight first. Use liquid ballast
only as required.
CAUTION
Installing liquid ballast requires special equip-
ment and training. Have liquid ballast added by
your authorized dealer or a tire store.
IMPORTANT: With radial tires NEVER fill a tire to
more than 40-50 percent. More liquid ballast solution
will leave too little air space to absorb shocks.
Damage to the tire could occur. This occurs due to
the lower inflation pressures that are used with radial
tires. Bias ply tires can be filled to 75 percent.
A solution of water and calcium chloride provides
safe, economical ballast. Used properly, it will not
damage tires, tubes, or rims.
NOTE: Use of alcohol as liquid ballast is not
recommended. Calcium chloride solution is heavier
and more economical.
Radial-ply and bias-ply tires should be handled
differently. The following chart shows how much
ballast each size and type of tire will hold.
Tire Size Water
Liters (Gal)
CaCl
2
Kg (Lbs)
Total Wt.
Kg (Lbs)
18.4-38 337 (89) 202 (445) 539 (1187)
20.8-38 431 (114) 259 (570) 690 (1521)
18.4-42 352 (93) 211 (465) 563 (1240)
20.8-42 454 (120) 272 (600) 726 (1600)
14.9-46 246 (65) 147 (325) 393 (867)
18.4-46 397 (105) 238 (525) 635 (1400)
710/70R38 647 (171) 388 (855) 1041
(2295)
ATTENTION: Maximum recommended vehicle
weight can be exceeded when tires are filled to 75%
fill. See Ballast limitations.
The above weights are based on 75% fill. Radial tires
should only be a 40-50% fill. Calculate weight as
required.
Some sloshing of the liquid ballast may be noticed
when the tractor is first stopped. This is normal.