Tractor Preparation - Tiger RBM16 Operator's Manual

TRACTOR PREPARATION

Wheel Width
Set wheel widths as wide as possible.
Lift Links
Adjust lift links until they are equal length.
Tractor Ballast
It is imperative when attaching 'third-party' equipment to a tractor that the maximum
possible stability of the machine and tractor combination is achieved – this can be
accomplished by the utilization of 'ballast' in order to counter-balance the additional
equipment added.
Front Weights
Front weights may be required to place 15% of total outfit weight on the front axle for
stable transport on the road and to reduce 'crabbing' due to the drag of the cutting unit
when working on the ground.
Rear Weights
Rear weights may be required to maintain a reasonable amount of rear axle load on the
opposite wheel from the arms when in work; for normal off-ground work i.e. hedge cutting
this should be 20% of rear axle weight or more for adequate control, and for ground work
i.e. verge mowing with experienced operators, this can be reduced to 10%.
All factors must be addressed in order to match the type and nature of the equipment
added to the circumstances under which it will be used – in the instance of Power Arm
Hedgecutters it must be remembered that the machines centre of gravity during work will
be constantly moving and will differ from that during transport mode, therefore balance
becomes critical.
Factors that effect stability:
 Centre of gravity of the tractor/machine combination.
 Geometric conditions, e.g. position of the cutting head and ballast.
 Weight, track width and wheelbase of the tractor.
 Acceleration, braking, turning and the relative position of the cutting head during these
operations.
 Ground conditions, e.g. slope, grip, load capability of the soil/surface.
 Rigidity of implement mounting.
Suggestions to increase stability:
 Increasing rear wheel track; a tractor with a wider wheel track is more stable.
 Ballasting the wheel; it is preferable to use external weights but liquid can be added to
around 75% of the tyre volume – water with anti-freeze or the heavier Calcium Chloride
alternative can be used.
 Addition of weights – care should be taken in selecting the location of the weights to
ensure they are added to a position that offers the greatest advantage.
 Front axle locking; a ram can be used to 'lock' the front axle in work only – locking the axle
moves the 'balance line' and can be used to transfer weight to the front axle from the rear
(check with tractor manufacturer).
The advice above is offered as a guide for stability only and is not a guide to tractor strength - it is
therefore recommended that you consult your tractor manufacturer or local dealer to obtain specific
advise on this subject, additionally advice should be sought from a tyre specialist with regard to tyre
pressures and ratings suitable for the type and nature of the machine you intend to fit.
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