Bush Hog RMB 1445 Ballast

ASSEMBLY

RMB 1445 11/10 Assembly Section 3-4

ASSEMBLY

Ballast

When attaching a boom mower to a tractor, it is extremely important to make the total unit as stable as

possible. Adding Ballast or weights to the tractor may be necessary to achieve the guidelines show n below.

Front Axle: Front tractor weights may be necessary to put 20% of the total unit weight on the front axle. (Total

unit weight is the sum of the tractor weight and the mower weight.) This amount will improve stability when

driving the tractor.

Rear Axle: Wheel weights or liquid ballast should be added to the Left Hand rear tire and wheel so that a

minimum of 1500lbs of the rear axle weight is on the Left Hand side when the mower boom and head are in a

normal “off the ground” operating position. (For Example, the operating position for hedge cutting.)

A wide range of factors can affect the stability of the tractor and boom mower, and all should be considered

before operating the unit.

• Center of gravity of the tractor and boom mower combined.

• Position of the boom and cutting head.

• Weight, wheel width, and wheelbase of the tractor.

• Acceleration, braking, turning, and the relative position of the cutting head.

• Ground conditions, including slope and softness of the ground.

• Increase the wheel width of the rear wheels: a tractor with wider wheels is more stable.

• Ballast the Left Hand rear wheel. Liquid can be added to about 75% of the tire volume. See your tractor

dealer or tire supplier for recommendations on the type of liquid.

• Addition of wheel weight to the Left Hand rear wheel.

These factors and suggestions are not all inclusive and should be used as a general guideline for tractor

stability only. For additional information, and for information on your tractor’s strength, see your tractor dealer

or tire supplier.