John Deere EZ Ballast
“John Deere EZ Ballast”
John Deere EZ Ballast
Summary
The EZ Ballast System enables perfect ballasting the tractor within a few
seconds without occupying normal connecting points like hitch and wheels
on the tractor. The complete assembly and disassembly of ballast of 1.7t is
controlled from the cab. This fast weight adjustment of the tractor
guarantees the optimum traction for all different tasks the vehicle is
performing. Increased productivity, time and cost savings are the main
advantages of this unique system.
General Description
In the past farmers had to spend a lot of time to mount or remove 50kg
weights from the tractor to prevent the front wheels from lifting and
guarantee optimum traction for heavy draft applications.
Meanwhile, many tractors are equipped with a front hitch to at least cope
with a quick and easy change of front weights. It still remains challenging to
mount- and dismount rear wheel weights, which usually weigh between 600
and 1000 kg. This usually requires the integration of additional persons and
costs a lot of valuable time during the season.
The new EZ ballast system not only allows the attachment of heavy weights
in a matter of seconds. It also delivers a perfect weight distribution and
reduces the overall center of gravity by attaching the ballast to the bottom
of the tractor. The design of ballast and tractor is aligned in a way that the
ground clearance is virtually unrestricted.
Mounting and dismounting of the ballast takes place automatically conveniently controlled from the cab.
John Deere EZ Ballast
Features and Advantages
The operator has the opportunity to take an additional weight of 1,700 kg
without having to leave his cab. He can also remove it quickly with the
same convenience & fashion again.
For the first time this system allows an optimal adjustment of ballast and
weight distribution between field work and transport operations. It also
enables easy adjustments for a large variety of tasks and implements. This
does not only save but also costs.
1. Customer Benefits
This innovation provides the following benefits for the customers:

Vehicle weight can be adjusted by receiving / removing a large
additional weight in a few seconds for transport or field work, optimum
productivity is always guaranteed

Convenient, quick and easy installation of a large ballast weight (1.7 t),
without leaving the cab . Significant time savings attaching tractor
weights

One-man operation from the cabin , no additional help needed from the
outside

Highest operational safety. Neither the driver has to leave the cab yet
another person for mounting on the tractor is required.

Due to the ease of mounting and dismounting the ballast weight is
actually only used when it makes sense. Estimated cost savings due to
higher fuel efficiency with dismounted ballast are about 3 %, and up to 9
% more towing load.

Optimum weight distribution of the tractor is also maintained with
mounted ballast (eg. 45% front / 55 % rear axle)

Automatic, i.e. safe, convenient, fast and easy operation (significant
time savings to attach tractor weights): To install the EZ ballast weight it
is not necessary that the operator leaves his seat.
John Deere EZ Ballast

The EZ ballast reduces the overall center of gravity of the machine and
increases the stability at a minimal reduction of the ground clearance.

Front and rear attachment space remain completely for other devices

The additional weight of EZ ballast weighs 1,7 t. It can be combined with
front weights, so that a total dietary 3.5T can be realized.

Cost savings by reducing the fuel costs of about 3%, if the weight is not
cultivated, or up to 9% more towing capacity (see example in the
appendix).
Driving comfort and safety are significantly increased by the lower center of
gravity.
Market Importance
Agriculture in the ever more increase costs, increasingly important roles to
weight distribution, ballasting and flexibility for tractors are allocated. The
system of "weighted EZ" enables an optimal and easy management of a
large ballast weight (1.7 ton) for all applications in the tractor. Fieldwork in
the total weight will be increased to improve and thus increase traction
Productivity. For transporting the ballast weight it may be mounted in
seconds, where the payload increases. Also, in some European countries,
because of some traffic regulations are a significant advantage.
Technical Description
The driver drives over 1700 kg, to catch it from the cab. The hydraulic force
transmission is achieved from a hydraulic controller (MCS). The ballast
weight is mounted and lift with double-acting cylinder. The amount of the
EZ Ballast including the main arm cylinder safety and weighs about 230 kg.
To receive the weight, the tractor does not have to be perfectly positioned
on weight. The weight is increased, and the cylinder is closed and secured.
To remove the EZ Ballast again, the enclosure will be reopened and the
cylinder stop weight again. The whole process will take place in seconds.
For additional information serve the following figures and descriptions:
John Deere EZ Ballast
John Deere EZ Ballast
1. The Weigh
Trapdoor funnel / point to the
retaining hook
The ballast weight has a mass of 1700 kg (for John Deere 7R). The way the
weight is designed so that the reduction in ground clearance is minimal and
the weight distribution compared to a tractor without ballast does not
change. (eg. 40% front / 60% rear axle).
John Deere EZ Ballast
2. Table Weigh
Table / upper strut is mounted using 6 screws on the bottom of the tractor.
The figure above shows the side view of the frame / upright with weight.
(Set).
3. The mechanism
Security Cylinders
John Deere EZ Ballast
This top view shows the frame / upright and the corresponding components
to raise the weight. Also, a hydraulic cylinder to carry the weight to the
desired position is required.
The mechanism is controlled by a hydraulic controller (MCS). The only low
cylinder and up the main striker arm, which is the weight for the catch hook
and the two side arms, help the stability of the weights.
4. Close up
Security Cylinder
A sensor opens and closes the lock cylinder when the cylinder rises and
prevents the fall closing.
Additionally, a return valve prevents the anticipated pressure drop, so it is
impossible level lowering cylinder.
John Deere EZ Ballast
5.
Procedure
The exact procedure is shown again visible in an accompanying video.
a. Weigh Path
The tractor passes over the weight. The cylinder and the lifting mechanism
are still in the starting point.
b. Lowering the lifting mechanism
John Deere EZ Ballast
The lifting mechanism has moved. The tractor goes on weight and used
them for a double acting cylinder, which is low. The hook is embedded in
the casing weight, and the side arms resting on the weight for stability.
c. Weigh Collection
The peso has risen to the position. The lowering of the weight is given in
reverse.
John Deere EZ Ballast