Machine Balance
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| Illustration 1 | g00488157 |
In any application, the machine's performance and the machine's ride are best when the machine is balanced. The correct balance maximizes the performance of the machine. Also, the correct balance minimizes compaction.
Use counterweights in order to balance the machine. Two types of counterweights are available for this machine. The types of counterweights are listed in order of preference of use.
| Counterweights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Group | Total Weight | Individual Weight |
| Front Counterweights | 681 kg (1500 lb) |
45 kg (100 lb) |
| Idler Counterweights | 907 kg (2000 lb) |
57 kg (125 lb) |
Each type of counterweight is segmented. This permits installation and removal by hand. Hoisting equipment is not necessary.
Track-type machines pull higher loads than wheel type machines of the same weight. Therefore, less counterweight is needed on a track-type machine. The minimum amount of counterweight depends on the following factors:
- The machine should be stable while you road a machine that is equipped with a three-point hitch.
- The distribution of weight under the belts should be even.
| NOTICE |
|---|
For satisfactory power train life, maximum continuous operating weight should not exceed 12130 kg (26,750 lb). This weight must include any added ballast, additional weight due to optional belts, and weight of empty chemical tanks and brackets. The machine can be operated with the additional weight of liquid chemicals or fertilizer, although a total vehicle weight of 14290 kg (31500 lb) with full tanks should not be exceeded. Reduction in drive train life should be expected if this additional weight is used to increase drawbar pull at speeds below 7.3 km/h (4.5 mph). Reduce speed and use caution when roading if the machine weighs more than 12130 kg (26,750 lb) as the undercarriage component life can be reduced under rough roading conditions. |
Implements that are Mounted to the Drawbar
When you pull implements that produce a light draft load or when you pull implements that produce a medium draft load, use one of the following configurations. These configurations usually provide sufficient distribution of the weight.
- 364 kg (800 lb) Front counterweights
When you pull implements that produce a high draft load, use a full set of the 681 kg (1500 lb) front counterweights.
If the slippage between the belts and the ground is greater than six percent, idler counterweights can be added to the idler wheels. The total weight of the machine must not exceed 12130 kg (26,750 lb). See "Calculating the Weight of the Machine".
Implements that are Mounted to the Three-Point Hitch
When you use a light implement, use 364 kg (800 lb) of front counterweights. This configuration usually provides sufficient distribution of the weight.
| NOTICE |
|---|
Do not add additional front-mounted counterweight in excess of the factory-available front counterweight packages. Structural damage to the machine could result. |
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Heavy three-point hitch mounted equipment reduces roading stability, regardless of the amount of front counterweight added. Insufficient roading stability can lead to an accident, causing personal injury and property damage. Reduce speed when encountering rough terrain or whenever the machine's directional stability is reduced. |
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For implements that weigh more than 4086 kg (9000 lb), you can use all of the front counterweights. Also, you can add counterweights to the idler. However, the total weight of the machine must not exceed 12130 kg (26,750 lb). See "Calculating the Weight of the Machine".
If the front counterweights do not produce an even distribution of the machine's weight, use the following suggestions.
Readjust the implement gauge wheels or install implement gauge wheels. When the implement is in the ground, the machine should not support the weight of the implement. Lower the gauge wheels in order to keep the implement at the desired depth while the three-point hitch control lever is all the way forward. If the implement is not equipped with gauge wheels, install gauge wheels.
Remove the quick hitch from the three-point hitch. When you remove the quick hitch from the three-point hitch, you move the implement 127 mm (5 inch) closer to the machine. This equals the addition of the 227 kg (500 lb) of front counterweight.
Reduce the sensitivity of the draft control. If the machine is equipped with electronic draft control, reduce the sensitivity. The draft control raises the implement when the draft load is too high. Therefore, the amount of weight that is supported by the machine will be less in high draft loads.
Modify the mounting of the chemical tanks. If the machine is equipped with chemical tanks, modify the mounting brackets for the tanks in order to move the center of gravity. Move the center of gravity by 762 mm (30 inch) forward.
If these suggestions do not provide satisfactory performance, consult any Caterpillar dealer.
Calculating the Weight of the Machine
Use the following table in order to calculate the total weight of the machine.
| Weight of Machine Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Component | 1524 mm (60 inch) gauge |
2032 mm (80 inch) gauge |
|
| Machine (1) | 10310 kg (22,730 lb) |
10505 kg (23,160 lb) |
|
| Wide swinging drawbar | 85 kg (185 lb) |
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| Add the weight for the belts that are installed on the machine. | |||
457 mm (18 inch) Belts |
64 kg (140 lb) |
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508 mm (20 inch) Belts |
109 kg (240 lb) |
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635 mm (25 inch) Belts |
293 kg (645 lb) |
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813 mm (32 inch) Belts |
655 kg (1440 lb) |
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| Multiply the following values by the number of sets that are installed on the machine. (2) | |||
25.4 mm (1 inch) Spacers |
41 kg (90 lb) |
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50.8 mm (2 inch) Spacers |
82 kg (180 lb) |
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76.2 mm (3 inch) Spacers |
122 kg (270 lb) |
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102 mm (4 inch) Spacers |
164 kg (360 lb) |
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152 mm (6 inch) Spacers |
245 kg (540 lb) |
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203 mm (8 inch) Spacers |
200 kg (440 lb) |
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254 mm (10 inch) Spacers |
214 kg (470 lb) |
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356 mm (14 inch) Spacers |
245 kg (540 lb) |
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508 mm (20 inch) |
340 kg (750 lb) |
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| Three-point hitch with quick hitch | 560 kg (1230 lb) |
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| Weight of additional items in the cab (3) | |||
| Total weight (4) | |||
| Maximum weight of the machine | 12130 kg (26,750 lb) |
12130 kg (26,750 lb) |
|
| Subtract the total weight of the machine. | |||
| Maximum allowable counterweight (5) | |||
| ( 1 ) | The basic machine is configured with 406 mm (16 inch) belts, a standard drawbar, and a fuel tank that is 70 percent full. The weight of the operator is included. |
| ( 2 ) | A set refers to the spacers that are installed on the hardbars and the drive wheels. This is for both side of the machine. |
| ( 3 ) | Additional items can include monitors, implement controls, etc. |
| ( 4 ) | Add up all of the above rows. |
| ( 5 ) | Subtract the total weight of the machine from the maximum allowable weight. The calculated value is the amount of allowable counterweight that can be added to the machine. |
If the machine is equipped with chemical tanks, add the weight of the following components to the machine's total weight: mounting brackets and empty chemical tanks.
Calculating the Maximum Allowable Counterweight
Subtract the total weight of the machine from 12130 kg (26,750 lb). The maximum allowable weight of 12130 kg (26,750 lb) includes the operator and a fuel tank that is 70 percent full. The calculated value is the maximum amount of counterweight that can be added to the machine. Only use enough counterweight in order to balance the machine.
Installation of Counterweight
Front Counterweights
Use the following procedure in order to install the front counterweights:
Note: Only install the amount of counterweight that is needed in order to balance the machine. Usually, you do not need to install all of the front counterweights onto the machine.
- If the mounting bracket is not already installed on the machine, install the bracket.
- Mount the counterweights onto the bracket. Any number of counterweights up to 15 can be installed. Secure the counterweights by installing the threaded rod through the retaining plate and into the counterweights. Tighten the nut to a torque of 115 ± 20 N·m (85 ± 15 lb ft).
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| Illustration 2 | g00407184 |
The 113-2017 Plates are installed in this position for more than ten counterweights. | |
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| Illustration 3 | g00407194 |
The 113-2017 Plates are installed in this position for less than ten counterweights. | |
- Individual off-center counterweights may be installed by using the hardware that is shown in the illustration. Install the counterweights on the mounting bracket. Secure the individual counterweights by using the following items: angle (4), bolt (5), plate (3), nut (1) and washer (2) .
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| Illustration 4 | g00407221 |
Idler Counterweights
Use the following procedure in order to install the counterweights for the idler. You may install partial sets of idler counterweights. However, the difference in the number of counterweights between the inside and the outside can only be one counterweight. See Illustration 5 and Illustration 6 for examples of acceptable installations and unacceptable installations.
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| Illustration 5 | g00490409 |
This illustration shows examples of acceptable combinations of idler counterweights. (Other combinations are possible.) (A) Base idler counterweight (B) Auxiliary idler counterweight | |
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| Illustration 6 | g00490412 |
This illustration shows examples of unacceptable combinations of idler counterweights. (Other combinations are possible.) (A) Base idler counterweight (B) Auxiliary idler counterweight | |
- Remove five bolts (1) from the front idlers.
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| Illustration 7 | g00366652 |
- Clean all of the mating surfaces.
- Use five washers (3) and five bolts (4) in order to install the base idler counterweight (2). Tighten bolts (4) to a torque of 900 ± 100 N·m (670 ± 74 lb ft). The auxiliary idler counterweight is installed in location (5) .
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| Illustration 8 | g00366673 |
(5) Mounting holes for the auxiliary idler counterweight | |
- Align the handles of auxiliary idler counterweight (6). Then, rotate the auxiliary idler counterweight by 40 degrees in the counterclockwise direction. This will achieve the correct orientation for the clearance holes.
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| Illustration 9 | g00366752 |
(7) Mounting holes for the base idler counterweight (8) 40 degree angle | |
- Install the auxiliary idler counterweight in the recesses around the outer edge of the base idler counterweight at location (7). Use three bolts and three washers in order to install the auxiliary idler counterweight.
- If necessary, install additional auxiliary idler counterweights. Align the clearance holes with the threaded holes.
Note: The handles on the idler counterweights are different sizes. Make sure that you align the idler counterweights that have handles of the same size. Proper orientation of the idler counterweights is only important when you install the auxiliary idler counterweight onto the base idler counterweight.
- Repeat the procedure on each idler.