Tractors are used in the agriculture industry to lift, lower and transport heavy loads. They operate such that once the tractor starts the required operation, the center of gravity of the machine is moved immediately forward or backward.
The more the tractor arm raises the load, the more the center of gravity moves further and higher. This, more often than not, usually leads to the tractor’s overturning. Point to note, therefore, is that the major safety factor while operating a front end loader tractor is its stability while lifting and transporting a load. This is because the extreme working conditions in which the machine is used increases the risk of tipping over and requires an adequate solution.
That bring said, counterweights have been proven to be rather crucial in the maintenance of the stability of the tractor when using front end loaders. Furthermore, the fitting of a front end loader onto a tractor shifts the centre of gravity forward. The centre of gravity is further amplified when the loader lifts a load thus putting pressure on the tyres, axle and rims.
As such, special counterweights need to be inserted at the rear part of the machine to secure a proper weight distribution and stability. Traditionally tractors’ owners have added homemade counterweights. Some of the solutions are welded metal plates attached onto tractor’s body or a permanent magnet put on tractor’s front. Crescent Foundry make their counterweights primarily from Cast Iron or Ductile Iron. A single Counterweight can range from 1 kg to 55 tons.
However, a proper tractor counterweight should take into account the tractor’s weight rack as well as designing accurate shape that is supposed to fit exactly into the given space. This is important because lack to the adherence of the same could very well spell doom for the machine operator.
Due to the unreliability of homemade counterweights, some manufacturers such as Crescent Foundry recommend the usage of the three point hitch / linkage (3PH / 3PL) implements with weights combination. 3PH or 3PL refers to the way to attach implements to tractors. This configuration provides the best counterbalancing effect by applying some force behind the rear axle and reducing in this way the weight carried by the front tires, rims and axle.
When using a 3 point linkage, the counterweight is hooked up with a 3 point linkage set behind the rear axle. This is the best method to improve stability and it reduces the amount of pressure placed on the tyres, axle and rims.
Crescent foundry manufactures, among other products, iron castings for the agriculture segment through its various foundries located in Kolkata and Vadodara, India. They are also currently the largest manufacturer of Agricultural roller rings from India.
Some of their products include Link Housing, Suitcase weights, Wheel Weights, Tractor Weights, Roller rings, Hydraulic lift housing, Cylinder Head, Trumpet Housing Rear Axle Support, Flywheels and 3 Point Linkage and other related castings.
