Enter the current weight of the tractor and the total horsepower into the calculator to determine the ballast weight.

## Ballast Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the correct amount of ballast weight for a tractor.

BW = 110*HP - TW
• Where BW is the ballast weight (lbs)
• HP is the horsepower of the tractor engine (hp)
• TW is the current tarctor weight (lbs)

To calculate the ballast weight, multiply the horsepower by 110, then subtract the current weight of the tractor without ballast.

## What is a ballast weight?

Definition:

A ballast weight is something, typically a piece of metal or another solid block of material, that adds weight to a vehicle in order to alter the handling or performance of the vehicle.

In the case of a tractor, it’s normally used to help provide better traction when moving.

## How to calculate ballast weight?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines how to calculate a ballast weight for a tractor.

First, determine the total horsepower of the tractor. In this example, the tractor has a 300 horsepower engine.

Next, determine the current weight of the vehicle. This vehicle weighs 25,000 lbs.

Finally, calculate the ballast weight using the formula above:

BW = 110*HP – TW

BW = 110*300 – 25000

BW = 800lbs