Ballast Weight Calculator

Inputs

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Use counterweight mode when a load and arm are known. Use target mode when you already know the ballast mass you want.
Load mass being counterbalanced. Use the vertical load carried by the machine, not necessarily the entire implement shipping weight.
lb
Distance from the pivot, axle or balance point to the load center of gravity.
ft
Distance from the same pivot, axle or balance point to the ballast center of gravity.
ft
Extra moment margin applied to counterweight mode before solving ballast mass.
%
Density is used only for the volume estimate. Override with custom density if you know the actual material or fill mix.
Size of one suitcase weight, plate, block or other repeatable ballast unit.
lb

Results

Default result
Edit inputs
Required ballast(W_b)
1,650lb
Pass

From the entered load and arms.

Also computed

Ballast volume(V_b)11.01ft³

Volume = required ballast / density.

Standard weights(N)Caution17pcs

17 pieces rounds up to the target.

Actual ballast from pieces(W_actual)1,700lb

Over target from pieces(dW)50lb

Extra ballast from rounding up to whole standard weights.

Required mass moment(M_W)79,200lb·in

Density used(rho)149.8lb/ft³

Concrete: typical normal-weight concrete, 2400 kg/m^3.

Ballast / counterweight preview load ballast 1,650 lb required 748 kg, 17 standard weights, 11.01 ft3
Method notes 3 notes
  • Counterweight mode: required ballast = load mass x load arm x (1 + margin/100) / ballast arm.
  • Ballast volume uses bulk density only; container weight, voids, compaction, water content, brackets and hardware are not included unless you add them to the target mass.
  • This is not a rollover, front-axle, rear-axle, hitch, tire, loader-capacity or manufacturer ballast recommendation. Verify ratings, scale weights, operator manual guidance and terrain before real work.

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