Ballast Weight Calculator

Inputs

Calculation mode

Use counterweight mode when a load and arm are known. Use target mode when you already know the ballast mass you want.

Load or implement mass (W_L)

Load mass being counterbalanced. Use the vertical load carried by the machine, not necessarily the entire implement shipping weight.

Load arm (a_L)

Distance from the pivot, axle or balance point to the load center of gravity.

Ballast arm (a_b)

Distance from the same pivot, axle or balance point to the ballast center of gravity.

Moment margin (m)

Extra moment margin applied to counterweight mode before solving ballast mass.

Ballast material

Density is used only for the volume estimate. Override with custom density if you know the actual material or fill mix.

Standard weight size (W_s)

Size of one suitcase weight, plate, block or other repeatable ballast unit.

Default result

Required ballast(W_b)

748.4kg

Pass

From the entered load and arms.

Also computed

Ballast volume(V_b)0.3118m³

Volume = required ballast / density.

Standard weights(N)17pcs

17 pieces rounds up to the target.

Actual ballast from pieces(W_actual)771.1kg

Over target from pieces(dW)22.68kg

Extra ballast from rounding up to whole standard weights.

Required mass moment(M_W)912.5kg·m

Density used(rho)2,400kg/m³

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

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.