Tires Fill Tractor Tires with ?

[Ivan1547]

My 1950's Massey Harris 44 has Calcium in the rear tires. The valve stem rotted out after 20 years and started to drip, I moved the valve stem to the top and replaced it in about 1 minute. After 20 years of use, no other problems with the calcium filled tires.

My Massey 1547 also has calcium filled rear tires. I will tell you in 20 years if there is a problem or not.

Ivan

 

[SPYDERLK]

Anyway... both of them tell me that they only do calcium. They both said that they will just well me the new rims in "15" years. Does it really take that long? Sure sounds like that would be worth it for me not to have to worry about tons of washer fliud flowing out wherever it feels like. Or sugar water that is expensive.

Sure seems like calcium is not such a bad deal. Can someone tell me a first hand horror story of rim corrosion in a short amount of time?

Its not calcium. Its calcium chloride in solution. Its a lot heavier than washer fluid and can be heavier that rimguard as well, but it will leak out the same as either.
larry

 

[AndyMA]

Kind of surprised no one mentioned foam. It would solve all the issues at once. No more flats. No leaks. More weight.

I have not done mine yet, but when I load the tires I think foam is the way to go.

Hard to find and it's cost makes RimGuard look free... I've been using RimGuard since it 2001 and it works great. Washer Fluid is not used by pros at least in this area and antifreeze is very toxic, I jad to have major welding done to my Ford 2120 rims due to calcium. all you need is a little leak or a flat and it gets on the metal. Doesn't take long for it to eat the rim away.

Andy

 

[Foton404]

My granddad used calcium for decades and went through 3 sets of rims on his 8n before he mounted wheel weights on it. I bought wheel weights for my tractor when I got it, that way I don't have to worry about leaks or rust.

I agree. Weights are the best option.

 

[Ken45101]

I agree. Weights are the best option.

AFAIK, wheel weights do not add as much weight as loaded fluid. I think about half the weight. They also put more stress on the drivetrain and brakes since they are turning with the wheels and provide inertia/momentum. Liquid in the tires does not.

 

[LBrown59]

AFAIK, wheel weights do not add as much weight as loaded fluid. I think about half the weight. They also put more stress on the drivetrain and brakes since they are turning with the wheels and provide inertia/momentum. Liquid in the tires does not.

They are easier to install and remove though.

 

[SPYDERLK]

They are easier to install and remove though.

not easier than water
larry

 

[TUG HILL ADDICT]

My first tractor was an 8N with calcium loaded tires---for reasons already mentioned not something I'd do again.

I do a lot of loader work with my JD 870 and was going through too many front tires. Went to foam in the fronts ($40 each) and it is one of the best things I ever did.

I don't load my back tires....if I need counter weight I attach the box scraper

 

[IslandTractor]

IMO, Rimguard is the only choice for tire ballast. It's bio degradable/non-toxic so it won't harm the ground or animals if you get a puncture, it's 30% heavier than water, it's non corrosive, and it's freeze resistant down to -35.

I've used Rimguard and agree it is technically the best. However, it is not such a great value and costs about $4 a gallon these days installed. It is difficult to install yourself too so that means getting the tires to a dealer which is extra hassle and expense. I would specify Rimguard in very cold climates but would have the dealer get it installed before taking delivery.

For someone who lives in an area with freezing but who doesn't need every last pound of ballast possible, methanol/water at about a dollar a gallon is a good option because it is much cheaper and you can install it yourself easily. It is also non toxic and non corrosive. You can also vary the amount of methanol for your particular climate (Oregon for example would need relatively little). Yes, it is a pound or two per gallon less dense than Rimguard but that extra weight is costing you about $2-4 per pound extra compared to methanol/water which is pretty pricy ballast.

 

[burega]

Interesting Tug... I am in Kingston, ON and I just took delivery of a Deere 3520 Cab. I asked to have the tires filled but the dealer completely ignored my request and sent a ballast box instead. Now I'm wondering if I really need the extra weight of filled tires. What was the product you used called and how much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?
Burega