alternative wheel weight idea

[Mean Jean]

I've been tooling around with alternative wheel weight ideas.
Here's the latest idea.
Feedback is appreciated.

I attach a truck tire (235/75/15) to my winters with 4 chains.
Fill the truck tire full of concrete.
Wheel weights!

Crazy or crazy awesome?

 

[mjncad]

Let us know how well it works.

I had a picture on a wall calendar, where a farmer made large concrete disks he bolted to his tractor's rear wheels.

 

[kebo]

Have you actually tried this yet?? It seems like there would be enough slack in the chains so that the "ballast tire" would move around some with each revolution. If it did, could it possibly wear a thin spot on the sidewall of your tractor tire?? Now, if you can get the ballast tire attached in a firm manner so it never moved around relative to the tractor tire, it's probably a very workable idea.

 

[Mean Jean]

Thanks very much for the feedback, I really appreciate it.

I don't know that the additional chains will be any harder on the sidewall than what's currently there. Current "rungs" walk a bit as I'm driving.

I'm confident that the added tire can be secured enough so that there is no wobble.

I'm in the garage right now, adding a cool dozen more "rungs" to each tire.
This in itself is going to help with traction this winter.

In this pic, the right hand tire has 12 more rungs than his neighbor.

 

[mjncad]

Well now that we're seeing the butt end of the tractor, I have to ask why aren't you just using R1's for traction?

I can't imagine the ride you'll have with a truck tires filled with concrete.

 

[kebo]

Well now that we're seeing the butt end of the tractor, I have to ask why aren't you just using R1's for traction?

I can't imagine the ride you'll have with a truck tires filled with concrete.

Really, I can now see why the OP is thinking of adding the extra set of tires for weight/traction. He's using tires off an 18wheeler, without any chains those tires will give you zero traction in slippery conditions! I just wonder what happened to the original tires & rims?

 

[Mean Jean]

Really, I can now see why the OP is thinking of adding the extra set of tires for weight/traction. He's using tires off an 18wheeler, without any chains those tires will give you zero traction in slippery conditions! I just wonder what happened to the original tires & rims?

Originals are 9.3-22 Rice tires.
These are not very good in the snow and the chains ride between the lugs rendering them useless.


The tires I am using are off a milk truck.

 

[Mean Jean]

Here are the 2 tires, side by each.

I had metal plates fabricated with the proper bolt pattern.
Welded them to the milk truck tires and drilled the holes.

It was $358 all said and done. That's chains plus the plates.
I was quoted $800 for turf tires.

L1801 Custom Tires - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

 

[mjncad]

OK, I can see using the truck tires with chains; but filling them with concrete. :confused2:

There are better ways to add weight than that.

 

[Mean Jean]

Tubes are $50 a piece
Calcium chloride ( 3bags) is $78.
Another $20 for the ballast tool.
That's almost $200 before tax.

Would like to find a cheaper alternative if possible.

 

[dodge85rc]

Tubes are $50 a piece
Calcium chloride ( 3bags) is $78.
Another $20 for the ballast tool.
That's almost $200 before tax.

Would like to find a cheaper alternative if possible.

You can use windshield washer fluid for about a buck a gallon.

 

[Mean Jean]

I'm keeping my eyes open for cheap washer fluid.
Costco has it for a good price but I would need to buy a skid!

 

[Mean Jean]

Will the tire require tubes if I use washer fluid?

 

[Bilko]

I have a question? I have read some where that tires need to be matched for size to keep from ruining your drive train on the tractor! Is this true which I can believe? If not how much can you deviate and still be ok? I also have the rice tires on my tractor.

 

[Mean Jean]

I'm not sure how far I can safely deviate on size.
It was a concern athough I'm not racing around the property, doing hot laps.
Would be happy to have someone chime in.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Tubes are $50 a piece
Calcium chloride ( 3bags) is $78.
Another $20 for the ballast tool.
That's almost $200 before tax.

Would like to find a cheaper alternative if possible.

I think thats the cheapest. The hardness of concrete will act against attaining optimum traction on virtually any surface. A mistake cast in concrete would be expensive if it didnt work. A good option would be to modify your chains so theyll work well with the Ags.
larry

 

[Mean Jean]

I think you misunderstand the idea Larry.
I don't plan on adding concrete to the outside of the tire, I mean the inside.
Cut a hole, pour in the concrete, let it harden, hang it on the pre-existing.

I ran it last winter (minus 12 additional rungs) and it worked fine but there is room for improvement.
The extra rungs and some weight and I will have it dialed in!