Are calcium filled tires a horror show?

[RandyT]

The theory behind it is if the CaCl is filled above the rim there is no air present for corrosion to take place. Was talking to a tire shop about filling tires with Rimguard and then said that they use CaCl tubeless. And I said something about corrosion, and was told it will not corrode the rims if they are completely submerged.

 

[mcfarmall]

I'll throw some more confusion in the mix! My local off-road tire store sells a product called TL-90 and they assured me it was basically generic Rim Guard so I told them to go ahead and fill the old Farmall C rear tires with it after I bought some used rims in good condition. They were instructed to use tubes, which they did and then the day I took them in to get filled, I requested a MSDS for TL-90. What I found out from the MSDS is that TL-90 is calcium chloride with a little beet juice added to "prevent corrosion". The tire dealer assured me that they use this stuff all the time on pit loaders and all manner of off road equipment with no issues. I wasn't happy and in order to ease my pain, we agreed that they would give me a statement in writing that if I had any issues with corrosion down the road, they would provide free labor to R&R the tires. That was at least 5 years ago and so far, no issues.

 

[mikester]

My experience is that the calcium corrodes the brass fittings. Newer chines valves and fittings seem to be worse and don't seem to last as long. You may need to change the valve stem at some point. Calcium also corrodes the rims/wheels.

I refused to load the tires on my M59 for these reasons.My BH is my counterweight.

 

[Quebecguy]

When I bought my 10 years old last December, I only found out later that the rear tires were directly filled with Calcium Chloride (ie, no tubes). I think they were filled at purchase by the original owner. What am I to expect as service life? Should I get them emptied? Is it a job that can be tackled by a weekend tractor operator?

Salut Sylvain,
My International was bought new in the early seventies by my father with calcium chloride filled tires. The tires were replaced with new ones in the early nineties and again filled with the calcium chloride. A couple of years ago one of them developed a slight leak so I had a tube installed and again filled it with the CaCl. That has been the only problem so far in close to fifty years of regular use.

 

[Sberry]

Helper filling a tire, re using the brine.

 

[Sberry]

Brother breaking a bead. I know they can be done on the unit but I have a crane and take them off. I can super wash, sometimes paint or fix any damage or the stem h

ole.

 

[JWR]

The theory behind it is if the CaCl is filled above the rim there is no air present for corrosion to take place. Was talking to a tire shop about filling tires with Rimguard and then said that they use CaCl tubeless. And I said something about corrosion, and was told it will not corrode the rims if they are completely submerged.

Oh balderdash! The corrosive nature of salt and calcium chloride and many other things is not dependent on air. There are plenty of O2 molecules around with or without air. Ever been around salt water ? I have had 1/4" thick solid steel large C-channels for boat lifts rust all the way through in spite of galvanizing. And those heavy C-channels were below water, stay below water, and NEVER exposed to air. This is just nonsense. Bottom line is the tires ought to filled with liquid and it should not be a corrosive liquid. The End.

 

[RandyT]

Oh balderdash! The corrosive nature of salt and calcium chloride and many other things is not dependent on air. There are plenty of O2 molecules around with or without air. Ever been around salt water ? I have had 1/4" thick solid steel large C-channels for boat lifts rust all the way through in spite of galvanizing. And those heavy C-channels were below water, stay below water, and NEVER exposed to air. This is just nonsense. Bottom line is the tires ought to filled with liquid and it should not be a corrosive liquid. The End.

That is what I was told. I never said that I believed it.

 

[i7win7]

Are Calcium filled tires a horror show?

Not on your brand new "starter" tractor. After 5 years or so and you decide it's now your "forever" tractor, problems could arise.

Back in the olden days, beet juice was a canning plant waste product.

 

[5030]

Is it a job that can be tackled by a weekend tractor operator?

Simple answer is no.