Ballast Ballast Removal ?

[mudisme]

Ok, this is my 1st question posted as a new owner. I have searched and could not find the answer. (as promised /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Here goes...my dealer put ballast in my tires...I didn't know until he brought it that he put 350lbs in each tire.

1. Is this too much since I plan to have the box blade 99% of the time? (the reason I ask...granted it was pouring down rain but the tractor did a number on my yard with the R4's)

2. If I should or possibly want to do so, could I remove some of the rear ballast from the tires? If so, how would I do this?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

 

[Bird]

Steve, what kind of ballast did he put in the tires? Unless he put foam (which is not likely because of the cost), you can let some out if you wanted to by simply removing the valve core. However, if it's calcium, and you let it run on the ground, it'll be a couple of years before the grass grows back. If it's water and ethylene glycol anti-freeze, it would be toxic to any animals that got into it. In other words, catch it and dispose of it properly. But I guess the basic answer to your question is that the more weight the better, so I'd leave it alone. Surely the dealer knew how to fill them, and didn't go above the 75% level.

Bird

 

[mudisme]

HI Bird,

Ballast type? I don't know but will find out before I decide to do anything...if I do.

Assuming it is a safe liquid substance, can I just open the valve and let it out....then put it the valve back in? (I have this mental picture of the liquid spewing out due to the pressure and not being able to put it back in until all or most of the pressure and air is out.)

Sorry for all these "simpleton" questions....many thanks!

Steve



Steve

 

[Bird]

Steve, of course you need a valve core tool (or a valve cap with the tool on the end of it - I'm guessing you're familiar with those). Then you might be surprised at how easy it is to put a core back in even with air and/or liquid spewing out. However, if you really want to let some out, or be sure it's filled to the right level, park the tractor with the tire you're going to work on having the valve stem at the top (12 o'clock position), then jack up that wheel to take the weight off, and remove the valve core. For maximum ballast, you want the liquid filled to that level. If you decided you don't need, or want, that much ballast, you can then turn the wheel (transmission in neutral after you've chocked the other wheels to make sure it doesn't roll off the jack) and let more liquid out; i.e., turning the wheel so the valve stem is at the 9 o'clock or 3 o'clock position would leave it about 50% filled instead of 75%. Of course, after replacing the valve core, you'll have to add air to the proper pressure. Some tire gauges can be ruined by getting liquid in them. I use one that's for both air and water, but even so, when I check my tire pressure I get the valve stem at the top and give it a very brief shot of air first to clear any liquid out of the stem before I put the gauge on it.

Bird

 

[mudisme]

Once again you have "delivered". Nice to know that I could take some out without having to take it back to the dealer or another shop.

Thanks for taking the time to post. "You da' man!" /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

If we ever have a TBN event...I hope I can meet you and some of the other fine folks in person.


Steve

 

[ScottF]

Well Steve, I was going to reply with an explanation on how to add & remove ballast and get the level you want but I see Bird beat me to it. Oh well


Scott

 

[dullpain]

Not only did Bird beat us in replying - He stated the exact true facts better than I could. Maybe when I retire I can keep up with him.

 

[mudisme]

{using my best John Wayne imitation}

"Well Pilgrim, you gotta get up pretty early to beat Bird on the draw. You aren't the first and you won't be the last to go down with your 6 shooter still holstered" /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

But thanks for trying Scott!




Steve

 

[Bird]

You characters are sumpin' else./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

 

[heehaw]

wow, great imitation, it sounded just like him..
heehaw