Tires Filled tires?

[countryboycansurvive]

Obviously I'm new to the forum but I've been running tractors for more than 30 years. My grandfather was killed in a tractor rollover FEL accident so ballast is a big concern of mine. Here in the Tennessee hill country we wouldn't be caught dead without loaded tires. But, then again, maybe we would. Windshield washer fluid is a good, inexpensive ballast fluid. You can buy it from Oreilly in 55 gal drums for about $100 for 55 gal. Freeze protected down to -20 F. As an aside, I know that calcium chloride gets a bum rap as far as corrosion, but in the service manual for my L3940 it says it's acceptable as ballast and is in fact suggested. I use windshield washer fluid in my 14.9-24 ags with each holding about 47 gallons. Liquid ballast is much cheaper than wheel weights and allows you to add much more weight per tire. It also provides a lower CG than wheel weights can since the the CG of the fluid is below the axle centerline.

 

[CTPhil]

Love your cord wood hauler. Did you make it or buy it?

It's just a TSC carryall. I use a pallet for a floor and another bungeed to the upright for a back. Someday I'm going to make a bigger better platform.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Filled tires also add to the expense of tire repairs!

I agree if you fill your tires using a tube can add to the expense of tire repairs, but that is another reason I had rimguard filled in my tires without adding tubes, :thumbsup:. No need to even remove the tire, just rotate the leak in the tire near the top and plug the leak, . Better yet, cross your fingers and hope you never have a leak, :ashamed:. KC

 

[moored4]

Along with filling the tires you also want to consider widening your rear tires. By the way you position the rims and bolt them to the hubs you can increase the stability of your tractor on side slopes!

 

[Tractor2011]

My dealer gave me the option to fill the rear tires, which I opt'ed to do, and I'm glad I did because when picking up a big load with pallet forks, and no attachment on the rear, the rear of the tractor can get pretty light!

 

[wwmw]

This might sound like a stupid question guys, but can someone tell me what goes in the back tires and where would I get the tires filled the fluid stuff I mean this sunstar is my first tractor just trying to learn from all you old-timers

William

 

[Don87]

This might sound like a stupid question guys, but can someone tell me what goes in the back tires and where would I get the tires filled the fluid stuff I mean this sunstar is my first tractor just trying to learn from all you old-timers

William

You can use windshield washer fluid/antifreeze/rimguard/calcium.

Washer fluid or antifreeze you can put in yourself, you can get the special valve needed at TSC, or order online. Rimguard and calcium are normally installed at a dealer.

Calcium requires tubes to be put in because it is extremely corrosive.

Rimguard is beet juice.

Hope this helps


EDIT: The only stupid qiestion, is the one that is unasked.


EDIT 2........With your tractor, I would take the wheel off, lay it on the groung with a block supporting the rim. Carefully using a screwdriver(after letting the air out of the tire), break loose a small area of the tire bead, then dump about 6 gallons of washer fluid in each tire, and then air it back up to normal pressure.

 

[flatpik6]

This might sound like a stupid question guys, but can someone tell me what goes in the back tires and where would I get the tires filled the fluid stuff I mean this sunstar is my first tractor just trying to learn from all you old-timers

William

You may consider buying the rimguard and installing it yourself if you choose that product. I was able to purchase 3 55 gallon drums from a distributor in NC and fill the tires myself. I brought along the drums and they filled them for me. Saved a lot of money versus having the dealer do the install. A simple call to Rimguards office and they will send you a list of the distributors nearest to you and then you can negotiate from there.

 

[wwmw]

Thanks! guys for all the good advice, especially thanks to Don, and Flatpik.

William