filled tires

[KRH]

Looking at a used 2006 JD 4720. It has fluid in tires. This 3rd owner does not know what the fluid is. He claims it is NOT calcium. No labels on the rims. If rim guard, I assume it would be labelled as it is on my JD 4520. Safe to assume it would be windshield washer fluid? The John Deere dealer from where orginally purchased no longer in business. No signs of corrosion around valve stem.

Thoughts?

 

[mcfarmall]

Not safe to assume anything! Roll the tire so the valve stem is even with the axle or a little below and bleed some out it a container for inspection. Chloride isn't the end of the world...just make sure theres a tube in the tire and that it's not leaking. Leaks are easy to spot...look for seepage and rust.

 

[oosik]

There sure are sufficient alternatives that tires need not be filled with calcium chloride. Just simply "bumping" the valve stem will tell you what is in the tire. Calcium chloride will taste very salty and have the look of dirty water. RV antifreeze will have color and could have the slight smell of alcohol. RimGuard will be almost thick as maple syrup, sticky and blood red. Methanol will have the smell of alcohol and should look like dirty water. Windshield washer fluid could be light blue or green and smell like "Windex".

Hold a shop rag or paper towel up to the valve stem when you bump the core to catch a small sample of "whatever".

Calcium chloride is not the end of the world, for sure, but its a position where the end of the world can easily be seen. My experience with CaCl has not been favorable. My first tractor had the rear tires filled with it. The last five years or so - before I traded it in - I was replacing the valve stems annually. Dripping, leaking, corrosion where the leaks came in contact with the rims.

My new tractor has Rim Guard - none of the experience that CaCl will give you.

 

[Nick359]

I recently bought a 2009 4720 that came out of Canada at a Kubota dealer in Ohio. They told me nothing about the history, and had zero info on it. After two calls to my local JD dealer, I had the service history on it. It was in French. The only thing we could determine was it had a lot of service on it, and the front cover gasket was replaced. I could see that someone removed some stickers on the roof where the paint was faded "Deighborous Services" or something like that. To make a long story short, when I checked the rear tire pressure green fluid came out that had a similar consistency to antifreeze. I was told to run the filled tires at the minimum pressure, 15 psi. I am not worried. I would like to get a set of turfs because, I use this thing as my primary mower around my house.

 

[KRH]

Thanks all for your suggestions! Many Thanks!!

 

[RyeThomas]

It’s 12 years old, whatever is in there has probably been in there since new. I wouldn’t worry myself over what it is, it’s worked this long.
Not trying to be that guy, I’d be more concerned with how it runs and looks. With it being a 4x20 I’d also be concerned with the known coolant leak that’s a pain to repair. JMO

Best of luck

 

[jgayman]

It would be interesting to squirt a little out into a cup to see what it is but I wouldn't get too crazy. If there are no signs of corrosion anywhere on the outside of the rims you will be fine. There is nothing wrong with using Calcium if used properly... meaning the rim needs to remain covered with fluid at all times and you don't have any leaks. As long as nothing is exposed to air the Calcium will not cause corrosion.