Ballast Filling tyres revisited

[Mith]

So now weve established that fish would not work out in filled innertubes as the chips would go soggy, antifreeze attracts animals, Bonehead found some stilton, John and Bird dont like their beer ice cold and filling the tube may cause condensation on the rim.

So now im thinking about it even more.
So say I paint the rims so no rust from condensation. Thats one problem resolved.
I want to keep the inner tubes, thats final.
I want to put water in them because its cheap.
I need something to stop the water freezing in the winter (like the B6000s cooling system /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif) Any ideas, you guys dont seem so keen on antifreeze, we use a fountain in the pond but Im not sure that would work in this situation.
Do I fill them up 100% or up to the valve in the 12:00 position?
How much weight would I add with filling both 18-8-9.50 tyres with water?
Will filling them make it easier to make ruts in the rain like a real tractor does?
Will it make it easier to pull the plough?
How much more would it hurt when I run over my toe?

Another idea was to fill them with beer because that doesnt freeze at any temp were likely to have here and also you could have a little sip (big gulp) if the going gets tough. Thoughts?
Cheers man

On a totally unrelated note, guess who had a go on a Combine Arvester on sunday. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif OOOOO ARRRRRRR OOOOO ARRRRRRR OOOOO ARRRRRRR /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif #deleted risky comment# /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Bird]

The beer sounds like a good idea to me. Generally, regular antifreeze is not recommended, solely because if it leaks out and an animal drinks it, it's poison. I'd probably use something else next time myself, however, regular old Prestone antifreeze is what I used in my B2710. And no, you do not want to fill them 100%; you'll bust one if you do because, while air compresses and provides some cushion, liquid does not, so they'd be solid. Fill from 75% to 80%. I jacked up my tractor, one rear wheel at a time, just enough to take the weight off that tire. With the valve stem at the top (12 o'clock position), I filled them until water came back out the valve stem (about 80%). I don't know how much your tyres will hold. I put in two gallons of antifreeze in each of my rear tires, then finished with water. And yep, ought to make good ruts in the mud, pull the plough easier, and you won't notice much difference when you run over your foot.

 

[escavader]

BIRD,
Iam kinda new on this loaded tire thing,i had mine done,when i bought it.However i got a front flat in which i plugged,but dont know how to get the "load 'back in. how do you get it in the valve stem? you dont take the valve stem out and pour it in do you,of course you dont at 12 oclock the stem coming out would be uphill. SORRY I DONT HAVE A CLUE HOW ITS DONE...ENLIGHTEN ME.Can you use that 20 below windsheild washer?ok enough rambling...what tool do i have to buy this time.
ALAN

 

[Bird]

Alan, you don't remove the valve stem, but you do remove the valve core from the stem. Walmart, or any auto parts store, has the tool for that; and some valve stem caps are made for that purpose. After that, it depends on what you're going to load the tires with. I know calcium chloride has been popular in the north; don't know of any place to get it or anyone who would use in my part of the country because of its corrosive qualities. For water, you can use an air/water adapter that goes on your garden hose. Tractor Supply Company, and many tractor dealers, have those. Remember that even if you're just putting water in the tires, your water pressure is probably more than the pressure you'd want to put in a tire, so you put some in, let out some air, put more water, let out air, etc. That's what the air/water adapter does for you. Now those tools are cheap, but I had my own homemade tools that I used. For other things, such as antifreeze, there are a variety of pumps made that will work, and although slow, you can even use a plastic squeeze bottle with a short piece of neoprene hose just big enough to fit onto the valve stem and the bottle outlet (one like some of the tire leak preventatives use).

Windshield washer fluid will work fine, in my opinion, and a number of our members have used it. It's not as heavy as the calcium, but for my purposes at least, it's heavy enough. And if that's what you're going to use, you just need a litlte pump, the valve core tool, and some tubing or hose to pump it in.

Of course, I think the first thing I'd do is ask whoever loaded the tires initially what they put in them.

 

[johnday]

Mith; I was going to suggest windshield washer fluid myself. That shouldn't freeze and it's pet safe. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif There are also nonpoisonous antifreezes out there. One that comes to mind is the stuff like you'd use in your caravan. I wouldn't do it, but I've heard you can drink it if you have to! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Probably would try it if I was stranded in the Gobi though! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now I wonder who it could be that had a go on an Arvester? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifNo, it couldn't have been you, could it? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ducati996]

I think this will help you, its almost as heavy as CaCl
The website is helpful on how many gallons and total weight
based on size tire....You will need to find a local dealer from their website....lots of good feedback on this stuff


http://www.ballaststar.com/rimguard_spec.php

RimGuard

 

[slowrev]

RV antifreeze ?

Ben

 

[Bird]

Ben, I take it you don't know what was meant by "RV antifreeze". I don't remember what the chemical composition is, but RV dealers and service places (I think even Walmart) have a non-toxic antifreeze (I guess it's all still pink in color) that RVers use to "winterize" the potable water system of their RVs. You can just drain the water system, but almost invariably there will be a low water line, water heater, or something that you don't get all the water out of unless you really know what you're doing. RV service folks replace lots of frozen and burst water heaters. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif So you just dump that pink stuff in the water tank, run the pump to circulate it, and leave it in there until the next time you want to use the RV. The stuff is not for drinking. You flush it out when you use the RV, but it supposedly won't hurt you to drink it.

 

[Mith]

Thanks guys, think im nearly at the point where im ready to try the task.
So windscreen washer fluid sounds good, should I dilute this with water? Is it gunna be expensive, a bit poor right now, who knows I might have to do some work (first time in 4 weeks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)?
Is this gunna be ok and not eat the inner tube and tyre?
How about I put some baby powder inbetween the tyre and tube to absorb moisture, good idea or neigh?

No John it wasnt me who had a go in a harvester, it was the Queen of England. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Yea it was me, did a proper job too, and it didnt break down /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif The guy even laughed when I smacked my head on the grain offloading chute when I was climbing down the ladder to get off, well most of the people watching laughed too /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The good thing about the day was the boss around here may have given the go ahead to allow me to buy an old fergie tractor /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif YEE HAAA /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bird]

You normally would not dilute the windscreen washer fluid, but it depends on how cold it gets where you live. I know farmers in my area used plain water, said it doesn't get cold enough to freeze very often and even if it does they won't be using the tractor during that time, so damage is unlikely if you don't move the tractor while the water in the tires is frozen. Never heard of using baby powder to absorb moisture, although some tubes used to come with a powder on them (maybe they still do) or tire workers used powder on dry tubes and tires to ensure that the tube fit smoothly inside the tire with no wrinkles. When I put a tube in a tire, I always inflate it without the valve core in it, then let all the air out to let the tube relax, then inflate it again. I think that is usually sufficient to ensure the tube has no wrinkles in it. And the windscreen washer fluid will not hurt the tube or tyre, unless you have something different on that side of the pond than what we have. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Mith]

Wicked, thanks Bird, looks like I gotta go do a bit of shopping /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But right now im off to the hire shop to hire a mini digger, guess whos having all the fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif (yes John, its me) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[KentT]

Do you have a garden sprayer of this type?

If so, just take the spray gun off and clamp the hose to the valve stem, and pump it in. I've found that pumping in about a gallon at a time works best -- then letting the air bleed out of the tire before you pump in the next gallon...

Here's a Firestone link that tells you how much liquid they'll hold, and what they'll weigh

Firestone Ballast Tables

 

[johnday]

Mith; You always have all the fun!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I think I saw a picture one time of Queen Liz in some sort of an amoured car in the gunners position. If she'd do that, I bet she'd be pretty good on something as tame as a piece of farm machinery! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hey, how come I'm the only one besides Mith that knows that a caravan is an RV? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Bird]

You weren't the only one, John. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I spent too many years as an RVer to not know that.

 

[GaryE]

<font color="blue"> Another idea was to fill them with beer because that doesnt freeze at any temp were likely to have here and also you could have a little sip (big gulp) if the going gets tough. Thoughts? </font>

I say Gin and Tonic and carry a bag of limes /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Gary

 

[Mith]

Kent, I dont, I probably will break down and buy one when there is 3 gallons of expensive washer fluid mainly on my trousers and all ive ahived is making comedy for everybody else. Thanks for the link, rekon I should get about 35 pounds in each tyre.

We all know its only a small step to go from armed limo gunning down the crowds to a humble combine, maybe one day she'll take the step and realise what shes missing.
Dunno why you guys call a caravan/camper a RV, beats me, why say 2 letters when you can say 7? Tsk.

Now I always wondered why there were 2 cup holders, figured one was for you cup (duh!) and the other for additional ice. Now I know one is for your cup (duh!) and the other is for the lime for you G'n'T in the tyres, of course!

Diggers coming friday, 1 1/2 tonner, wait for the destruction. Have any of you guys heard of a Kanga, like a mini skid steer on tracks that you stand on the back. Had a 4in1 backet on it. Had a go on one of them with a mate down the hire shop. Amazing fun, stop too suddenly and your wfe is gunna be disappointed though /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Ouch bigtime. You could do wheelies and endos too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You should have seen the look on the hire guys face as I did an endo about a foot from his truck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
ON another unreleted subject, might be going to see another tractor tonight, a weeny wheelhorse C160, just gotta persude the guy to take cash and whip it off ebay Look at this babe.

 

[N80]

Here is a link to several options for filling the tires:

http://www.gemplers.com/a/pages/tliq.asp

If someone has already linked to it, forgive the redundancy.

 

[wushaw]

Water is 8.3lbs per gallon. At 35lbs your not having to put much in so the little pump sprayer would probably do just fine.

 

[BoneheadNW]

Mith-

I never heard of a Kanga so I checked it out at their website Kanga webstie The thing looks like something from a kids cartoon (by the way, that is a compliment coming from my family) but I'm not sure what part of the machine would cause damage to the family jewels. I am assuming you had at least a close call that made you aware of the danger.

With respect to filling your tires (sorry, tyres), isn't that going to cause damage to that beautiful garden of yours? Why do you need to fill them? Give my regards to the Queen- tell her I am still waiting for the invite to dinner, at least to tea. How come she never writes me back?

Bonehead

 

[Mith]

I see what you mean about being for kids, there website doesnt really inspire the professional user, looks good to me though /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. The problem arises upon stopping quickly from speed propelling ones lower region into a unthoughtfully placed hydraulic pump causing the operators voice to be raised an octave or two depending on how fast the travel speed was. If it was really fast doubling over in pain works while all other onlookers also double over, with laughter.
I was warned by the guy who had clearly fallen victim to its wrath, either that or his voice hadnt broken yet. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif This same guy came to deliver the digger and was the guy that took out a tree with the rops on the digger /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Im tempted to go get one for a day just so I can show you guys what a hoot it is, maybe if one of you guys come over for a visit ill get one lined up /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Its that or I buy another lawn tractor and we do destruction derby, its just one of those things I gotta do /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well thanks for calling the garden beautiful but havent you seen the Digger thread, it aint pretty no more, it looks better from a distance, infact I bet it looks pretty **** nice from where you are /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif In actual fact our lawn is terrible and the tyres dont mark the lawn unless its really wet and raining and the only reason I go out then is to do donuts on the lawn /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I want to fill them so I get more traction when ploughing, weight for the planned FEL, weight for the stainless steel blade (its dead heavy) and so I can pull better wheelies (adding more weight should increase torque round the axle making the front lift more /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif) /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You dont want to go see the Queen really, youd have to wash and find clean clothes. If you did do that the tractoring community may reject you. I mean, I havent washed for 10 years, does that make me a true tractor guy? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You might have to wash the tractor, no respecting doorman is gunna let a muddy tractor in, might get the red carpet muddy. Its just not worth the effort the way it seems to me.

Anyway, do you guys actually drink tea, get the impression you all drink coffee? Everyone knows theres more caffeine in tea, dunno why you waste your time on coffee. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

On another note, you heard of Alan Titchmarsh (Titters), hes a TV gardener guy, just wondering if you had him on your TV in the US of A?

Dont have nightmares, dont eat cheese /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Have fun