Fluid filled rear tires

[PhysAssist]

So does liquid. Normally fluid fills around 80 to 90% of what would otherwise be air. Since the water is not compressible, the small amount of air in there that is compressible leaves the tire very rigid and rough riding compared to 100% air.

Having driven our tractor first unfilled, and then "filled", the only discernable difference is the improvement in traction and complete lack of new episodes of lifting the rear tires off of the ground.

There is no feeling of increased roughness or abruptness, because the tires [as filled to spec with Rimguard by our dealer] are only 75% filled with liquid, leaving them headroom of air to remain compressible and flexible enough to still absorb bumps and shocks.

 

[PhysAssist]

"Foam" is more like filling the whole tire & rim with liquid rubber that sets up than the spray foam you are thinking about. It adds a lot of weight. Also makes it behave like a solid rubber tire rather than soft pneumatic... rough ride, etc.

Hi Fallon,

No offense, I know [&knew] what kind of foam they fill tractor tires with, and we both agreed that they make the tires stiff and rough riding, so how does what you are saying make any change to what I already said?

Thomas

 

[SPYDERLK]

"Foam" is more like filling the whole tire & rim with liquid rubber that sets up than the spray foam you are thinking about. It adds a lot of weight. Also makes it behave like a solid rubber tire rather than soft pneumatic... rough ride, etc.

So does liquid. Normally fluid fills around 80 to 90% of what would otherwise be air. Since the water is not compressible, the small amount of air in there that is compressible leaves the tire very rigid and rough riding compared to 100% air.

The rubber is foamed/ bubbles incorporated, so it has localized compressibility. The trouble is the bubbles at the bump site will pinch shut and since the foam cant flow the tire gets real hard suddenly. ... By contrast, fluid can flow and moves out of the way, effectively using the pressure in the tire as a more graceful moderator.

 

[pochie]

This is a random question, but I have been wandering lately how often the fluid can leak out of rear tires?

I keep the tractor in the garage and sometimes think I am going to go down there one day and find all the fluid in the tire in the floor of the garage.

Has anyone had problems with the fluid leaking out of their rear tires? I have yet to have any problems, but think it would be a pretty nasty clean up if they did leak.

BX 23 purchased in 2004. 12 years later..no fluid loss/leaks. Some spurts out when checking air pressure but if I have the air valves at 12 0'clock sometimes none comes out.

 

[DK35vince]

I loaded my rear tubeless tires with windshield washer fluid 15 years ago, never a leak.

 

[Jeff F.]

Is there a special tire air gauge to use when checking filled tires? I tried checking the rear tires on my tractor with the valve stems at 12 o'clock. I quickly found out the tires were filled with beet juice. The previous owner didn't know what they were filled with. The tire gauge was covered with it and became very sticky.

 

[tman1020]

I have used foam rubber in front tires before and it was nice not having flats anymore but it definitely Road rougher. The owners manual on my new tractor says not to use foam rubber in tires. I questioned why and the dealer told me That guys were putting foam rubber in there skid steer tires and it was making them ride so rough that they were having all sorts of mechanical problems.

 

[oosik]

I have a special air gauge for checking fluid filled tires. When the gauge is removed from the valve stem - an "expel" stroke forces any fluid in the gauge out.

However, there is a better way to all of this. When checking air pressure with valve stem at 12 'O clock - first blow a little air into the stem - thereby forcing any fluid in the stem back into the tire proper. You then get no fluid in your gauge. Rimguard is nasty stuff to clean out of a gauge.

It is a standard pencil gauge - made by Tru-flate - costs around $15.

 

[Jeff F.]

Thanks. I tried 2 places so far and the staff just looked at me

 

[PILOON]

Well at some point I'll foam fill my tires as my size is no longer available and the tires are badly weather checked even if they are only 2 years old.
When I changed them I installed new tubes and filled with beet juice but now wish I had foamed as I'd be $$ ahead.
They did issue me a credit but that was only for 50% of the tire value and not 100% as for that I would have needed to give them the tires and could not drive on rims. Better than nothing I guess.
Since my travel speed is under 10 MPH firm ride of foam would not be my concern.