How much fluid for tire ballast

[puckgrinder85]

Ballast in the tires or on the wheels adds stability and traction but really doesn't put more weight on the tractor/ loading the rear axle. The ballast box sits rearward and actually transfers weight from the front axle to the rear, pretty much a necessity for heavier loader work, but it also adds weight onto the rear axle bearings and may cause a little more wear to those components etc.. We have both our tires filled and a ballast box or something on the 3pt at all times.


Ps- whats really scary about tractors is the front axle isn't solidly mounted in the front, its pinned in the middle. If you get to the point where you tip frontward and your loader is high enough up, it can also roll you over.

 

[k0ua]

Ballast in the tires or on the wheels adds stability and traction but really doesn't put more weight on the tractor/ loading the rear axle. The ballast box sits rearward and actually transfers weight from the front axle to the rear, pretty much a necessity for heavier loader work, but it also adds weight onto the rear axle bearings and may cause a little more wear to those components etc.. We have both our tires filled and a ballast box or something on the 3pt at all times.


Ps- whats really scary about tractors is the front axle isn't solidly mounted in the front, its pinned in the middle. If you get to the point where you tip frontward and your loader is high enough up, it can also roll you over.

This pretty well says it all. If you want the maximum stability and safety and protection for your front axle. Do both. I have for the last 2 tractors, and it has made a lot of difference. If you mow a lot with the tractor, and are sensitive to ground pressure, then you probably don't want to fill your tires, and will have to make do with the 3pt ballast when you do loader work. However I did not notice all that much difference in ground impact when I loaded the tires.. But I don't operate the tractor on the lawn when it is really wet either.

 

[oosik]

I have 68 gal (746lb) of Rimguard in each rear tire plus a 675lb rear blade on my tractor. I would not navigate quite a few areas on my property with anything less. The Rimguard provides an unbelievable amount of added stability and traction.

 

[jodebg]

Looks as if I need to fill my tires.

What is the process of filling tires, and what equipment do I need to do it myself?

Live in CT. What is best to use to fill the tires-rim guard, etc.?

 

[Surgeon]

Just as an update...I am shocked at the difference that adding 46 gallons of windshield wiper fluid to the rear tires makes in how the tractor pulls and lifts. I can get much more done and more safely too. Thank you to all that helped me get it done!!

 

[CircleRat]

I was going to start a new thread but thought maybe I could ask my question here?

I just bought a Ford 3000 and the rear tires appear to be filled with something. A grainy wet substance oozed from the valve stem when I put a tire gauge on it, I assume this is calcium?

My question is this: How much of a hassle is it to change the tires now? Do I have to drain the stuff out first, and if so how is that done? The reason is the tires are worn and I want to put a newer set on the rear rims. Anybody?

 

[George2615]

I know this subject has been covered ad nauseum but I cannot find on any of the websites how much fluid to put in a 12.5/80-18 tire. Any guesses?

Surgeon, I know its been a while and you did fill your tires but here is another chart for anyone else that is interested.
http://www.rimguard.biz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Hydro-Flation-tables-2014-PDF.pdf

 

[Oliver1655]

Glancing at the charts & guessing, (your size is not listed on any of the charts I checked), I would say around 24 gallons.

Yes, you have to remove the fluid: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/tires/315245-changing-fluid-filled-tires-how.html#post3821480
Go to post #6.

Your biggest challenge will probably be breaking the bead loose.

 

[George2615]

Glancing at the charts & guessing, (your size is not listed on any of the charts I checked), I would say around 24 gallons.

Yes, you have to remove the fluid: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/tires/315245-changing-fluid-filled-tires-how.html#post3821480
Go to post #6.

Your biggest challenge will probably be breaking the bead loose.

Both Surgeon and Cletus tires are listed. One in each of the two lists I posted.