L2501 - Liquid Ballast Options

[GigaRift]

So i just recently received my new L2501 and put 7 hours on it snow clearing. I am amazed at how much this tractor has exceeded my expectations on loader work. So i am going to add liquid ballast for extra traction and stability. I live in Atlantic Canada, so i definitely need freeze protection. I have no interest in calcium filling and beet juice is not available in my area. My options are:

Auto antifreeze which i can probably get for free from the local garages over time, but it is extremely toxic.
Windshield wash which is not so toxic but can be bought for around $2.80 gallon.
RV/Plumbing antifreeze which is non-toxic but can be bought online at walmart for 3.80 a gallon.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/supertech-rv-946l/6000197491453

I am leaning towards the plumbing antifreeze but i have never used it and was wondering if it is premixed or if it is to be mixed with water?
If it can be mixed with water and would affect the cost.

I have found on the forum someone said that my rear 15-.19.5 R4 tires need 29.0 gallons(110 liters) each to fill 75%. Is this correct or does someone have a good source to verify?

Sorry for all the newbie questions but any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Nathan.

 

[skipperbrown]

I'd go with the cheapest non freezing formula which is probably going to be windshield washer fluid. I've had this stuff in my tires for the last 16 yrs with no issues. If a pet licks up a teaspoon of antifreeze, it will likely die.

 

[GigaRift]

Glad to know that you've used WW for so long with any issues and understand that windshield wash is probably going to the cheapest but seriously considering waterline antifreeze due to its non-toxic effects and extra freeze protection.

 

[LouNY]

Windshield washer fluid will freeze you will need to verify what fluid that you use to your minimum temperature, also will it be parked outside or used outside in sub zero temps for hours at a time a lot of windshield washer fluid is only good for 15or 20 degrees F it takes expensive fluid to stay thawed and -20 or -29C

 

[Oldoak]

Keep in mind RV waterline protection doesn't freeze solid but does form a thick slushy state at extremely low temperatures and may adversely affect the handling of your tractor.

 

[GigaRift]

It going to be parked outside, so that’s why I’m considering the waterline antifreeze which is rated at -50. On the coldest of winter days we may saw -30c or -35 but it’s not typical.

 

[GigaRift]

Keep in mind RV waterline protection doesn't freeze solid but does form a thick slushy state at extremely low temperatures and may adversely affect the handling of your tractor.

Will it but hard on the tires or tractor at those states.

 

[LouNY]

Slush usually doesn't bother it's when frozen chunks start pulling and tearing tubes or gouging into sidewall.

 

[TheMadOne]

It going to be parked outside, so that’s why I’m considering the waterline antifreeze which is rated at -50. On the coldest of winter days we may saw -30c or -35 but it’s not typical.

That's cold. I think beet juice is only good down to -35F, so you'd be playing in the margins to use it to begin with. If you had a bad cold snap you would have some issues.

That said, I'm not going to talk you into using a more toxic solution. Though have you considered cast rims and weights instead of fluid? It's more expensive, but has none of the problems with the cold you're talking about.

 

[GigaRift]

That's cold. I think beet juice is only good down to -35F, so you'd be playing in the margins to use it to begin with. If you had a bad cold snap you would have some issues.

That said, I'm not going to talk you into using a more toxic solution. Though have you considered cast rims and weights instead of fluid? It's more expensive, but has none of the problems with the cold you're talking about.

As i said that would be on the coldest of days and i probably would not be doing anything for long on those days anyways. Also if i did have little things to do on those days i could possibly keep the tractor inside and hoping to have a new shed next year, so heating may also be a possibly. Typical winter day would probably be around -10c or -15c with a the windshield it will probably feel like -20c.