Ballast Methanol

[OrangeToys]

I called my tractor dealer and another tire dealer to get a quote to fill the tires on my MX5100 both use methanol. So my question is whats the pros/cons of it?

 

[k0ua]

I called my tractor dealer and another tire dealer to get a quote to fill the tires on my MX5100 both use methanol. So my question is whats the pros/cons of it?

Well it is what is in mine now, but it was my last choice, but the money talked..
PRO.. it is about the cheapest you can get, except Calcium Chloride and water, cheaper Than Rimguard and Propylene Glycol (not toxic antifreeze)
PRO.. it is widely available.
CON. It is toxic if ingested. (causes blindness) But not as likely to be ingested by an animal like Ethylene Glycol (ordinary anti-freeze)
PRO. .. if spilled on the ground, it does break down pretty quickly.
PRO. It will not kill vegetation for the next few years like Calcium Chloride does in the spot you spill it.
CON.. It is flammable
CON. It does not weigh as much as RimGuard or Calcium Chloride.. in fact it is just a little less than water.
PRO.. Relatively Non Corrosive unlike Calcium Chloride, which is highly corrosive.

There are probably more pro's and con's

James K0UA

 

[Bluegill2]

It's what's in my L3800.

Best thing is, it's heavier than air.

 

[94BULLITT]

Thats what is in my l4240 and bx2360. Do go with calcium or magnesium chloride they are corrosive. Like koua said methanol is flammable and lighter than water but it is non corrosive.

 

[mjonesnh]

I called my tractor dealer and another tire dealer to get a quote to fill the tires on my MX5100 both use methanol. So my question is whats the pros/cons of it?

I have a TC34DA purchased in 2007 and this is what was used for ballast in rear tires. Has been completely trouble free. Temps to about zero in winter. Since tires are tubeless calcium chloride is not an option. Speaking of calcium chloride, my dad had a 53 super A that had a slow leak in rear tire. Calcium eat holes through rim and tube was tryng to come out through rim. My father took tractor to welding shop and had thin sheet steel welded to rim to patch holes. This stuff is bad news for steel if you should happen to get a leak.

 

[Soundguy]

Thats what is in my l4240 and bx2360. Do go with calcium or magnesium chloride they are corrosive. Like koua said methanol is flammable and lighter than water but it is non corrosive.

when mixed down with water.. the flamability is considerably decreased.. think wwf...

 

[94BULLITT]

when mixed down with water.. the flamability is considerably decreased.. think wwf...

True. I have never heard of a tractor catching fire/exploding because of the methanol either.

 

[k0ua]

when mixed down with water.. the flamability is considerably decreased.. think wwf...

Yep I forgot to mention that in my PRO/CON post.. Yeah I have never tried to light WW fluid.. but I cant imagine there is much danger, as it is in a simple plastic container under your hood with a simple pop on plastic lid.

James K0UA

 

[OrangeToys]

Yep I forgot to mention that in my PRO/CON post.. Yeah I have never tried to light WW fluid.. but I cant imagine there is much danger, as it is in a simple plastic container under your hood with a simple pop on plastic lid.

James K0UA

Ya thats actually what i was just thinking

 

[94BULLITT]

Ya thats actually what i was just thinking

Windshield washer fluid has some methanol in it.Snow Performance : FAQ gasoline Scroll to number 6.

 

[crazyal]

Is there any reason not to add water to Methanol? Water is the cheapest you can get. 100% methanol can't have any real advantage.

 

[crazyal]

Is there any reason not to add water to Methanol? Water is the cheapest you can get. 100% methanol can't have any real advantage.

 

[Bullseye]

The methanol is diluted with water (at least that is what my dealer does). I cannot remember the percentage, maybe 20% methanol 80% water. I think the methanol loweres the freezing point of the water.

 

[countryboycansurvive]

Methanol does lower the freezing point of water. It's what's used in windshield washer fluid to keep it from freezing. The higher the percentage of methanol the lower the freezing point. I used washer fluid good to -25 F to fill my tires. And it will burn, I lit some in a glass and it burns with an invisible flame.

 

[IslandTractor]

WWF = methanol (10-30% depending on region) plus water plus colorant.

Although you can save a bit of money by mixing methanol with water yourself, WWF on sale in a box store is usually pretty close.

The only real downside compared to the other ballast fluids is that a methanol water mix weighs less per gallon. However it is still pretty close to water in density so about 8 pounds per gallon.

 

[OrangeToys]

I've been making phone calls this morning and methanol seems to be what this whole area sells

 

[Soundguy]

down here in fl.. the lowest walmart carries is 0f wwf. i just tried to light some. it won't. must not have enough methanol in it. in fack.. it will put out a fire.

one time we had a miss-shipment.. a pallate of the -32 stuff came in here. i bought a bunch of it for loading tires. .. no one here used it and it got clearanced 1$ a gallon..

 

[Bluegill2]

I've been making phone calls this morning and methanol seems to be what this whole area sells

It's what every one uses around here.

 

[OrangeToys]

Whats the best way to get methanol? Im thinking of adding it all my self so that i don't have to pay the dealer for the water?

 

[IslandTractor]

Whats the best way to get methanol? Im thinking of adding it all my self so that i don't have to pay the dealer for the water?

Fuel dealers frequently stock methanol. Race tracks do too. Also check out prices of WWF in 55 gallon drums.