New to Forum, Hi, should I run calcium in my B26 TLB tires. Thanks

sandyc · Mar 16, 2016

I too vote for beet juice. When I had a tlb 2620 it was recommended to have loaded tires even when using the bh. With my 3350 I have beet juice. The rig is used mainly for snow blowing/plowing and I don't need chains (so far).

Luke'sScreenName · Mar 16, 2016

I have found it interesting that the TBN consensus it that CaCl is a poor choice.
Both of the Kubotas I have owned have specifically RECOMMENDED CaCl in the manual. Stating that, if used correctly, it does not cause corrosion. Kubota is nothing if not fastidious about these kind of recommendations.
Why do y'all think this is? :confused3:

powerstroke444e · Mar 16, 2016

I had foam put in all 4 tires on my b26tlb before I picked it up. I like not having flat on a Sunday afternoon when I need to finish a project.

varmint · Mar 16, 2016

Our Kubota L3130 came with calcium chloride in the rears. The rims were showing signs of corrosion from the inside. I would never consider using it- why create problems for yourself??

oosik · Mar 16, 2016

Luke'sScreenName said:
I have found it interesting that the TBN consensus it that CaCl is a poor choice.
Both of the Kubotas I have owned have specifically RECOMMENDED CaCl in the manual. Stating that, if used correctly, it does not cause corrosion. Kubota is nothing if not fastidious about these kind of recommendations.
Why do y'all think this is? :confused3:

My Kubota OM suggests CaCl also. I have no idea why they don't recommend any of the newer/alternate products. But I do know that what you will read here on TBN comes from folks that have had actual experience with loaded tires. My previous tractor had CaCl and tubes. Made no difference what-so-ever - - the salt solution ate the valve cores like a kid eats candy. They were always dripping/oozing and really corroded the rims as well.

Gary Fowler · Mar 16, 2016

Did you not get an operators manual with your B26 TLB? The OEM says not to run ballast in the tires when using the back hoe, so the answer is remove the old tires, clean up the rims and repaint if needed, then install your new tires with AIR ONLY. The back hoe is plenty heavy to insure good traction when it is on the tractor.
You may be a little traction limited when using the 3 point hitch, but other than loading and removing liquid, or having a spare set of tires, you will have to live with the unloaded tires OR violate the terms of the owners manual.

Gary Fowler · Mar 16, 2016

Another option would be steel weights (expensive) that you could install if you are using the bare tractor without the hoe. I only use my B26 with the backhoe, so it isn't an issue. I have a second tractor for my 3 PH needs.

Grandad4 · Mar 17, 2016

Sliver said:
Hi guys,
I've read a few threads and didn't get a strong indication on whether I should run loaded tires.
Here are my details.
I have a B26 that I have had for about a year and put about it 150 hours on. Previously I had a B21 for 6 years and have over 1000 hours seat time on.
The B26 came with an oversized bucket, heavy duty forks, a hydraulic thumb on the backhoe and loaded tires.
The machine has been mainly parked outside as is evident by the faded paint and the weather checked tires.
This winter the tires have been leaking a bit of calcium through the cracks in the rubber so I've been pricing a new set of rear tires.
The question comes down to whether I need to put calcium in the new tires. I think I know that the machine comes without loaded tires from the factory.
Perhaps the oversized bucket required the extra weight. Weighted tires also provide better tip-over protection.
What is the opinion of the group? Thanks

Suggest you check the owners manual or with a dealer about factory recommendations for loading the tires. I don't know about the B26 but when I bought my Kubota backhoe attachment, the instructions specifically said not to load the tires with the backhoe installed. There have been lots of threads here debating why Kubota discourages loaded tires on their backhoe-equipped tractors. Among the theories: a) too much weight for the ROPS to withstand in a rollover, b) too much weight on the rear axles, c) too much weight on the frame if operator crabs the machine sideways using the BH. Whatever the reason, many owners load up their tires anyways, and, personally, I've not heard of any bad results. So decide for yourself what to do, but at least be aware of the factory recommendation for your machine.

Personally, the back tires on the backhoe tractor are not loaded and the hoe adds all the rear ballast the machine can handle. How much of the time you work with the backhoe off plays into your decision, of course.

What these guys are saying about calcium chloride is true, from what I've seen. I've had two old Farmalls that came to me with CaCl loaded tires; on both tractors the rims were slowly destroyed by the fluid in the tires. I have one Kubota with window fluid in the tires, which has worked fine.

powerstroke444e · Mar 17, 2016

I can't imagine how light the rear end of my B26 would be with out filled tires. Using grapple or using 3pt equipment it helps alot. I have posed phots on here showing what this little tractor can do and the loader will lift the rear end with loaded tires and backhoe on.