RimGuard Lifespan

[My Hoe]

Beet juice also turns to slush a fair bit before freezing. I believe their listed freeze point is where it turns to slush, not solid. Slush doesn't present near the problems that freezing solid does so its even better than indicated temp wise.

I have had it in my tires about 6 years, so far so good, but I agree, a pain to check tire pressure.

Slush at -35F is definitely even better than frozen solid at -35F--and 6 years, with no freezeups--thanks, gents, for even more good news!

Re: checking the pressure. I haven't yet had the opportunity, but I've read (can't remember where) not to use any liquid ballast higher than about 3/4 up the height of the tire. I'm wondering if some of them have been over-filled, and that's what might be making problems checking pressures?

I dunno.

But I do know these are both cheap and accurate: Sears.com

Now, the one I found was actually smaller, cheaper (only $2.99) and all plastic. I bought a few of them--one didn't work but the others are still going strong. They were even more cheaply made than the one I linked to, had smooth sides, not "fluted," and had a white face with green, red, etc... areas. I thought they'd be a complete piece of crap, but they've actually lasted a couple of years, and seem very accurate.

That may change once they get a slug of Rimguard, but I throw that out there, as I find them easier to read than the "pencil-style" gauges.

Thanks again, everyone.

My Hoe

 

[Turbys_1700]

Ive been thinking about putting RimGuard in my rear tires, but was wondering about longevity. Does that stuff break-down and change over time? Do any precipitates form and fall out of the solution over the years?

The specs on that stuff look very good, but Im wondering how long will it remain in the same state over time.

Living in Texas I would assume your concern with freezing temps are similar to what we experience here in NC. I would utilize water and antifreeze. You will not need much antifreeze to protect you from the few freezing days you may get every year. I put a gallon in my front tires with the rest using water. I don't know what ratio the dealer put in my rears but I know it is antifreeze and water. You can do it yourself with a air/water adapter kit. I think they are around $10 from Tractor Supply. Use environmentally friendly antifreeze to be safe.

 

[oosik]

My current tractor - M6040 - came with the rear tires loaded with rimguard in 2009. I've had no problems with the stuff - you do have to go thru special procedures to effectively check tire pressure. Rotate to 12 'o clock position and blow a small amount of compressed air INTO the tire to clear the stem BEFORE checking the pressure.

However, the advantages over use of a salt solution are really monumental. On my previous tractor the corrosion caused by the salt solution would dissolve the core of my tire valve and require replacement annually. Even the slightest amount of the salt solution would ruin the tire gauge.

For me - rimguard has eliminated a really nasty annual problem. Replacing the valve stem and the mess that would create.

BTW - I've seen -20F and no problems with rimguard.

 

[My Hoe]

My current tractor - M6040 - came with the rear tires loaded with rimguard in 2009. I've had no problems with the stuff - you do have to go thru special procedures to effectively check tire pressure. Rotate to 12 'o clock position and blow a small amount of compressed air INTO the tire to clear the stem BEFORE checking the pressure. *snip*

oosik,

AWESOME suggestion. Simple, but I didn't think of it myself, so it needed to be said.

Thanks again,

My Hoe

 

[TexasBoy]

Its always interesting to watch how threads go in different directions and get off-topic from the OP.

I know RimGuard works. I know RimGuard is better than salt solutions. I know RimGuard requires a few extra steps to add air and check the pressure. I know RimGuard doesnt freeze until -35F. I know I can use standard glycol based anti-freeze solutions (ethylene or propylene) in lieu of RimGuard. I know I can even use some forms of windshield wiper solutions that wont freeze until -20F. I know there are tire foams that will work as well.

My question was regarding the lifespan of RimGuard and how long that product retains its original specs over time. Its been my experience that all liquid solutions eventually break down and lose their original intended characteristics, and at times even become harmful. Without some kind of confirmation from the manufacturer I dont think I could spend the money.

 

[wmonroe]

Have you tried emailing rimguard and asking what timespan their testing covers? I agree that most will begin to break down or separate given enough time, the question is how much time is that.

 

[Parkanzky]

Have you tried emailing rimguard and asking what timespan their testing covers? I agree that most will begin to break down or separate given enough time, the question is how much time is that.

I recommend calling them on the telephone. When I was trying to figure out what I was going to do I got a quote from my dealer. It seemed very high to me, so I called Rimguard directly (they're based out of Grand Rapids, where I live) and ended up having a lengthy conversation with the representative that answered the phone about my tractor uses, which tires to fill, how much to put in them, and other considerations. He then gave me the names of a few local installers. I called two of them and they were both less than half the cost of the same service at the dealership.

This is straight from their website:

Need to find a dealer in your area?

Give us a call at 866-792-3700 and we'll locate a dealer near you. We don't use a dealer locator on the website because we believe a helpful and knowledgable person on the other end of the phone line can better answer all of your questions and direct you to a dealer that meets your needs.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I believe you will find it is quite stable as in twenty years or more. It is mostly sugar molecules and the consistency of syrup. Trapped inside the tire there is nowhere for anything to evaporate to or otherwise get away and every use will thoroughly remix it. Sugar won't expand when it freezes so the little bit of water in the solution freezing would only raise the tire pressure a psi or two until they warm up.
I've been out plowing at -30 F and no problem with the tires.
In three years I've felt the need to check the rear tire pressures zero times but the point about blowing some air in to clear the valve stem is a good one.

 

[Elkins45]

Sugars are fairly stable compounds. My prediction is that longevity will be very good. I have Rim Guard in my tires.

 

[TexasBoy]

Good info and suggestions there, thank you guys ! :thumbsup:

 

[Fallon]

Personally I don't regularly check my tire pressure. The lugs of the tire should be flat on the ground all the way across. If the edges don't touch, pressure is to high. If the sidewalls bulge or the edges of the lugs are more than barely touching, your pressure is low.

Easy visual check to do. And more importantly easy enough to do you can do it when the load changes. Such as when picking up stuff in the loader or strapping something on the 3pt.

Just don't go above the Max pressure noted on the sidewall.

Cars have high speed & heat related issues to worry about necessitating much more rigorous tire pressure checking. Low pressure overheats tired & causes blowouts. It also creates lateral stability issues when cornering hard at speed.

Ballast liquid keeps the tires cooled on a tractor, not that they have the speed to heat the tires badly. And while there are lateral cornering forces, nothing on a tractor is "high speed".

 

[JDHunter]

Its always interesting to watch how threads go in different directions and get off-topic from the OP.

I know RimGuard works. I know RimGuard is better than salt solutions. I know RimGuard requires a few extra steps to add air and check the pressure. I know RimGuard doesnt freeze until -35F. I know I can use standard glycol based anti-freeze solutions (ethylene or propylene) in lieu of RimGuard. I know I can even use some forms of windshield wiper solutions that wont freeze until -20F. I know there are tire foams that will work as well.

My question was regarding the lifespan of RimGuard and how long that product retains its original specs over time. Its been my experience that all liquid solutions eventually break down and lose their original intended characteristics, and at times even become harmful. Without some kind of confirmation from the manufacturer I dont think I could spend the money.

As one of the other comments mentioned, it is essentially in a "closed system" inside the tire. Once the air is used up, no break down should occur and the liquid is not drying out so it should generally remain the same as the day it was installed. If you need to replace worn tires, you should be able to remove it, replace your tires and re-install it. I have worked with Rim Guard and that has been my experience.

 

[oosik]

OK - so I fired off an email to Rim Guard Corporate asking what the expected life span of the product is.

Their answer - - "Generally speaking, once Rim Guard is installed into a tire, it is in a sealed environment. This means no air or liquid can get into or out of the product so it will remain very consistent to its original state when it was installed. Hope that helps."

This reply was provided by a gentleman named - Craig - from Rim Guard Corporate.

 

[TexasBoy]

As one of the other comments mentioned, it is essentially in a "closed system" inside the tire. Once the air is used up, no break down should occur and the liquid is not drying out so it should generally remain the same as the day it was installed.

Thanks for your input, however I dont agree with that conclusion. Ive seen lots of things that were in sealed containers that broke down sitting on a shelf. Hence the term 'Shelf life", usually alluding to how long something will stay in its original state, even when sealed. Oxygen not being present doesnt always guarantee something will stay within its original specs. If that were the case you could buy a sealed barrel of gasoline and it would last forever, which we all know is not the case. Solutions and compounds often breakdown over time, I dont see where RimGuard would be exempt from that, so with that in mind Ive just been wondering how long before that product breaks down also. If it does remain the same forever, Id love to see the data supporting that, because that would be cool as heck how they got around Father Time.

 

[TexasBoy]

OK - so I fired off an email to Rim Guard Corporate asking what the expected life span of the product is.

Their answer - - "Generally speaking, once Rim Guard is installed into a tire, it is in a sealed environment. This means no air or liquid can get into or out of the product so it will remain very consistent to its original state when it was installed. Hope that helps."

This reply was provided by a gentleman named - Craig - from Rim Guard Corporate.

Thank you sir ! Straight from the horses mouth as they say. :thumbsup:

 

[sandyc]

Let's see....I am 72 and my new B3350 hsdc has rim guard filled rear tires. If the lifespan is in excess of 20 years I am guessing that I probably won't know or be able to care if there is a failure and the tires start exuding a milk shake substance. Now, I wouldn't mind being around to observe that but hey let's be realistic. On to the next windmill!!!!!

 

[Toolguy]

How long has Rimguard been around? I have had it in the rear tires of my B3030 since 2005. I don't think it was a new product then so there must be some history of it's performance for more than 10 years. Does anyone on here have any experience with it for longer than I have. The proof of how long it lasts is in real world use, not projected life span.

 

[My Hoe]

How long has Rimguard been around? I have had it in the rear tires of my B3030 since 2005. I don't think it was a new product then so there must be some history of it's performance for more than 10 years. Does anyone on here have any experience with it for longer than I have. The proof of how long it lasts is in real world use, not projected life span.

Words of wisdom, Toolguy.

I hope the relevant party agrees.

My Hoe

 

[TexasBoy]

How long has Rimguard been around? I have had it in the rear tires of my B3030 since 2005. I don't think it was a new product then so there must be some history of it's performance for more than 10 years. Does anyone on here have any experience with it for longer than I have. The proof of how long it lasts is in real world use, not projected life span.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you seen the inside of your wheels in that 10 years time to see what the wheel looks like now? Again thanks for the input.

Words of wisdom, Toolguy.

I hope the relevant party agrees.

My Hoe

For sure that info of 10 years with the product is good first-hand info, Im grateful for anything anyone can share.

To be honest I find it interesting my inquiries are met with a bit of cynicism by many, I dont see why its heresy to look for verifiable facts before purchasing something as expensive as that stuff is and not rely on hear-say and/or sales pitches. But Ive ran into this same consensus on other forums with other things, boats, trucks, etc, so I guess its human nature.

 

[boggen]

for my property, i have to deal with thorn trees and bushes. and then just some how finding a stinking nail some place. that causes a leak.

due to tire sizes are large enough, and more so heavy enough. it is easier for me to have equipment on hand to handle filling / unfilling the tires of a liquid. this is were my 30 gallon spot sprayer comes in hand with its 12v on demand pump. a few generic fittings, some valves, and a better tire nipple fluid filler fitting. and it can make your job easier dealing with tires. and all you need is the liquid you will be using.

to note it, when i end up getting a leak, from some thorn / nail. generally it means loosing almost half of the fluid before i realize it and get it back to the shed.

it really is not all that difficult to deal with filling up and or sucking out the fluid in a tire, it can be somewhat of a hassle initially (never doing it before) but after a couple times, you get things figured out and things lined up, and away it goes.

having a cherry picker / engine lift (not engine stand) can also help with removing tires and putting them back on. due to overall size and weight of tire and rim (when not filled with a fluid).

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i realize your question is to life time of rim guard. but for me it is not life time, but is it cheap, is it safe when it leaks out from a puncture, and can i get it readily and quickly locally?

it can be rather dangerous running a tire half full of fluid. the fluid will splash a lot more inside the tire causing entire tractor to shake, vs getting the fluid 75% or so filled with fluid 75% is basically having vale located at 12 o'clock. and filling to point you are no longer getting air coming out as you put fluid into the tire. this helps keep the splashing down inside the tractor, and rim fully covered under the fluid. and it gives some air in the tire. to help allow tire to deform some as it rolls over the ground. and gives some shock absorbance.

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again i am for DIY filling of tires, and just buying the fluid and putting it in yourself. it costs more up front getting things. but long run most likely cheaper and easier over all. more so when you do have to deal with a leak.