Ballast Update on frozen ballast problem

[JohnG]

Update on the frozen ballast!
I called the dealer today. Spoke with the service rep to schedule my 50 hour service. I mentioned to her that I wanted them to check the mixture in the tires because I believe they are frozen. I also asked if it would do any damage by continuing to use it. She asked me to hold while she checked with the Service Manager. The answer I received was, don't drive in High Range and you can use it. As to why they froze, and this is a classic, The Service Manager said "the alcohol they put in must have evaporated!" but tell him we can fix it for him when we bring it in. Now, I haven't had a flat, a leak, in fact I've added air exactly once, since March when I got it; both tires were about 2psi low. I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, but after hanging up, I was left with the distinct impression that they plan on trying to charge me for the replacement of this "evaporated" alcohol. The incredible stupidity of that statement makes me question how honest they're being. Is this really as ridiculous as it sounds to me. Anyway, can anyone tell what they paid for the 50 hour service on their 2210? I want to make sure there are no extra charges.
Thanks for the feedback, This forum has been great for a newbie.
John

 

[cpicton1]

Does the alcohol evaporate from your winter formula windshield washer fluid? Sounds like bull to me.

 

[JerryG]

John,
I know of tractors that have had the same methanol alcohol in the tires for 40 years and they are still fine. My guess would be that someone didn't put enough alcohol in.

 

[DK35vince]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My guess would be that someone didn't put enough alcohol in. )</font>

If any !!

 

[Hambone]

Everybody makes mistakes, lets see if they will admit it, which is always the hard part!!

 

[stuart]

Just for fun why not open up the tire nozzle and draw some of the fluid out and see if it will freeze in your freezer or smell it to see if there is any trace of alcohol?

 

[PerryWhite]

I am certainly a novice but I thought tire ballast mixtures
were supposed to be calcium chloride. I have learned something that I didn't know

 

[raynman]

PerryWhite,

To my knowledge they don't use calcium chloride anymore or at least around me in Michigan they don't.

I have been told and don't know this for a fact that calcium chloride will rust the rims over time. I know it's not good for your fields or lawn if you get a flat. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Beet juice is what is in my tires, or that's what I was told and is what most people claim they have in their tires around my area /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

 

[zuiko]

I'm guessing they dilluted and went overboard instead of using it straight. They used antifreeze in mine, not sure of the dillution factor but I havent had a problem.

 

[higgy]

The alcohol that would be in your tire is mixed into the water making an alcohol/water solution. This changes the physical properties of both of the materials making up the solution, i.e. the freezing point of the water, and the vaporization point of the alcohol. It would be very unlikely that the alcohol would vaporize especially in the winter with cold temperatures.

He is blowing hot air.