Ballast tire ballast in subcompact tractor

[Johnny_B]

Hello all, I'm new here and have really enjoyed this website. It has been very informative while trying to shop around for my first new subcompact (but I'm starting to lean heavily towards the GC2410).

I know a lot of the larger tractors use some type of tire weights or ballast, but what type (if any) of tire ballast do you use in your subcompacts (GC2300 through GC2610). Local dealer recommended windshield washer fluid, and I've also read about a few proprietary products made specifically for this. Do you use the fluid in all 4 wheels or just the rear?

Anyone using steel wheel weights on the rear? I have access to some steel cylinders (about 75-80 pounds each) that will just about fit perfectly in the rear wheel, but if I do this, should I also consider putting weight (i.e., washer fluid) in the front tires?

 

[LBrown59]

Hello all, I'm new here and have really enjoyed this website. It has been very informative while trying to shop around for my first new subcompact (but I'm starting to lean heavily towards the GC2410).

I know a lot of the larger tractors use some type of tire weights or ballast, but what type (if any) of tire ballast do you use in your subcompacts (GC2300 through GC2610). Local dealer recommended windshield washer fluid, and I've also read about a few proprietary products made specifically for this. Do you use the fluid in all 4 wheels or just the rear?

Anyone using steel wheel weights on the rear? I have access to some steel cylinders (about 75-80 pounds each) that will just about fit perfectly in the rear wheel, but if I do this, should I also consider putting weight (i.e., washer fluid) in the front tires?

I have the same type tractor in a Kubota BX23.
I use the BH and the loader for ballast and don't need fluid filled tires or wheel weights.

 

[NuBota]

My dealer automatically added the liquid ballast - I didn't know it when I got the BX24 - found out when I went to add air - I think it has saved me many times from tipping. I asked them about it and they said they use Rim Guard (not sure how to verify).

Do a search on "loaded tires"- I have seen Rim Guard, washer fluid, Calcium Chloride (I think), anti-freeze as some of the options - lots of good info already at hand

The decision will be based on weight (per volume,) corrosion, feelings on hazmat handling (like if you get a puncture), tubed or tubeless (might not make a difference), and, of course, cost. If your mowing, and have golf course lawn (I don't) the weight may cause problems if the form of extra compaction and/or ruts

No expert here - but I researched it before I realized I already had it. I have steep hills. Others can give better advice, but I am glad I have it.

 

[DougM]

I have a GC 2310 and I had the front tires foum loaded and use round steel wieghts
inside the Rear wheel hubs.
Loaded the front tires to stop leaking and flats as some times using the front end
loader u can get the front tires in to some bad area's

DougM

 

[Rob2310]

I have always used alcohol (methanol) in my tires without problems

 

[burtalm]

I had rim Guard in the tires of my first cut and will have it on my second cut. Can't be without ballast with a fel and my choice is rim guard. I wouldn't be without it.

 

[Travelover]

Agree with recommendation to do a search - lots of discussions on this in the past. I ended up using windshield washer fluid - it was on sale at Wally World not long ago for close to a buck a gallon.

 

[1972SprintConvertible]

How much washer fluid did you put in your tires (26x12x12)?

 

[Johnny_B]

If you haven't figured out the ammount of WW fluid to add, check out this link for fluid volumes:

Liquid Tire Ballast

 

[pathman]

So excuse my ignorance, but this is the first time I heard ofputting washer fluid in the tires for weight. I think I just might try it this winter. I want to know if when you fill your tire to about 80% I guess through the valve, do you have to add air afterwards???

 

[LBrown59]

So excuse my ignorance, but this is the first time I heard ofputting washer fluid in the tires for weight. I think I just might try it this winter. I want to know if when you fill your tire to about
1*80% I guess through the valve,
2*Do you have to add air afterwards???

1*Don't go over 75%
2*not if the air is at recommemded pressure.

 

[Zephrant]

From my JD 2210 manual:

Cover rim completely with solution to avoid corrosion, but never more than 90 percent full. More solution would leave too little air space to absorb shocks. Damage to tire could occur.

NOTE: Use of alcohol as ballast is not recommended. Calcium chloride solution is heavier and more economical.

A solution of water and calcium chloride provides safe economical ballast, and will prevent freezing. If used properly, it will not damage tires, tubes, or rims.

A mixture of 0.4 kg of calcium chloride per liter of water (3.5 lb/gal), will not freeze solid above -45ｰ C (-50ｰ F).

Fill tubeless tires at least to valve stem level (minimum 75% full). Less solution would expose part of rim, possibly causing corrosion.

Tube-type tires may be filled to any level below 90%.

I'm going to give it a try tomorrow, if I can get some tubing hooked up. I'm afraid to break the bead loose, as I've not experience re-seating them.

Looks like the 26x12-12 tires will take at least 10g each. Since I've got water-softener salt laying around, I'll use that.

Actually, since I salt water fish tanks maybe I'll just do a water change on them and use that.

 

[irvingj]

Check other posts for corrosion issues with some chemicals-- it may create problems down the road if you use water softener chemical(s) or salt water; remember, the wheels are steel. I have a GC2310 with no ballast, but sometimes wish I did, in the front: it does have problems --light on the steering-- going uphill with a blower; backhoe is still on rear, mainly for traction on my sloped driveway.

 

[Zephrant]

The corrosion bothers me too, but if JD claims it is fine right in their official documentation I'd tend to believe them. That and I'm cheap- the salt is near free and I have it on hand, but 22 gallons of windshield washer fluid costs more, and I've got to drive in to town to get it.

 

[LBrown59]

So excuse my ignorance, but this is the first time I heard ofputting washer fluid in the tires for weight. I think I just might try it this winter. I want to know if when you fill your tire to about 80% I guess through the valve, do you have to add air afterwards???

You havent been reading enough on TBN.
It is posted all over the place .
Make that 75%.

 

[Zephrant]

One thing I did note- my jug of WWF in the garage has 20% Methanol in it, and says it is good to 0 degrees F. My JD manual says that the salt is good to -50 F.

It does get below zero around here briefely, so I'm not confident enough to use 20% Methanol in my tires. It probably just gets slushy at 0, but not something I'd want to risk.

 

[jeepcj7]

There is no real point in filling the front tires unless you will be pulling a ground engaging implement such as a moldboard plow. If you have an implement that is so heavy that it requires front weight to keep the front tires on the ground when driving with the 3 pont raised, the implement is too large for the tractor.

 

[DEWFPO]

In my particular case, I blow snow on steep drives that are often uneven and off-camber. I like having extra weight on the front for steering purposes. Even though I have the blower in the float position, sometimes the weigh shift due to the slope leaves me with little steering ability. I actually have to lift the blower up to get more weight on the front wheels so I can steer.

DEWFPO

 

[radioman]

before you put cacl in your tires, i would look into rimgaurd.

I put rimguard in my tires and its its same size as yours 1972SprintConvertible.

nubota- if you turn your valve stem down lowever the 9 o clock postiion and let a little of rimgaurd out - it will look dark red , like dirty oil. All rimgaurd is, it's beet juice!!

Johnny_B - You need to have MAX of 75% of liquid ballast for tire weight. If you have 4 wheel drive, then filling all 4 is good idea on larger tracter. If you have subcompact with FEL, IMHO I prefer not to fill front since its such a tiny tire and dont want any additional weight in front with full bucket.

Zephrant - using your salt water from your fish tank -- tsk tsk . I doubt it would have same freeze protection as cacl and rimgaurd.

 

[Allan_Cen_Ont]

before you put cacl in your tires, i would look into rimgaurd.

I put rimguard in my tires and its its same size as yours 1972SprintConvertible.

nubota- if you turn your valve stem down lowever the 9 o clock postiion and let a little of rimgaurd out - it will look dark red , like dirty oil. All rimgaurd is, it's beet juice!!

Johnny_B - You need to have MAX of 75% of liquid ballast for tire weight. If you have 4 wheel drive, then filling all 4 is good idea on larger tracter. If you have subcompact with FEL, IMHO I prefer not to fill front since its such a tiny tire and dont want any additional weight in front with full bucket.

Zephrant - using your salt water from your fish tank -- tsk tsk . I doubt it would have same freeze protection as cacl and rimgaurd.

You don't want calcium chloride or salt for ballast if your tires are tubeless or it will rust the rims real quick I would either use rimguard or another non corrosive liquid for ballast to be safe and also you will need to use a tire pressure guage that is made for checking the tire pressure on fluid filled tires .