Tires Ballast in tires

[kootenai]

Ballast in tires. How do I know if it is in there? Hopefully a simple question. I am looking at a L3400 and the seller does not know if there is ballast in the tire. How do I easily answer that question? Push on the valve stem and liquid comes out?

 

[T Dew]

I'll be curious to know if there is a better way. That's what I have always done. If you get just air, then there is no ballast. I can't think of another way, but I have learned a lot on this forum. I'll be right here watching with you.

 

[Loadstar]

Not sure how big the tractor is but if I rock the WD45 I'm working on or my 640 I can easily hear it sloshing. (Engine is off of course) I would just poke valve stem.
Easiest way is to try to lift it haha just kiddin

 

[k0ua]

Just press in the valve stem with the tire at 6 o'clock (at least not at 12:00 o'clock) and see what comes out. Of course you can see the fluid level on a cool high humidity morning. The portion of the tire with fluid will have moisture on it and the upper portion of the tire will be dry. you can also detect the fluid level by "thumping" it with you knuckles like "thumping" a watermelon and listening for the change in density. This requires some experience and practice.

James K0UA

 

[AStanton]

I would remove the valve stem cap and examine the valve. If you see stuff that looks like and smells like grasshopper vomit, then they are loaded.

 

[Ted Summey]

+ 1 on Push the valve stem with it between 4 and 8. Fluid will come out. Some fluids can cause a chemical burn so be careful (calcium chloride).

 

[kootenai]

Excellent! I see there is a hierarchy of materials for ballast. First, calcium chloride; next, beet juice; and finally, Grasshopper vomit. I believe it is necessary to wear a hazmat suit when handling the vomit of grass hoppers so I may hire this one out.

 

[cartod]

Weight in tires is not ballast. Ballast is counter balance. You cannot get counter balance without weight behind the rear axle.

 

[Notforhire]

Weight in tires is not ballast. Ballast is counter balance. You cannot get counter balance without weight behind the rear axle.

Funny, my OM has a section on adding liquid ballast.
There are different types of ballast, for different reasons, ie front ballast.
Stability on slopes, is one benefit of loaded tires.
I will agree that to best counter balance something like a loader, the weight must be aft of the rear axle.
Weight boxes, hung on the 3PH can be filled with grasshopper vomit, but should be covered.

Best, Bill

 

[creekbend]

This site provides some info on the subject. OrangeTractorTalks | Kubota Tractor Tips, Classifieds, Specifications and Discussion Go to the section on "How to ballast tires". Hope this helps somewhat.