20051010
Roscoe, you have just made the case, again, for the value of an international list. Very interesting and informative post! I'm not a tire expert but your reasoning makes lots of sense according to what little I know about radials.
I am told by a retired NH service manager that fluid in tires contributes to impact punctures, too. Guessing tells me this is because the fluid and wt 'hardens' them.
On the other hand, given the dilution, I would not be that concerned about explosive hazards with CH4OH or whatever methanol's chem formula is. Though I am not a pro in it, from my minor hs/univ chemistry training and experience I can tell you that any common alcohol with any significant amount of water is hard to ignite. The diesel fuel in the tractor would under most circumstances be more of a hazard in any situation I can imagine. And leaking methanol solution dissapates more quickly and with less risk for harm from a pet/animal hazard standpoint than ethylene glycol, in the event of a leak.
And, BTW, I just realized that the original poster has the same size radials as my tractor. For methanol, I believe the added wt would be about 525-550 lbs per tire if he fills to the rim, more for CaCl2 solution.
A followup for you or anyone who cares to come in--
I have a TN90F New Holland "narrow" style machine, and very rolling terrain on our farm. It has 420/70-24 rear tires with a current tread width (outside) of 72 inches, fairly small for an 80 HP tractor. I've already turned it over once, though some carelessness on my part contributed.
If stability ("hill-ability" if you will, vs traction) is my goal, would your advice still apply? Would you just dish out the wheels (I can go to about 82-84 inches), add wheel wt/front suitcase wts, or both? Any light you can shed on the whys and wherefores would also be welcome.
Thanks!
Jim
ps--the many better informed on this list are always welcome to contradict me at will, just include your reasoning for my enlightenment if you don't mind.