Loading Tires? What to for Liquid to use?

whitmerlegacyfarm · May 24, 2011

Hey Guys,
So i need to get these rear tires loaded ASAP on the new DK50SE HST. Can't really do a whole lot without the weight back there. So one of the farmers i know well has the equipment/tools needed to feel the tires. So i guess what i'm wondering is what do you all use or recommend the best thing is to put in the?

Antifreeze, Windshield washer fluid,... lol that's all i got right now this my first CUT. I just know i need the weight back there can't do any loader work really.

Should i load only the rear or all four tires.

And also they get filled what like 3/4 of the way full? I have never saw it done.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

rabidracin · May 24, 2011

I used windshield washer fluid in mine. Two biggest reasons were price and availability. I bought it from my local Sams Club and installed it myself. I do think rim guard is the way to go if you have to pay someone to do it.

k0ua · May 24, 2011

If you do use WW fluid, make sure it is the winter blend, a little hard to find this time of year at least around here. it will be marked on the jug. the temp. should be at least -20 some is -32... the summer blend is +32. the freezing point of water. I dont know if it gets cold where the OP is but you dont want it to freeze. I used RV anti-freeze in mine, pricey, but non toxic... Yes 75 percent. turn the valve stems to 12 o'clock. add fluid just to the valve stems, no more, then fill to your normal air pressure.. just do the rears. Jack it up to just barely off the ground. do one at a time, let most of the air out, but leave a little pressure to help keep bead seated. Have the proper adapter with the "burp" valve. Fill, about 2 or 3 gallons (I used a drill pump) burp a little air out, fill some more, repeat. I counted gallons, after consulting a chart (internet). fill with air. enjoy. Or take it to RimGuard dealer, pay when done. Non toxic, weighs more, costs some more, but less work.

James K0UA

High Compression · May 25, 2011

I have RV Antifreeze in one tractor and Rimguard (sugar beet juice) in another. The Rimguard weighs alot more than anything else and it wasn't too expensive. The tire guy came to my shop and loaded them up. The Rimguard is almost 12 lbs per gal. and is non corrosive to your wheels and tires and bio-degradable. I personally will use just that from now on. P.S. Only fill the rear tires.

kco · May 25, 2011

I put Rim Guard in my DK35. The tire shop came out and did it onsite. The valve stems should be high quality as beet juice can dissolve the adhesive on cheaper ones. The tire shop changed the valve core on mine and said that is all that is required instead of changing the entire stem.

Rim Guard cost about the same as calcium chloride would have cost and is the most environmentally friendly of the options. Another supplier of beet juice is Bio Tire.

Sublifer · May 25, 2011

My dealer put plain water in my tires when I bought it. He never even asked me if I'd like something else. As Ive heard from others, rim guard (beet juice) is best, calcium chloride is nasty stuff, 50/59 mix of water and antifreeze seems to be pretty popular too. I've never heard if using windshield washer fluid before... I'd have thought the ammonia wouldn't be good for tires...

Curious, why are some of you recommending only to load the rear tires? I always thought more weight was better... I'd think it would give better traction on 4wd as well as balancing any heavier rear implements. So why just rears?

Whitnel · May 25, 2011

A deere dealer I was talking to last weekend said they used water and methanol. The methanol sounded dangerous to me but I guess they know what they are doing.

k0ua · May 25, 2011

Whitnel said:
A deere dealer I was talking to last weekend said they used water and methanol. The methanol sounded dangerous to me but I guess they know what they are doing.

Of course Windshield Washer fluid is just water, methanol and a little blue dye. They are just making their own Windshield Washer fluid at a cheaper price than buying it in the 1 gallon jugs. The only concern, and it is a minor concern is if and when you let the air out of the tire the methanol vapor that comes out is flameable. Do not have a open flame nearby when doing so. Probably a pretty low risk, Guys have been running WW fluid (water methanol mix) for many years. Methanol is poison to ingest, as is Ethylene Glycol (regular anti-freeze) so don't go sucking on your loaded tires. RimGuard is non toxic, tho I have heard it stinks.

James K0UA

oldnslo · May 25, 2011

Sublifer said:
Curious, why are some of you recommending only to load the rear tires? I always thought more weight was better... I'd think it would give better traction on 4wd as well as balancing any heavier rear implements. So why just rears?

Depends on what you will be doing with your tractor.
If a lot of loader work then filling the front tires doesn't make much sense.

If 99% heavy equipment on the 3PH then filling the front tires would be a benefit Vs the Banana weights.

Roy

XSKIER · May 25, 2011

If it were my tractor, definitely hold out for the rim guard. It is twice the weight of any of the alcohols. In my experience, you will pay the same for washer fluid, or propylene and twice as much for ethyl-glycol. On my tiny 425, I had the valve stems changed, then filled with rim guard. The cost was $25 each. The result: empty 33 lbs., loaded, 180 lbs!