need cheap source to fill tires ballast

[case310350]

Need to load tires, a couple years ago washer fluid was a 1.00 a gallon, now just shy of 2. Anyplace sell bulk, or any suggestions for ballast. temps near 0 sometimes, so can't freeze.

 

[Jchonline]

What about a super concentrate washer fluid? You might have to add methanol to lower freezing point, but you can get creative. Disclaimer: I have not tried this personally, so I have no idea if it works! But you said cheap!

2/1 Pro Formula 88 Super Concentrate - (Part#: TT88) ∼ All Battery Sales and Service

 

[shooterdon]

Menards had it on sale a few months ago when I did mine. $1.29 a gallon IIRC. Rated for -20*

 

[George2615]

I did mine when washer fluid was on sale too. It's probably the cheapest fluid you'll find to add to tires for weight. Watch for it on sale and buy what you need. I got mine from local TSC store. Manager was kinda surprised when I asked for 70 gallons and asked what I was using it for. I guess I was the first customer he had that was going to use it for ballast in tires. They had no problem selling to me and even loaded it in my truck.

 

[kennyd]

NAPA will sell WWF in 55gal drums, I got a better price through Fastenal but I have a commercial account there.

 

[LouNY]

While I don't like it calcium chloride flake with water will provide freeze protected weight the last I knew it was the cheapest initial weight, it is corrosive when spilled.
I much prefer iron weights but they are more expensive.

 

[oosik]

Man - I had calcium chloride solution in the rear tires of my previous tractor. NEVER AGAIN Probably least expensive - windshield washer fluid or maybe recreational vehicle antifreeze.

My Kubota M6040 has 1550 pounds of RimGuard in the rear tires. Had it now for nine years - simply love it.

 

[Sheldon Hamblin]

Well, it could be the way the initial installation of calcium is made. Back in 1989 I purchased a new John Deere 850 from a well known dealership about 100 miles from me. This was in R-1's. Now, I was religious about replacing the tire valve cores annual, cleaning up whatever spillage there was, and keeping the stem area covered inWD-40. Never had a bit of rust in 20 years. Then, due to weather cracking I replaced the tires at a tire place that was the only one to handle calcium. Lasted 2 years before severe rust stated on those rims.
When I replaced the tractor, I had the tires loaded with windshield washer fluid at the recommendation of the tractor dealership (Kioti).
I only replaced the tractor due to 4 back surgeries and just couldn't move snow anymore with a clutch and went hydrostatic .
However, I agree, beet juice weighs the most, and is safe, but expensive. WW fluid is cheaper and probably just as safe, if not as heavy .

 

[LouNY]

I think between mine ( just 1 left) and the farm we have about 8 more rims to repair or replace from decades of calcium.
My last repair on my 574 took 3 days with the painting and all, a full 8 hours of wire wheel brushing and welding and grinding down and rewelding.

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Here in the far north I did a DIY fill of my turfs with washer fluid, and radiator anti freeze concentrate. The washer fluid is -45C rated and a ratio of about 20 - 25% anti freeze.

All the fluids were bought on sale over spring and summer. The install was a bit time consuming for the first wheel, much faster for the second. Hardware like the valve stem adapter and an old set of washer hoses were not a large expense.

People will complain these fluids are toxic to the ground and such if spilled. But concentrated salt water is also.

For the cost of materials and all I happy with the results.
My 5 cents of experience and opinion.