Tire Fill- Magnesium???

[nivrig]

I was at my local JD dealer today and inquired about filling the tires on my 3320. They referred me to a local tire dealer who uses magnesium to fill the tires. I have never heard of using magnesium for filling the tires before. Personally I'm a little leary about using Magnesium. How about you guys. What's your thoughts on this???

sam

 

[jdbower]

I'm guessing he means a magnesium salt - possibly just because it's easier to come by in your area than calcium chloride (maybe it's a waste product from a local industry?). It should be just as safe as CaCl, but I wouldn't want to fill the tires with either. If any oxygen gets to metal that contacts this (if the fluid level drops below the rim top or if it leaks out somehow onto the axle) it will rust VERY quickly. My preference is something non-corrosive but with a low freezing point - used antifreeze seems much safer but there are also specialized fluids like Rim Guard that may be even better.

 

[jd110]

We use magnesium chloride to fill tires at our shop. It is less corrosive than calcium chloride and heavier than antifreeze. It is still corrosive but to a lesser degree and it is safer for the environment in case of a leak into the soil.

 

[nivrig]

I tried to find rimguard but there are distributors in my area according to the rimguard manufacturer. I thought about washer fluid, am still considering it, but I figured I would check with JD ti see what they recommended. At this point in time all I know is that I need something in the tires and would like to make the right choice.