Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires

   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #1  

Redneck_Randy

Platinum Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
Messages
578
Location
Oklahoma
Tractor
2005 New Holland TC35A
The dealer used water and antifreeze for ballast in the rear tires on my new TC35. That's going to make them rust out for sure isn't?

Randy
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #2  
No
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #3  
As long as the ratio of water to antifreeze is correct it won't rust, in fact IMHO its superior than the old method of using Calcium Chloride and water which is highly corrosive. This is still used because it weighs a little more than water/antifreeze and is generally cheaper, but I've seen many rims rotted clear through from small leaks, so you're far better using antifreeze. There are other commercial products out there too that are made for wheel ballest, but probably cost more for the little extra weight you probably won't miss.

The real downside of using radiator antifreeze is that its toxic to animals if there is a major leak, plus its supposed to be sweet tasting and leathal. That bothers me a lot. Personally I load my own tires with windshield washer fluid, cheap and pretty harmless if it leaks. Weighs a little less, but who cares /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #4  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The real downside of using radiator antifreeze is that its toxic to animals if there is a major leak, plus its supposed to be sweet tasting and leathal. )</font>

Correct in that it is VERY toxic to animals (and humans). I don't know if it tastes sweets but it smells sweet and apparently the taste is attractive to animals and even children. Just a tablespoon of typical antifreeze will kill a 100# dog! For those who use anti-freeze, when you get a leak (not if, but when) make sure you hose down the area with the garden hose and use lots and lots of water.
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I called the dealer back and he said they use Propylene Glycol antifreeze not Ethylene Glycol. Did a little research on propylene glycol and found this.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSHA has not found it necessary to set an exposure limit for PG because of PG's inherent low toxicity.
PG is not considered an air pollutant and is not regulated.
PG has an acrid (bitter) taste.
PG has received a "generally recognized as safe" designation from the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical grade PG has been used safely for many years as an ingredient in foods, cosmetics, and medicinal products.
PG is metabolized to lactic acid, a normal body constituent.
PG is used as a moisturizing ingredient in many pet foods to keep the food moist and palatable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Randy
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #6  
One of my does (diary goat) developed ketosis and the vet gave her a dose of Propylene Glycol to get her metabolism back in sync. I think also this chemical is fed to lactating ruminants but Im not sure of those specifics.
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #7  
Yeah, my wife uses it on her sheep. For worms, I think.
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #8  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I called the dealer back and he said they use Propylene Glycol antifreeze not Ethylene Glycol. Did a little research on propylene glycol and found this.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSHA has not found it necessary to set an exposure limit for PG because of PG's inherent low toxicity.
PG is not considered an air pollutant and is not regulated.
PG has an acrid (bitter) taste.
PG has received a "generally recognized as safe" designation from the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical grade PG has been used safely for many years as an ingredient in foods, cosmetics, and medicinal products.
PG is metabolized to lactic acid, a normal body constituent.
PG is used as a moisturizing ingredient in many pet foods to keep the food moist and palatable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Randy )</font>

PG is used in food.
Bob
 
   / Water and antifreeze for ballast/ rear tires #10  
Randy, I think your dealer did the best/safer/cheapest solution for you all the way around, and you should be happy with that tire ballast. I sure would be. It's not the heaviest, but it will mean much, much more stability. I had my tires unloaded for over three years and then loaded them. Wow! What a difference. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

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