"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2)
08/06/2018 at 22:54 • Filed to: Tractorlopnik
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"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2)
08/06/2018 at 22:54 • Filed to: Tractorlopnik | 1
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Today I paid nearly $500 to make a vehicle I own heavier. Intentionally. By nearly 1600lbs (~725kg).
And I learned that RimGuard®, the non-toxic, non-corr osive, high density , freeze-proof liquid safe for use as ballast in tubeless tires - which is a by-product of sugar-beet molasses production- smells a little bit like worcestershire sauce.
AestheticsInMotion
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
08/06/2018 at 23:30 |
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Please don't get a flat, please don't get a flat, please don't get a flat
atfsgeoff
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
08/06/2018 at 23:47 |
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I thought most guys just used RV/
marine antifreeze as tire ballast?
SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
08/06/2018 at 23:52 |
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I had no idea that ballasting tractor tyres was a thing. But then I do vaguely recall one of the family tractors having water put into the rear tyres on one occasion...
I need to know more since the next vehicular purchase may well be a tractor...
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> atfsgeoff
08/07/2018 at 00:11 |
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RV anti-freeze is actually somewhat more expensive than RimGuard, and RimGuard is about 30% denser than plain water, whereas propylene glycol treated water is actually slightly less dense than plain water. 30% can make a big difference. The price difference isn’t such a big deal for smaller tires, but when you’ re talking about an application like mine, where I need 144 gallons, that 50-cent a gallon price difference adds up.
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atfsgeoff
> JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
08/07/2018 at 00:13 |
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Enlightening, thanks! I dream of the day that I own enough land where I could make use of a utility tractor.
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JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
08/07/2018 at 00:32 |
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If you have tube tires it’s much easier and cheaper, also if you are using the tractor in a non-agricultural setting the toxicity of your ballast isn’t such a big concern. Calcium Chloride solution is cheap (and easy to make at home), is nearly 40% denser than plain water and has to get below - 50 F to freeze. It is however somewhat toxic if ingested, kills plants in high concentrations and is corrosive as fuck to steel. Tube tires are generally fine with chloride in them, and if you aren’t worried about animals getting into it in a leak situation, or killing grass/crops in your field it’s still a reliable and cheap ballasting liquid. Putting chloride in tubeless tires is asking for disaster when the rims rust through from the inside a few years down the line. Propylene glycol antifreeze is non toxic, has similar freeze resistance, but is actually fractionally less dense than plain water. Some people use windshield washer fluid, it can be even cheaper than chloride, but only offers freeze protection, not higher mass and is generally toxic (especially the cheap stuff). RimGuard is the only product that tics all the boxes of high density, non-toxic, freeze-proof, and non-corrosive. Edit: not the only, but the only nationally available. There a several regional brands made with various plant/vegetable processing byproducts. Of course if you can live without the 30% density gain, and you never have freezing weather plain water a little vegetable oil to help keep the metal from rusting is cheap to the point of being almost free. It’s not hard to load smaller tires yourself. You really only need a valve adapter (~$8), a pump of some kind and a regular floor jack. Bigger tires are a bigger pain. I’m happy to have spent the money on the hour and a half of labor at the tractor service place to have them do the 420/85-30s on the Zetor with dedicated equipment.