windshield washer fluid ballast long term issues?

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    • January 18, 2015 at 10:27 am #30985
      fido
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        Hi Guys,
        anyone out there sorry that they put windshield washer fluid in their tires for ballast? I know that chloride is a horrible thing for rims, just wondering if the blue stuff has any side effects. In the winter for pushing and blading snow I need the weight, in the summer for mowing I want it light as a feather. I can’t use suitcase weights because of the loader and I didn’t purchase any wheel weights for the rear. Can I put “some” fluid in the tires and not “fill” them, or would it bounce like a clown car? I am so undecided. Chains? I fear that they will tear stuff up as some of my neighbors that need my help are over 2 miles away. Any suggestions guys?

        Code 347 CLDTI

      • January 19, 2015 at 9:13 am #37447
        DavidPrivett
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          I think I would go the route of antifreeze before window washer fluid, the only downside that I know of is if you got a big leak it would taint the ground for awhile. So if I was to do it do not put it in rotten tires and use tubes.

        • January 19, 2015 at 9:18 am #37448
          DavidPrivett
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            I do not know if you have a farmers co-op near by but ours does that service with a alcohol mix.

          • January 19, 2015 at 11:32 am #37449
            mariner
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              How about using RV antifreeze – it is safe and does not contaminate potable water systems. Buying in bulk would likely reduce the cost per gallon and is completely safe. Not sure on the corrosion aspects, though I would guess that it would be good.

            • January 24, 2015 at 5:27 pm #37465
              fido
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                Update;
                I called most of the local farm tire stores and found one that carries the non-corrosive ballast. BEET juice! Yeah, I know. Anyway, I found out it is $4.00 a gallon, 10lbs. per gallon, good down to -35F, and they will fill them to 75%. So, . . . I need to get this done this summer as I don’t want to pay for mileage out to my place nor do I want to pull the wheels off and deliver them in the winter. Work smarter, . . . Now, all 4 or just the back ones ?

                Code 347 CLDTI

              • January 25, 2015 at 12:47 pm #37467
                yocsr
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                    Beet juice (Rim Guard) is almost as heavy as calcium. I couldn't find anyone around here loading rim guard so I opted for rv55 over calcium. It's not as heavy but not corrosive either. I got calcium in the old Ford and had to replace a rim – it ate it up. After the fact a guy mentioned foam filling and said it was cheaper. I know they use to foam fill the mine equipment tires around here, could run them down to the cords. The foam is spongy like a super ball so the ride wasn't as bad as you might think. If he'd mentioned it before hand I would have seriously looked at that option.

                • January 25, 2015 at 12:54 pm #37468
                  yocsr
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                      By the way the tire shop said with the loader not to load the fronts. They said with the loader there's enough weight stess on the front end components and not to add to it. 

                  • January 25, 2015 at 1:22 pm #37470
                    DavidPrivett
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                      have you tried to find cast iron wheel weights, both of my tractors came with those so I have never needed any fluid or the hassle that goes with it. but dealing with the wheel weights when you work on the tire is a another matter! I use a shop crane.

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