Rear tire fill - your thoughts appreciated

North Idaho Wolfman

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Anti-freeze will destroy wheel rims - just like it does bare engine blocks after +1m miles running at high temps.
You do know that RV antifreeze is not the same as automotive engine antifreeze.
 

torch

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Would anyone like to comment on their experiences with WW Fluid or any other fluid - or for that matter - the process?
I did the WW fill. -45° C freeze point. No problems in winter. No signs of corrosion a few years later when I changed tires.

I think most of the pros and cons of liquid weight (I hesitate to call it "ballast" -- to me "ballast" implies "counterweight") have been touched upon already, but I will mention that filling tires with liquid affects the "suspension" (ie: ability of the tire to absorb bumps). Hard to notice at 50% full, getting quite evident at 75% full. I subjectively found the 50% fill to be equally effective at ensuring a solid contact patch between tires and ground in use. More didn't seem to noticeably improve traction.
 

Nicksacco

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Great ideas and discussion - thanks all to everyone.

I'll give this topic some further thought including how I plan to use the machine with and without the backhoe.
 

McMXi

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I hesitate to call it "ballast" -- to me "ballast" implies "counterweight"
I think you make a good point about liquid ballast affecting the ability of the tire to soften the ride. Cab suspension would be nice I'm sure, but a good seat and particularly a good air ride seat goes a long way to offsetting the reduction in sidewall flex.

However, I think the term "ballast" is absolutely appropriate when talking about the addition of liquid to a tire. Liquid ballast lowers the center of gravity of a tractor therefore increasing stability.

ballast
1 of 2 noun
: a heavy substance (such as rocks or water) placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloonor submarine)

: something that gives stability (as in character or conduct)
tossed several tons of ballast overboard

Rim Guard says "
Beet Juice Tire Ballast is the heaviest non-corrosive tire ballast on the market
 
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johnjk

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As I am nearing completion of my project:


I am contemplating different kinds of fluids for the rear tires (15 X 19.5 NHS)

Using the formula from RimGuard https://www.rimguardsolutions.com/tire-fill-tools\

I figure I can use up to 29 gallons per tire.

The least expensive thing folks seem to be using is windshield wiper fluid.
The price is decent and a 55 gallon drum is easily obtained.
Living in NC, I don't get much snow or long term freezing weather - and the L35 lives in a comfortable house.

I've found tire filling tools everywhere and I already have a small pump for the job.
Would anyone like to comment on their experiences with WW Fluid or any other fluid - or for that matter - the process?
I did the ww fluid that was -20 rated on my B3200. I just used a 5gal bucket and a small fluid pump. Worst part was stopping to relieve the air pressure so it takes more fluid. At the time I just hit my local RK and bought cases of fluid at 1.30 a gallon. I would have targeted Rimguard but I didn’t have any way to haul it in and didn’t want to pay the 200 pickup/delivery fee. My local dealer doesn’t do it but his pickup/delivery is only $50. I had to go up around an hour from where I live to have it done. No issues with leaks or freezing in the winter. Can definitely tell the difference doingFEL work.
 
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Dchemphill1

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I used Rim Guard(heavier product) on my L3901. I also widened the stance of wheels. Both things made a huge difference to hillside stability. Would not venture on hilly ground without it! Don’t like the pucker feeling at all.
 
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Shawn T. W

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I mean, my unit lives in a heated garage, but I figured the dollar a gallon for washer fluid was cheap insurance for any extenuating circumstances I may stumble into.
Not sure when, or where you got it for a buck ... I'm seeing $5-$6 a gallon at the truck stops now ... Even bulk 55 gallon drum is $130, plus shipping ...

Other than the $15 adapter ... Just need a garden hose . . . https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/slime-air-water-adapter-kit-with-bleeder-valve

IMG_20230426_055329570.jpg


Rotate to the desired level of fill ... And let excess out ...!

IMG_20230426_055449102.jpg


OP is looking at about 58 gallons ...

While I consider filled tires or wheel weights "ballast" they do nothing to counteract the weight if using loader ... Yes they may help keep your rear tires on the ground, but they are not removing of the weight up front ...
 

Trash Panda

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Not sure when, or where you got it for a buck ... I'm seeing $5-$6 a gallon at the truck stops now ... Even bulk 55 gallon drum is $130, plus shipping ...

Other than the $15 adapter ... Just need a garden hose . . . https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/slime-air-water-adapter-kit-with-bleeder-valve

View attachment 164208

Rotate to the desired level of fill ... And let excess out ...!

View attachment 164209

OP is looking at about 58 gallons ...

While I consider filled tires or wheel weights "ballast" they do nothing to counteract the weight if using loader ... Yes they may help keep your rear tires on the ground, but they are not removing of the weight up front ...
If you want a good price on anything, the truck stop isn’t the place to be looking.

I got 60 one gallon jugs of winter blend washer fluid from my local Menards last spring on sale, for a dollar a gallon plus tax. Plan B was going to be mixing my own water & methanol purchased from a local fuel distributor.
 
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PoTreeBoy

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Great ideas and discussion - thanks all to everyone.

I'll give this topic some further thought including how I plan to use the machine with and without the backhoe.
This is a timely subject, since I have the backhoe off my L35. Kubota recommends tire ballast for traction or stability, but not with the backhoe mounted. As if adding and removing ballast is a trivial pursuit.
1000006625.png

The front is very heavy and the loader can't be removed. Even with the grapple weight sitting on the floor, the rear tires are noticeably light. Tomorrow I need to mount the rear blade on the 3 ph. It's a cat 2 convertible, so it's pretty heavy. I'll have to turn the lift pins around to fit it. I think it'll work fine as a counterweight with the loader, but It'll be interesting to see how it pulls when I take that weight off to grade with it.
 

torch

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Muskoka, Ont.
ballast
1 of 2 noun
: a heavy substance (such as rocks or water) placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloonor submarine)
I don't question the effect of liquid in the tires of lowering the centre of gravity, and therefore improving side-to-side stability. I am however drawing a distinction between side-to-side stability vs fore-and-aft stability, within the context of the OP removing his backhoe.
 
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