Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: water in my tires??
[ View Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Return to Tractor Talk ]
Posted by BMR on August 21, 1998 at 23:27:00:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: water in my tires?? posted by MGB on August 15, 1998 at 21:23:00:
: : : I must respectfully disagree with Kevin's comments below about wheel weights being a better alternative than liquid ballast in the tires. Given two identical tractors with one having liquid in the tires and the other having the same amount of wheel weights, the first tractor will win a pulling contest every time. There is much more advantage to the weight placement directly on the tread of the tire contacting the ground. Secondly, the liquid ballast does not impose the same loading on the axles and bearings that wheel weights or suitcase weights do. Liquid in the tires never gets in the way when doing maintenance or driving close to obstructions, as some wheel weights do. When installed with some freeze preventative, there are no problems at all with the water. Lastly, water plus a little antifreeze is much cheaper than any wheel weights I've ever seen for sale. : : The liquid in the tires will get in the way when fixing a flat or changing a tire. None of the mixtures talked about should be dumped on the ground. : : All the weight is on the tread reguardless of liquid or wheel weights. The center of gravity would be slightly lower with liquid because the tires should never be more than 75% full. This might help a little to prevent tipping. : : My manual says not to put liquid balast in the front wheels as it can cause damage to the front wheel drive train from loads. It makes for a stiffer tire. : : It is not easy to remove liquid weight when you do not need it (mowing). : : With a small tractor liquid may add less weight than you think, remember the tires are only 75% full and water is only 8 lbs a gal. and washer fluid even less. Calcium is heavier but more toxic and very corrosive. : Come on guys, get real! They've been using water in tractor tires for years. It's an excellent weight enhancer. You don't ever have to remove it. It's good for any job. A little anti-freeze and your good for the winter. I'm always amazed at the reasons people can give for doing or not doing something. Go with the fluid balast first. Fluid flows with the motion of the machine and always maintains a low center of gravity, and does not load the tires or the bearings. If you don't like it, take it out. If you need MORE weight, then add the wheel weights. Wheel weights don't load the bearings, but they do load the tires. Not heavy enough yet? Now go with the suitcase weights. Be aware, however, that they load the tires and the bearings. By now, though, the tractor is so heavy from traction aids that you will need tire chains to climb a hill in wet weather. Maybe studs would be better...
Follow Ups:
Post a Followup
|