Tips for Filling Your Tractor Tires
Ships of old used rock ballasts to even out their loads or to weight their holds while they were empty. This same weight distribution concept is why you might need to use ballast fluid to weight your tractor tires under certain circumstances. One of the main reasons you might want to add weight to the rear of your tractor is because the overall weight of the machine is too light in comparison to the weight of your implements or if your task requires more tractive force than your tractor can apply at its factory weight. Additional good candidates for tasks with ballasts in your tires are lifting heavy loads with your front end loader such as lifting round bales, moving dirt, etc. Ballasting your tires is a simple, cost-effective way to balance out mass, to lower your center of gravity and to gain better traction. Here are a few things you need to know before you get started.
Purchase an Air/Water Valve
First things first. You need an air/water adapter kit. We offer a fast-flow valve complete w/ 2 extra bushings (467 & 468) to all air/water valves in use today. This allows you to connect a standard garden hose to your tin valves
The Most Economical Ballast
Water is cheapest and works great, other options are windshield wiper fluid, polyurethane foam, calcium chloride or beet juice (no, really!). But no need to get fancy here or to overthink this one. Water works wonderfully. Start there.
Consider Adding Anti-Freeze
50/50 anti-freeze & water in the winter will prevent water freezing in the tire. Though this isn't typically necessary here in South Texas, if you're further north, you'll probably want to add anti-freeze.
Jack Up Tractor / Use Jack Stands
You'll definitely want the tractor jacked up off the ground for ease and safety while filing. Also, be sure your valve stems are at the top of each tire as you begin to fill.
Always Follow The 75% Rule
Only fill to 75% volume / leave 25% air to balance pressure. With the stem at the top, fill your tire with liquid to just below that. You can feel the tire while filling to tell where the level is. It will be colder or you can thump the tire and hear the difference. Also, you'll want to thump it to make sure the pressure is not getting too high; if it is, unscrew the valve and bleed some air out. Then reattach the water hose and continue to fill.
Bleed Air Out While Filling
It is vital that you let the air out of the tires several times when filling them with water. If you do not bleed the air out, the tire could explode from the pressure and cause serious injury. A few thumps as you're filing should tell you when the pressure is building sufficiently and requires bleeding off.
You Can Ballast Just Front Or Just Back Tires
It is perfectly fine to fill just one set of tires - either front or back - if the situation calls for this. If your rear implement is heavy, you can ballast the front tires to balance weight and to gain better traction or vice versa.
When Not To Ballast
Having your tires filled with liquid while road driving increases fuel consumption and decreases ability to steer as well. You also don't need ballasts when you're not using implements. Ballasts are not ideal in a situation when you need to be careful of the ground/turf you're driving over as the heavier weight is more likely to tear up ground.
The flatter your tractor is on the ground, the better it functions. Balancing out weight distribution and decreasing slippage not only make the job easier and save time but also decrease wear and tear on your tires and axles. Under the right circumstances, ballasting is a great way to gain efficient traction and to improve your tractor’s stability.