I have a 3 year old Bx23s-1 that has slowly been leaking fluid out of both rear tires. Bought tractor with tires loaded. measuring information is very difficult as valves at 12 spits out nasty very salty clear liquid. Finally figured out If I do it quickly I can get a reading. Found them both a bit low. Have to over inflate a bit and the leaking slows but still have wet tires at the lowest point. Tires clearly say rimguard (beet juice) Dealer claims to have installed a product called ballast star. Anybody have experience like this?
Rim Guard
- Thread starter Fayette
- Start date
Quick internet research says Ballast Star is basically calcium chloride with rust inhibitor. How well it inhibits rust remains to be questioned. I would start by getting a spray bottle of soapy water to spray around the rim/tire bead and valve stem to inspect for leaks.
Quick tip, inflate tire first with air at 12 o'clock position to 'clear' the valve before measuring with gauge.
Quick tip, inflate tire first with air at 12 o'clock position to 'clear' the valve before measuring with gauge.
I had a problem with the rear wheels on my BX22, where the tractor wouldn't move; the rims would spin in the center of the tires. I resolved the problem by laying the tires flat on the ground first on the rear, and using a tire bead breaker (manual labor), I got the bead down enough to sand the inside of the rim where the tire bead seated on it. Flipped it over and aired it to seat the rear bead, then took the valve stem out and did the same to the other side of the rim. Sanding the powder coat gave the tire bead enough friction to end the slipping issue. Took the better part of the day to get the two rims done, but I work slowly and carefully so I don't get hurt. The biggest problem that I had was lifting the tires to get them back onto the tractor.
I miss spelled I could not measure the tire pressure even at 12: o’clock spitting out salty brine.
Great tip to fill with air first. I called the dealer where we bought the tractor with cash, service manager never mentioned that. I also think since the tire has Rim Guard on it with an 800 number to call. They probably should have Rim Guard installed. I sending them some pictures but I do not trust these people at all.
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I will inspect for leaks but it’s pretty clear that it’s coming out around the rim. I have read that the ballast star has had complaints about corrosion. I understand that the oil they mix with the Calcium floats on top and circulates to protect from corrosion. Rest assured what comes out of the value at 12 o’clock is pure salt. I captured a little and tasted it.
130 hours on the machine and most have been pretty gentle.
Thanks for the feedback and I’ll let you all know, when I know
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
@Fayette
I believe you are confusing the use of rim guard on the tire and the ballast product called Rim Guard.
On a tire there is a method of projecting the rubber over the rim to protect the rim from damage. I think your tire has a “rim guard” not that it should be filled with Rim Guard.
This is one internet description of a tire rim guard (also can be called scuff guard):
A rim guard is simply an extra section of rubber that is added to the outside of a tire sidewall or bead area to prevent damage to the tire and wheel.
I believe you are confusing the use of rim guard on the tire and the ballast product called Rim Guard.
On a tire there is a method of projecting the rubber over the rim to protect the rim from damage. I think your tire has a “rim guard” not that it should be filled with Rim Guard.
This is one internet description of a tire rim guard (also can be called scuff guard):
A rim guard is simply an extra section of rubber that is added to the outside of a tire sidewall or bead area to prevent damage to the tire and wheel.
That is what I am thinking too. I sent pictures off to the dealer.. everything I have read says that calcium chloride should be in tubes.
thanks
TheOldHokie
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Lifetime Member
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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Probably a gadzillion tubeless tires have been filled with CaCl. Your problem is not the liquid its the leak. Unfortunately, after three years of use the cost of fixing that is most likely coming out of your wallet.
Dan
Yes it’s starting to look that way as I further my education on this subject.
Thank you very much for continuing my education
Good Lord!
CaCl without tubes!
"[R]ust inhibitor" or otherwise, what will they think of next?
Suppose it is calcium chloride, a known corrosive product inside the tires. In that case, leave it as it is. Should the rim rust out, buying new, mounted tires and rims from a Kubota dealer will be less expensive than removing what is currently there and replacing it with the Rim Guard product.
If your original purchase contract specifically says that you are getting the Rim Guard product installed in your tires, then you have a case of fraud by the dealer. In most states, a fraud claim can be filed in small claims court, and the statute of limitations only starts when you learn of the fraud within a reasonable time.
If your original purchase contract specifically says that you are getting the Rim Guard product installed in your tires, then you have a case of fraud by the dealer. In most states, a fraud claim can be filed in small claims court, and the statute of limitations only starts when you learn of the fraud within a reasonable time.
I've never seen a tire that has Rim Guard molded in that is the Beet Juice derived Rim Guard product. If you think about it, it doesn't make sense to imply that the tire is filled when it isn't even installed.
Fwiw, my rims have a Rim Guard sticker.
Fwiw, my rims have a Rim Guard sticker.
TheOldHokie
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Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
$242 to touch up rims, install tubes and load with beet juice. I was expecting more than twice that. We did deliver the wheels to a much more honest and helpful dealer.
They all chimed in that they have repaired many many wheels with this salty brine, and a few were damaged beyond repair. One blew out in a field and spread this solution, killing the crop in that area
thanks to all that took the time to respond to this conversation, very helpful and informative
They all chimed in that they have repaired many many wheels with this salty brine, and a few were damaged beyond repair. One blew out in a field and spread this solution, killing the crop in that area
thanks to all that took the time to respond to this conversation, very helpful and informative
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When I bought my BX2230 from the dealer 20 yrs ago, he wanted to fill the back tires with a fluid the name of which I forget. He said you need some weight back there when you use the FEL. I kept thinking If I ever get a flat I didn't want to deal with a fluid leak. It didn't make sense to me. But he really wanted to fill them. Poor guy I kept saying No.
After I got home I brought my tires
to get filled with foam. This is a heavier weight right over the axle with no leaks and no air pressure to check. Best thing I ever did. I can fill my FEL with dirt or loaded up high with oak firewood and all wheels stay on the ground. In fact in all that time I have never had the need to buy weights.