Best type of fill for tires

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Our coldest temps here is rarely zero. Usually even mid teens is the low.
we do have blackberrys and one of my properties had a few hawthorn trees. ive removed them but they may still be seeding and sprouting. So there is potential for sharp thorns in my use area.

I have access to winter windshield washer fluid in 55 drums it’s $110 per drum right now and a way to pump it. So that’s a convenient option.

we are also a tire dealer i recall seeing tire fill fluids so I get this cheaper than most. So that’s an option if I should use something other than ww fluid.

 

[Henro]

Our coldest temps here is rarely zero. Usually even mid teens is the low.
we do have blackberrys and one of my properties had a few hawthorn trees. ive removed them but they may still be seeding and sprouting. So there is potential for sharp thorns in my use area.

I have access to winter windshield washer fluid in 55 drums it’s $110 per drum right now and a way to pump it. So that’s a convenient option.

we are also a tire dealer i recall seeing tire fill fluids so I get this cheaper than most. So that’s an option if I should use something other than ww fluid.

About 20 years ago I got the front tires of my BX foam filled filled. Because they seemed to puncture very easily. I put windshield washer fluid in the rear tires but when I punctured one a year or two later I decided to get them foam filled as well. Actually I think I got the rear tire one filled about 20 years ago in the front tires about 22 years ago. But anyway you can’t do it yourself you have to take it to a place that specializes in it and it’s not cheap, but it is an option.

One advantage of the foam is if you’re looking for stability it puts a lot of weight down low. It’s been awhile but I think that added it about 300 pounds. The negative is well not solid the tires are pretty stiff. Never bothered me but I imagine the ride is rougher than if you had liquid in the rears.

Just a data point. My B2910 (essentially the same tractor as your B 7800) has had windshield wiper fluid in the rear tire tires for about 24 years. Front tires on that tractor are foam filled as well due to punctures. It seems like other than water, windshield washer fluid is the least expensive solution if you’re in an area we’re freezing is an issue or worry.

 

[Elliott in GA]

Yanmar's website covers the various ballast fluids.

Liquid Ballast - YANMAR America Corporation

www.yanmartractor.com

Basically, they are all water based, and with the exception of Calcium Chloride, they are all non-corrosive.
There is also Bio-Ballast; it is similar to rim Guard but is purported by some members to be less messy.

Essentially, there is no best solution. You need to choose based on needs/wants and costs.

FWIW, I have dealer provided (for free) windshield washer fluid, and this is the most common solution.

Also, if you are looking at foam (high price / high weight / the most durable solution / the biggest pain to get and change), there are two weights of foam (one about the same as water, and another that is heavier). If you need puncture protection, it is really the only choice for weight too. I do not know what it would cost to fill a tire with Slime, and you still would not have the protection of foam.

Also FWIW, I have mowed down a few Osage Orange bushes (really bad thorns), and I have not had a puncture with my R4 tires. Could be some luck involved.

 

[Shawn T. W]

The foam takes about a day according to my dealer to set up, and you need to have the tire off the tractor, and no current leaks, and the tires need to be cut off the rim when replacing ...

Another option for flat free ballast, is to add this stuff to the liquid ballast ... https://multiseal.us/product/hydro-1500/

I haven't used either, I use WWF good to about 5°F in my one tractor, other one doesn't have any tire ballast, yet ... I use plain water in my Z-turn, as it stays in my garage, and only used in the summer ...

I also use this http://www.texasrefinery.com/products/specialty-products/tireseal in my front tires, works great, but no liquid with it, just puncture protection.

 

[Onekawboy]

I did the windshield washer fluid on by 2601 .. Made it more stable, and helps with winter time snow removal ... Roughly 27 gal in rears.

 

[FTG-05]

OrangeTractorTalks » Comparing Types of Liquid Tire Ballast