It seems the topic on Ca Chl comes up at least once a month and plenty has been written on it -see the archives. But, here goes again...
First, the statement made below, Some tire makers don't like beet juice, it may damage their tires. is untrue, someones opinion, not a fact based statement, and
perpetuated by others not knowing. This is how myths start. Ive read that before years ago on one of these forums but, Ive never SEEN any actual data by any tire
manufacture to back that up. As a matter of fact, after I saw that I did my own research contacting two retail tire dealers, Rim Guard, and a Firestone engineer
personally. They all denied ever making a statement like that and they ALL recommended using Rim Guard/Beet Juice instead of Ca Chl or other substance. It sounds to me
like an opinion made by someone. Somebody wanted to pooh-pooh Rim Guard for whatever reason. Id love to see that intel, if any exists at all. I have my doubts. Show
Me The Data!
Before wheel weights were introduced, FORD recommended to use Calcium Chloride for ballast see the CHART. Ca Chl, water, anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid, all
are/can be corrosive to ferrous metal. Once the tubes develop a leak and the liquid gets exposed to the metal, oxidation is inevitable. Often it is not visible until
too late and usually is shown around the valve stem. I prefer Rim Guard. I am NOT a Rim Guard rep or stockholder, just a satisfied customer. Whatever you want use,
its your tractor, your time and money, and I advise to monitor the rims often for leaks.
Ultradog nailed it. I also highly advise to use ballast in tires too. Without the added ballast weight in rear tires, plowing snow especially, and other tasks becomes
a fighting battle. Adding chains to rear tires also will help in snow too, and if there is ice under the snow, you will only spin the tires without extra help. I've
plowed fields with 2 Bottom plows without added ballast and never had any problems. After I invested in Rim Guard for my rears work tires, plowing, discing,
cultivating, dragging seemed better. I still have the original Beet Juice in my 11.2 x 28 Firestones that I had added on my 8N in the late 1990s when Rim Guard first
came out. Many an OEM Hat Rim has been ruined by Ca Chl and FORD restorers seek good originals for their restoration projects but are getting harder to find a decent
set these days. Some fellas have done their own repairing of the rusted out inside rims and done remarkable work.
I bought a set of the HD Pie Weights for my 8N and used them once. I found them to be intrusive. I use my 8N to mow 10 acres and bush hog 20 acres with and getting
around trees and fences became a chore with them interfering and not allowing to get up and close. Another drawback with pie weights is the hassle to install or remove
them. It is a very time consuming task. If you get a flat tire, you'll spend all day getting all the parts off, the rim with tire removed, and if there is time, to the
tire dealer to get fixed.
Whatever you use, remember that added weight will make handling the wheel and tire difficult so be careful, use your head, and get a helper. Once you drop the rim it
will be awfully hard to get it upright on your own.
FORD TRACTOR TIRE BALLAST INFO & CALCIUM CHLORIDE CHART:
FORD TRACTOR PIE WEIGHTS, RELEASED IN 1954, OPTIONAL ACCESSORY, FOR 600 & 800 MODELS:
Tim Daley(MI)
RIM GUARD