Tractor tire needs fluid - please advise

I have a couple rear tires that need some kind of fluid in them. They are 12.4-28 regular farm tires. It's been several years since I've had any tire work done, so I'm out of the loop, so to speak. One tire will need a new rim.

Anyhow, what should I put in the tires and how much should it cost? Also, if someone could recommend a good ag tire place in northern middle TN, I'd sure appreciate it. I can't even remember the name of the last place I used. lol

matt, there are a few options for you. lot of guys use winshield washer fluid, there is a product called rim gard, made from beet juice, some use the rv antifreeze that safe for the enviornment. i use water and calcuim chloride. i run 5 lbs calcuim per gallon mix to ballast heavy. calcuim runs about 14 dollars for a 50 lb bag. your tires should hold 28 gallons of water each and 140 lbs of chloride per tire. gives a total weight of 374 lbs per tire. you can do em yourself, pretty easy. get a liquid fill adapter from the farm store or napa, and a home depot 12 dollar drill powered water pump. you can mix in a 55 gallon drum. add your 28 gallon of water, then the chloride, stir till dissolved. the mix will get real hot. let it cool overnite then pump it in the tire. repeat for the other side. i'd put new tubes in , and i paint the inside of my rims with por 15 rust converter primer. brush on two coats. here is a link to a tire ballast chart.
tire ballast

(quoted from post at 12:34:19 07/02/09) I have a couple rear tires that need some kind of fluid in them. They are 12.4-28 regular farm tires. It's been several years since I've had any tire work done, so I'm out of the loop, so to speak. One tire will need a new rim.

Anyhow, what should I put in the tires and how much should it cost? Also, if someone could recommend a good ag tire place in northern middle TN, I'd sure appreciate it. I can't even remember the name of the last place I used. lol

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Matt,
I can probably help you out, I load my own tires. I live in White House, where in No. Middle TN. are you?

I've used the rv antifreeze and the low toxicity antifreeze, both work fine.... calcium chloride will give you a lot more weight per tire if that's something you need.

(quoted from post at 13:24:42 07/02/09)

(quoted from post at 12:34:19 07/02/09) I have a couple rear tires that need some kind of fluid in them. They are 12.4-28 regular farm tires. It's been several years since I've had any tire work done, so I'm out of the loop, so to speak. One tire will need a new rim.

Anyhow, what should I put in the tires and how much should it cost? Also, if someone could recommend a good ag tire place in northern middle TN, I'd sure appreciate it. I can't even remember the name of the last place I used. lol

Click to expand...

Matt,
I can probably help you out, I load my own tires. I live in White House, where in No. Middle TN. are you?

Click to expand...

Uh, I'm in White House as well.

If it's a 2WD loader tractor it will require liquid ballast in addition to cast weights.
The ruined rim $$$ is testimonial that using salt water/calcium chloride is a daft and outdated concept. Maybe back in the bad old days when there was nothing better available.
Today there is sugar water/rimguard or diluted windshield washer fluid.
As certain as the sun rises in the east. Somebody will get on here and tell you that. He and his family have never had a lick of trouble with 50 tractors over 70 years. With salt water/calcium chloride. He also catches 20lb walleye....................
One has to ask, why live with the potential of a problem when there are now other options?

Well heck, if you guys are in the White house, have external_link help you!!! You could knock down a couple of brewskies with him, shoot some hoops and fill tires.

He's just a good ole boy like us.

Gene

I would follow Glennster's advice especially using the por 15. That stuff is so tough the CACL won't even touch the metal And CACL cheaper and heavier than the alternatives.