The Green Industry's Resource Center

landpride · #1 08-10-2011, 08:47 AM

I have heard of fluid in the rear tires of tractors, but after reading another thread about finding oil in the rear tires of a TT, I am now wondering how common this is in the LCO industry???????????????

TNGrassCutter · #2 08-10-2011, 09:24 AM

Guilty...
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tuffram · #3 08-10-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landpride

I have heard of fluid in the rear tires of tractors, but after reading another thread about finding oil in the rear tires of a TT, I am now wondering how common this is in the LCO industry???????????????

Most of what you will find in tractor tires is a antifreeze/water mix to keep the water from freezing in the winter time. CARQUEST auto did sell a fitting that screwed on the valve stem of the tire that would let you fill the tire.

GravyTrain · #4 08-10-2011, 10:42 AM

What is the purpose of this? Although I only took physics in high school, I'm having a hard time understanding the benefits of this, other than simply adding weight.

tuffram · #5 08-10-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GravyTrain

What is the purpose of this? Although I only took physics in high school, I'm having a hard time understanding the benefits of this, other than simply adding weight.

That is the exact reason for doing it. Some people with tractors get into a situation where there tractor loses traction so adding water/antifreeze to the drive tries will help it to get better traction.

landpride · #6 08-10-2011, 11:39 AM

I would also think that it would help in lowering the center of gravity on those large tractors making them more stable and safer on hilly ground.
And the same could be said about fluid in the tires of our equipment, but is it really necessary?

tuffram · #7 08-10-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landpride

I would also think that it would help in lowering the center of gravity on those large tractors making them more stable and safer on hilly ground.
And the same could be said about fluid in the tires of our equipment, but is it really necessary?

I do not think it is necessary in a ZTR I do not think the weight gain in ZTR tires would be enough to go through the trouble of putting it in them.

Ridin' Green · #8 08-10-2011, 12:04 PM

Yes, for a tractor it is a good way to add extra ballast, and cheaper the cast iron weights. I have my rear tires loaded with it on my compact tractor. It allows you to use cast weights still if necessary. It is a good idea for some situations with a ZTR IMO. Especially for hills, because it does add traction and lowers the center of gravity at the same time.

The most common fluid being used now is the stuff I posted about in the other thread- beet juice. It is a product sold under the name of Rimguard (the originator of the idea). It is a by-product from processing sugar beets that is in abundance and doesn't have a lot of other uses. It doesn't freeze, rust rims, and is non toxic if you get a leak. It is denser, and heavier than either calcium chloride, or anti freeze/water mix.

http://www.rimguard.biz/

Tuffram-
A 24x12-12 tire filled with Rimgaurd will add about 50 lbs or so. That's quite a bit of weight added right where the rubber meets the turf and is very useful.

SouthSide Cutter · #9 08-10-2011, 08:24 PM

I would just add weights. Take a tire with fluid and one without and roll them. And you will see why. Tire goes one way and the fluid the other. Thats why no one pulling a tractor or truck uses fluid. And they try not to put weight on the wheel also.