The Best Ballast for Tractor Tires: What to Put in to Keep from Freezing

Tractor tires are essential for farmers and other agricultural workers who need to move heavy equipment and materials around. But when the temperatures drop, it's important to make sure that the tires are properly ballasted to prevent them from freezing. There are a variety of ballasts that can be used, including water, windshield washer fluid, beet juice, calcium chloride, antifreeze and polyurethane foam. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand which one is best for your tractor tires. Calcium chloride is one of the most popular choices for ballasting tractor tires.

It is freeze-resistant to minus 58 F and weighs 11.3 pounds per gallon, making it a good choice for getting the most weight out of your tractor. However, it is highly corrosive and you must add air tubes to the tractor wheels (26% of the tires) to prevent steel wheels from corroding quickly. Antifreeze is another option for ballasting tractor tires. It is relatively inexpensive and is heavier than water, but it weighs almost the same as water so you won't get the traction gains offered by heavier fluids.

Additionally, antifreeze is toxic if spilled, so it's not a great choice if you're concerned about animals or plants in the area. Beet juice is a non-toxic liquid that is approximately 30 percent heavier than water and its freezing point is approximately -35 degrees F. It's also widely available and competitively priced, making it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable ballast for their tractor tires. Polyurethane foam is another option for ballasting tractor tires. It's dense and provides good traction, but it's also expensive and can be difficult to install. If you need a reliable, well-balanced machine to help you operate, Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment has everything you need. When choosing a ballast for your tractor tires, it's important to consider your needs and budget.

Calcium chloride is a good choice if you're looking for freeze-resistance and maximum weight, while beet juice is a great option if you're looking for something non-toxic and affordable. Antifreeze can provide good traction but may not be the best choice if you're concerned about toxicity or weight gain. And polyurethane foam can provide good traction but may be too expensive or difficult to install. No matter which ballast you choose for your tractor tires, make sure that you take the time to properly install it and maintain it over time. This will ensure that your tractor tires are safe and effective in all weather conditions.

Jaclyn Svrcek
Jaclyn Svrcek

Freelance coffee ninja. Incurable tv scholar. Extreme music fan. Avid beer aficionado. Wannabe coffee fanatic.

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