Using Liquid Ballast

CAUTION:

RW25003-UN-07JUL93

Liquid Ballast 75% Full Shown

IMPORTANT: NEVER fill any tire to more than 90% full. More solution could damage tires.

Water or calcium chloride solution can be used to provide economical ballast. Used properly, it will not damage tires, tubes, or rims. However, liquid ballast is not recommended because it results in harsh ride, difficulty in handling, spills if flats occur, and when used in rear tires can result in greater susceptibility to power hop.

CAUTION: Avoid possible injury due to losing control of tractor. Limit transport speeds to 32 km/h (20 mph) when using liquid ballast.

A calcium chloride mixture of 420 gram per liter (3.5 lb per gal) of water will not freeze solid above -45 °C (-50 °F). A mixture of 600 gram per liter (5.0 lb per gal) will not freeze solid above -50 °C (-60 °F).

NOTE: Use of alcohol as liquid ballast is not recommended.

Liquid ballast should be avoided in rear tires since it has a stiffening effect that causes tractor to give a rough ride and generally reduces ability to control power hop. If liquid is used in rear tires, all tires on axle must be filled to same level which should not exceed 40% fill.

Up to 75% fill may be used in MFWD front tires for weight or to provide stiffness to assist in power hop control. Do this as a last alternative.

Fill front tires to 40% or 75% full for needed ballast. Fill rear tires to maximum of 40% full. More solution could result in harsh ride. The following charts show how much weight is added in liquid ballast when tire is filled to 40% capacity and 75% capacity.