Adding water as ballast to rear tractor tyres

jimmy G M · 15-11-2014 10:40PM #1

I am considering doing this for safety reasons. Much cheaper than buying a weight block and no need for taking on / off implements. One of the sheds is a bit tight so prefer not to have anything on the rear links when feeding.

Tractor is MF 4255 4wd, with 20.4 x 34 rear tyres. According to this website, http://www.andystireservice.com/ballast.htm , these tyres with 1/3 water weight around €200kg, so 400kg extra.

I've heard loads of old wives tales about tyres splitting in hard frost etc, but not sure if I believe this. I was thinking of adding anti freeze at 10% ratio. Any thoughts?

I know adding water increases friction and increases fuel consumption, also affects breaking i would say also.

Anybody any experience of doing this?

Thx

Dawggone · 15-11-2014 11:03PM

jimmy G M wrote: »

I am considering doing this for safety reasons. Much cheaper than buying a weight block and no need for taking on / off implements. One of the sheds is a bit tight so prefer not to have anything on the rear links when feeding.

Tractor is MF 4255 4wd, with 20.4 x 34 rear tyres. According to this website, http://www.andystireservice.com/ballast.htm , these tyres with 1/3 water weight around €200kg, so 400kg extra.

I've heard loads of old wives tales about tyres splitting in hard frost etc, but not sure if I believe this. I was thinking of adding anti freeze at 10% ratio. Any thoughts?

I know adding water increases friction and increases fuel consumption, also affects breaking i would say also.

Anybody any experience of doing this?

Thx

Work away no bother. Don't fill completely so leave about the top foot of the tyre for air.
50% antifreeze and job's a good 'un!