Calcium Pump For Tires? The 41 Latest Answer

Why you should use liquid ballast on your tractor tires…

If you are an experienced tractor owner, these tips may not be very helpful. But if you just bought a tractor or you don’t use it for a long time. These tips can help you improve tractor stability and traction. The tires are the lowest point on the tractor. Filling with heavier fluid lowers your tractor’s center of gravity and helps you convert more tractor power into useful work.

What is liquid ballast? Liquid ballast provides additional weight and better traction. More weight forces the tires into firmer contact with the ground – more engine power can be converted into traction or loader thrust before the power overcomes the grip and the tires lose traction and spin.

Types of Liquid Ballast You Can Easily Find:

Water. The cheapest option, but not recommended in climates where temperatures can drop below freezing. So if you currently use your tractor in US waters, this is not your type of liquid. It weighs just 8.3 pounds per gallon. You can do more compared to some other liquid ballast options.

Calcium chloride or saline. It is dense, widely used, inexpensive, but very corrosive. You must tube the wheels and tires of the tractor, otherwise the steel wheels will quickly corrode. A 31 percent blend of calcium chloride is freeze resistant to minus 58 F. Weighs 11.3 pounds per gallon, making it a good option for putting the most weight on your tractor. In the event of a tire rupture resulting in liquid ballast spillage, the salt is non-toxic to animals, but can harm any plants growing on the affected soil.

beet juice? Yes :). Beet juice is a new addition to the liquid ballast selection. Benefits of beet juice are that it is non-toxic and non-corrosive to wheels. It is frost hardy to minus 35 F. Weighs about 11.0 pounds per gallon. Like choosing Calcium Chloride, it is better at adding weight to your tractor than many other liquid ballast options. The downside – it’s more expensive than some other liquid ballast options.

wiper fluid. One of the more affordable liquid ballast options on the market is windshield washer fluid. It is non-corrosive and freeze resistant to at least minus 25 F. The biggest downside to windshield washer fluid is that it only weighs 7.6 pounds per gallon, less than regular water, which really limits the weight you can add to your tractor.

antifreeze. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in a 50/50 mix with water is freeze resistant to minus 34 F and weighs 9.4 pounds per gallon. The main disadvantage of antifreeze is that the spilled liquid from a blowout is very attractive to animals, but also very toxic. Antifreeze is also one of the most expensive liquid ballast choices.

But if you have never filled tractor tires with liquid. Try it first, visit your tractor dealer. If your tractor dealer is unable to provide installation of liquid ballast, tire dealers are another possible source, particularly tire dealers in rural areas who do a significant share of tractor tire business.

The worst-case scenario, but still the most popular – google or find out on YouTube channels. Sometimes forums can help too. In case you really want to do it yourself, here are some tips for bottling liquids. But please at least check out YouTube first:

Deflate the tire. Turn the tire so that the valve is at the top. Remove the valve core. Start filling the liquid according to the instructions in the pump manual. During the inflation process, periodically remove the pump and deflate the tire. Stop the filling process when liquid begins to flow from the valve. Mount the valve core. Important note: With tubeless tires, it is recommended to use an inner tube to prevent the rim from rusting.

Disclaimer – The procedures mentioned are only suggestions and best practices. Team Tractor and Equipment accepts no responsibility for the consequences of this. Dates are subject to change at any time without notice and at the sole discretion of Team Tractor and Equipment.

Liquid weighing of tractor tires

The traction (pull force) a tire can exert is proportional to the weight it supports. The greater the load (weight) on the tire, the more traction it can exert. The most common way to add more traction and reduce tire slip and tread wear is to load the rear axle.

Why fill tires with liquid?

Filling tires with liquid ballast (ballast is any heavy material added to increase stability) is one of the most common ways to add weight to a tractor’s drive axle. It’s an economical and fairly simple solution. The extra weight added to the tire gives you better traction and reduces tread wear. The extra weight on the gear also provides a counterbalance and lowers the center of gravity of the gear to prevent tipping.

Which liquid ballast to use?

normal water

Where temperatures never drop below freezing, plain water can be used.

calcium chloride

However, in colder climates that experience sub-freezing temperatures (such as where we are in the Northeast), calcium chloride flakes can be added to prevent freezing. If you are in a colder climate that gets freezing temperatures, adding 3.5 pounds per gallon of calcium chloride flake to water fills the tire and also prevents freezing. Besides, the calcium chloride will also add extra weight. Adding 3.5 pounds per gallon adds 20% weight. And adding 5 pounds per gallon adds 28% weight. The liquid filling creates a stiffening effect – especially at lower inflation pressures. Liquid inflation could potentially make Power Hop significantly more difficult to control for this reason.

You can use a calcium chloride solution to fill tubeless* or tubular tires. With tubeless tires, rim corrosion is never a problem as long as the tire is always inflated. As a result, no outside air reaches the rim and corrosion is prevented. When using a calcium chloride solution, it is necessary to rinse the rim with tap water immediately after disassembly to prevent rapid corrosion. *We recommend using an inner tube to infuse the calcium chloride mixture into a tubeless tire.

Other fluids commonly used to weigh down tires include antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, beet juice (rim protector), and foam filler.

antifreeze

Although antifreeze can be used, its toxicity and cost can be prohibitive. It also doesn’t offer the added weight benefits that calcium chloride does.

wiper fluid

Inexpensive, and it doesn’t freeze… While relatively non-toxic, you don’t benefit from the added weight that calcium chloride provides.

beet juice

Beet juice or Rim Guard is non-toxic, non-corrosive and adds 30% more weight than plain water. The downside is that it’s expensive to use – especially for larger tires.

foam filling

Foam filled tires give tires 50% more weight and make them 100% puncture proof. While it’s a great option for extra weight and no flat tire headaches, it’s expensive and needs to be done by a professional puncture repair shop. Your rim will be used so it is best if you find a tire dealer near you who offers this service. Ken Jones Tires offers custom puncture protection and is available in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. For other states, click here to find a local flat proofing dealer.

How to add ballast to tractor tires

Front or rear tires should only be inflated to the level that is 75% full. Filling more is not recommended as impact fractures become a greater hazard. A 40% fill is recommended by many equipment manufacturers such as John Deere for better power hop control and a smoother ride.

1. Support your axle to take the weight of the machine off the tires, deflate and remove the valve core from the tire stem.

2. While there are many devices and methods for adding tractor tire fluids, the easiest is to use a filler, place a keg of fluid in the tractor’s bucket, connect a hose between the two, and then lift the bucket, focusing on the Gravity leaves the job to do for you.

3. To inflate to the John Deere recommended 40%, rotate the tire stem to the 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock position and inflate to the stem. If you want to fill the industry standard of 75%, place the stem at 12 o’clock and fill to the stem.

4. See Titan tire inflation chart for more detailed instructions.

A final thought on rim corrosion and calcium chloride is that in our experience, the valve stem often experiences rim corrosion, causing additional rim damage. This damage is usually not discovered until the tire is removed. Fixing this problem usually requires welding a patch and repainting the rim before replacing the tire.

Expert help for all your tractor tire questions

If you have any questions about filling your tractor tires or need expert advice on buying special tires, just give us a call…

Since the invention of rubber tires for farm tractors, farmers have added ballast to their tractors to maximize their traction and optimize balance and stability. This ballast comes in two forms: iron weights and liquid-filled tires.

Liquid ballast comes in many forms. Most types of liquid ballast have some limitations. You freeze. They are no heavier than water. They are poisonous, caustic or very expensive.

Rim Guard® was developed and patented in 1998 as a liquid tire ballast that overcame all the disadvantages of other liquid tire ballasts.

Rim Guard® is formulated from a by-product of sugar beet processing, so it comes from the American farm and goes back to the American farm.

Rudy’s can fit Rim Guard to any tire anywhere with our fleet of service trucks!

Tractor ballasting plays an important role in getting these jobs and tasks done as quickly and economically as possible. One aspect is rear wheel slip control. Too little weight and the tires will spin, leading to excessive tire wear and poor productivity. Too much weight and not only is fuel wasted, but adverse soil compaction occurs. Studies from respected institutions such as the Iowa State University Extension and the Alberta Agricultural & Rural Department Ministry indicate that the optimum slip is 10-15% for 2WD tractors and 8-12% for 4WD machines. Maintaining slip at these levels allows the maximum amount of power to be transferred to the drawbar.

A second important aspect is the protection of components such as the front axle. Front axles are generally smaller than their rear brethren and are not as heavy to load. When equipment such as a front end loader (FEL) is added, the loads on the front axle are increased and without proper weight balancing can lead to premature failure of the axle and associated components. As always, the first rule is to read the owner’s manual for the recommended amount of ballast needed.

In this feature we will explore the different methods of adding ballast and their pros and cons, how slip is measured and the importance of tire pressure.

ballast boxes

A ballast box can be as simple as a cast concrete cylinder or block with category-sized coupling pins extending outward from the mass, or steel-made shells filled with rocks, lead, steel, dumbbells, etc. In most cases, this weight is supported by the tractor’s three-point hitch (3PH).

Pros: Ballast boxes can add a lot of weight in a small space and can be removed or added as needed and only then. Prices range from the cost of concrete and a steel bar to $250 plus for a crate purchased and then what materials are added for the weight. Clever builders could pour in PVC pipes for transporting rakes and/or other tools. This method of weight gain is not affected by temperature extremes.

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Cons: These crates lengthen the tractor and reduce maneuverability. The weight is carried by the tractor’s frame, axles and tires, but as long as the ballast meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, the extra weight shouldn’t be a problem.

Case weights and equipment ballast

Another method of adding weight is with suitcase-style weights that can be hung on 3PH mounts. This method allows the user to select and vary the amount of weight desired. Common 3PH devices also provide good ballast. Box knives, milling machines and rotary cutters often fulfill a double task for this task. And in the case of Box Blades, most designs have vertical steel plates/beams that allow box weights to be hung from these bar points. To ballast rear-mounted or towed implements, it is not uncommon for tractors to have weight mounts built into the front frame assembly that accept box weights.

Pros: A big advantage is the low cost – free if a device has already been purchased and used as ballast. It’s relatively easy to add or remove weight, and the ballast can be varied to suit your needs or task. This ballast method is unaffected by temperature extremes.

Cons: The extra weight in front or behind the tractor also increases the overall length, which can affect maneuverability. As with ballast box designs, additional weight is distributed to the tractor frame, axles and tires.

wheel weights

Ballasting by this method can be provided by cast discs that fit into the tractor wheels, or by plastic trays filled with concrete or sand. Some systems even use a starter first weight that can accommodate additional shifts. Larger tractors like the Case Maxxum 115 we tested in October can even come equipped with rod axles ready to take on extra ballast.

Pros: Ballast can be added or removed, although not as easily as a slip-on suitcase weight. The weight is fully supported by the tractor axle and tires (better than 3PH ballast). Insensitive to extreme temperatures.

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Cons: The ability to add weight is limited to the inner wheel space. When additional layers of weight are added, maneuverability is compromised. And in the case of rod axles, which we compare to Ben Hur hubs, they require an extra level of caution around posts and doors when installed. Wheel weights are generally $1 to $2 per pound. And if they are cast iron, wheel weights require painting and subsequent maintenance.

Loaded tires

Adding fluid to tires has long been a preferred method of adding weight. This method does not occupy the 3PH or increase turning radius/decrease maneuverability. Liquid-filled tires also feel less “bouncy” due to the displaced air content. This can be particularly beneficial for precise loader work, where jerking of the implement can be counterproductive or even dangerous. And with all of the methods below, the weight is no longer supported by the tractor frame, axles or tires as it is distributed across the footprint directly to the ground.

Starting with water we will examine some of the different liquids used.

water

Pros: Water is about as cheap as you can get. Plus, it’s non-toxic so it won’t kill the lawn, garden, or crops if spilled.

Cons: Freezing 32 degrees F. Combines with tire air (oxygen) and leads to rusting of the rims over time. Substituting nitrogen for clean air can alleviate this, but requires access to a gas station. At 8.3 lbs per gallon, this is one of the least efficient (easiest) methods of adding weight.

calcium chloride

Benefits: This dense chemical salt solution of calcium and chlorine has long been used in agriculture, ranching and commercial applications. It’s an effective method of adding weight (11.5 lbs per gallon), is inexpensive, and is freeze protected to -30°F to -40°F, depending on the mix.

Cons: This method requires tubes that cost $30 to $80 per tire. Also, it has a hygroscopic nature, which means that when exposed to air, it will attract/absorb water and rust metal surfaces. It requires special equipment for inflating tires as well as operator safety precautions. It is highly corrosive and toxic. If ingested by a pet, most likely the results will not be good. Calcium Chloride is classified by many states as a hazardous waste requiring special handling and disposal methods. It will contaminate the soil and stun plants from growing if spilled.

Antifreeze/Glycol

Pros: This is relatively inexpensive and protects against freezing to around -25 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the mix.

Cons: Automotive-style antifreeze is highly toxic. When spilled, it contaminates the soil and contaminates groundwater. It is toxic to animals. Even at 8.3 lbs per gallon, antifreeze/glycol is no more efficient at adding weight than water.

Solvent for the windscreen washer system

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, typically non-corrosive and non-flammable.

Cons: Also only adds 8.3 lbs. per gallon. Considered to be somewhat toxic and certainly not pet safe.

methanol

Pros: Few.

Disadvantages: Extremely flammable. Highly toxic even to rubber and will attack tires and rims over time. It also weighs less than water.

rim protection

Pros: Inexpensive beet juice mix costs about $0.28/lb. Weighs 10.7 – 11.0 lbs per gallon (about the same as Calcium Chloride). It is non-corrosive and non-toxic. If spilled, it will not contaminate the ground or kill your pets. In addition, it requires no tubes.

Cons: Can attack rubber joints in valve stems (metal stems are recommended).

How to measure slip

Slip can easily be measured by two people without special equipment. The first step is to stake out a route that has similar conditions to the field where the tractor will be used. A chalk mark (we like to place it at the valve stem position) helps keep track of the revs to be measured.

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One person starts the tractor with the implement running or in the ground engaging position before reaching the start point. When the tractor reaches the starting line, the helper (at a safe distance) notes the position of the chalk line and starts counting the turns. At 10 turns, the helper places a marker. The tractor is then returned to the start line to begin the course again, this time without the implement engaged or lowered (using the same gear and engine speed). From the starting line, the helper counts turns again (to the next ¼ turn). Then the following formula is applied:

Percent Slip = (10 revs loaded) – (10 revs unloaded) x 100 then divide by (10 revs unloaded).

For example, if the travel required for 10 revs under load is 8.5 revs without load, the calculated slip is 15 percent.

The importance of tire pressure

It’s a well-known fact that under-inflated tires quickly wear out their sidewalls. A natural tendency is to over-inflate tires, but this reduces lug contact with the ground, which increases slip and fuel economy. Check the tire manufacturer’s website or owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure for the load being carried. In combination with the correct ballasting and knowledge of the axle weight, the correct filling values ​​can be extrapolated.

Conclusion

Ballast and tire pressure must be considered to achieve maximum performance. What type of ballast is right for your situation and conditions will depend on the attachments you have available, whether your tractor is disposable or not (task specific), your budget, the need and ease of adding weight or to remove, and any preferences specific to your operation.

With a multi-purpose tractor, the ability to remove ballast in late spring for light drawbar tasks like planting or spraying, mowing and baling, and then the ability to add ballast for tillage in the fall is the primary reason. For disposable machines, these requirements may be different. Regardless of the type of ballast used, the most important factor is always maximum productivity with maximum fuel savings. Anything else and the farm suffers

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and completeness. wikiHow’s content management team carefully oversees our editorial team’s work to ensure that every article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 59,643 times.

Article overview

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Filling your tractor tires with water is a great way to maintain pressure and increase traction. To begin, turn the tire on its side with the valve core facing up. Unscrew the valve core and then attach one end of a tire tube to the core and one end to a water source, such as your home water supply. After inflating the tire, unscrew the tube and put the valve core back on. Repeat this process with all 4 tires and then reinstall them on your tractor. To learn how to fill your tires with antifreeze, read on!

Farmers, highway officials, lawnmowers and groundskeepers have long recognized the benefits of adding liquid ballast to tractor tires.

Reasons to use liquid ballast

The main reasons for adding ballast include:

increase traction

Lower the center of gravity

Counterbalance shovel loaders and other accessories

Even small improvements in traction are helpful on loose surfaces. Improved traction saves time and increases productivity. When shovel loaders and other attachments tend to lift the front tires off the ground, liquid ballast added to those tires can be especially helpful.

Tractor ballast also lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. This is especially useful if you work on the layer frequently. The oversized tires and high wheelbases on 4×4 tractors result in a high center of gravity. Tire ballast can improve stability by lowering this center of gravity.

Reasons not to use liquid ballast

Sometimes adding ballast to tractor tires significantly affects ride quality. Ride quality is most affected at higher speeds, so the farmer who frequently drives a tractor on the highway should think more about ride quality than one who keeps their tractor mostly in the field.

ballast options

Anyone considering tire ballast wants to maximize performance and minimize cost. A variety of ballasts can be used, including water, washer fluid, beet juice, calcium chloride, antifreeze, and polyurethane foam.

water

There are two problems with using water as ballast. First, expansion during freezing can separate the tire from the rim. Second, there are heavier fluids that offer better traction.

antifreeze

Given the vulnerability of water at low temperatures, antifreeze is a logical alternative. Use pet-safe, non-toxic propylene glycol. It is relatively cheap and heavier than water.

calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is a relatively economical salt compound that prevents water from freezing at very low temperatures. Consider that 3.5 pounds of calcium chloride per gallon of water will lower the freezing point to -58 degrees F. However, calcium chloride can cause problems with rust and/or corrosion. A calcium chloride solution is up to 40 percent heavier than water.

wiper fluid

Winter mix washer fluid easily resists freezing and is inexpensive. However, it weighs practically the same as water, so you miss out on the traction gains that heavier liquids offer.

beet juice

Given the disadvantages of these other forms of tractor tire ballast, it may be worth considering beet juice as tire ballast. Beet juice is a non-toxic liquid that’s about 30 percent heavier than water and has a freezing point of about -35 degrees F.

polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam goes into a tire as a liquid, but then hardens. The big draw is that it increases ballast weight by up to 50 percent over regular water. Filling tractor tires with polyurethane foam will give you flat-free tires, but will not allow for future tire pressure adjustments. When the tire is worn you will need to cut it off the rim or opt for a new tire/wheel assembly.

How to put fluid in tractor tires

How much ballast should you pack in a tire? In general, you should limit ballast to 40 to 75 percent of tire capacity. Michelin suggests a maximum of 75 percent, while John Deere says 90 percent is acceptable.

Here is a step-by-step guide to adding tire ballast:

Use axle stands to take the weight off the tire, then deflate. Position a drum of ballast fluid in the tractor bucket. Connect the keg to the tire with a hose and tractor tire fluid filling kit. Create a gravity feed by elevating the bucket at 40 percent fill moving the tire stem to 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock. For a 75 percent fill, move the tire stem to 12 o’clock

Contact Bobby Ford Tractor & Equipment today

Bobby Ford Kubota is a family owned Kubota dealership based in Angleton, Texas. Call us at 979-282-3142 or visit us in Angleton for new or used Kubota tractors, parts and service.

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Table of liquid tire ballast

The chart is for a gallon of water weighing approximately 8 pounds per gallon. Water is not a typical tire inflation. Methonal Alchol is a more common fill and weighs 6.5 pounds per gallon. Other fillings such as Calcium, Beat Juice, etc. may have different weights.

Chemical compound

Chemical compound

Calcium chloride is an inorganic compound, a salt with the chemical formula CaCl 2 . It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is readily soluble in water. It can be made by neutralizing hydrochloric acid with calcium hydroxide.

Calcium chloride is commonly found as a hydrated solid with the general formula CaCl 2 .nH 2 O where n=0, 1, 2, 4 and 6. These compounds are primarily used for de-icing and dust control. Because the anhydrous salt is hygroscopic and deliquescent, it is used as a desiccant.[10]

Used[edit]

Deicing and freezing point depression

CaCl 2 for deicing in bulkfor deicing in Japan

By lowering the freezing point of water, calcium chloride is used to prevent ice formation and is used for deicing. This application consumes the largest amount of calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is relatively harmless to plants and soil. As a deicing agent, it is much more effective than sodium chloride at lower temperatures. When marketed for this purpose, it is usually in the form of small, white balls, a few millimeters in diameter, called prills. Calcium chloride solutions can prevent freezing in temperatures as low as −52 °C (−62 °F), making them ideal for filling farm equipment tires as liquid ballast and aiding traction in cold climates.

It is also used in domestic and industrial chemical dehumidifiers.[12]

Road surface [ edit ]

Calcium chloride was sprayed on this road to prevent weathering, giving it a wet appearance even in dry weather.

Calcium chloride’s second largest application exploits its hygroscopic nature and the stickiness of its hydrates; Calcium chloride is highly hygroscopic and its hydration is an exothermic process. A concentrated solution keeps a liquid layer on the surface of unpaved roads, which suppresses dust formation. It keeps the finer dust particles on the road and forms a cushioning layer. When these are blown away, the large aggregate begins to shift and the road collapses. The use of calcium chloride reduces the need for sorting by up to 50% and the need for filling materials by up to 80%.[13]

food [edit]

The average intake of calcium chloride as a food additive has been estimated at 160-345 mg/day.[14] Calcium chloride is approved as a food additive in the European Union for use as a complexing and firming agent with the E number E509. It is used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally recognized as safe (GRAS).[15] Its use in organic crop production is generally prohibited under the US National Organic Program.[16]

In marine aquariums, calcium chloride is one way to introduce bioavailable calcium for animals with calcium carbonate shells, such as molluscs and some cnidarians. Calcium hydroxide (lime water) or a calcium reactor can also be used.

As a firming agent, calcium chloride is used in canned vegetables, in firming soy curd to make tofu, and in making a caviar substitute from vegetable or fruit juices.[17] It is commonly used as an electrolyte in sports drinks and other beverages, including bottled water. The extremely salty taste of calcium chloride is used to flavor pickles without increasing the sodium content of the food. Calcium chloride’s freezing point depressing properties are used to slow the freezing of the caramel in caramel-filled chocolate bars. Also, it is often added to sliced ​​apples to add texture.

Calcium chloride is sometimes used in beer brewing to compensate for mineral deficiencies in the brewing water. It affects flavor and chemical reactions during the brewing process and can also affect yeast function during fermentation.

Calcium chloride is sometimes added to processed (pasteurized/homogenized) milk during cheese making to restore the natural balance of calcium and protein in the casein. It is added before the coagulant.

Calcium chloride is used to prevent cork stains and bitter pits on apples by spraying on the tree during the late growing season.[18]

Laboratory and related drying processes[ edit ]

Drying tubes are often filled with calcium chloride. Kelp is dried with calcium chloride for use in making sodium carbonate. Anhydrous calcium chloride has been approved by the FDA as a packaging aid to ensure dryness (CPG 7117.02).[19]

The hydrated salt can be dried for reuse, but will dissolve in its own water of hydration when heated rapidly and form a hard amalgamated solid on cooling.

Other applications[edit]

Calcium chloride is used in concrete mixes to accelerate initial setting, but chloride ions cause corrosion of steel rebar, so it should not be used in reinforced concrete.[20] The anhydrous form of calcium chloride can also be used for this purpose and can provide a measure of moisture in concrete.[21]

Calcium chloride is found as an additive in plastics and fire extinguishers, in blast furnaces as an additive to control scaffolding (clumping and sticking of materials that prevent the furnace load from sinking), and in fabric softeners as a diluent.

The exothermic dissolution of calcium chloride is used in self-heating cans and heating pads.

Calcium chloride is used in the oil industry to increase the density of solid-free brines. It is also used to inhibit swelling clay in the water phase of invert emulsion drilling fluids.

CaCl 2 acts as a melting point depressant flux in the Davy process for industrial production of sodium metal by electrolysis of molten NaCl.

Calcium chloride is also used in the manufacture of activated carbon.

Calcium chloride can be used to precipitate fluoride ions from water as insoluble CaF 2 .

Calcium chloride is also an ingredient used in ceramic coasters. It suspends clay particles so they float in solution, making it easier to use in a variety of slip casting techniques.

Calcium chloride dihydrate (20% by weight) dissolved in ethanol (95% ABV) was used as a male sterilant. The solution is injected into the animal’s testicles. Within a month, necrosis of testicular tissue leads to sterilization.[22][23]

Cocaine producers in Colombia import tons of calcium chloride to recover solvents that are on the INCB Red List and more tightly controlled.[24]

Metal reducing flux[edit]

Similarly, CaCl 2 is used as a flux and electrolyte in the FFC Cambridge electrolysis process for titanium production, where it ensures the proper exchange of calcium and oxygen ions between the electrodes.

Dangers[ edit ]

Although non-toxic in small amounts when wet, the highly hygroscopic properties of unhydrated salt pose some dangers. Calcium chloride can act as an irritant by drying out moist skin. Solid calcium chloride dissolves exothermically and can cause burns in the mouth and esophagus if ingested. Ingestion of concentrated solutions or solid products can cause gastrointestinal irritation or ulcers.[25]

Calcium chloride consumption can lead to hypercalcemia.[26]

Properties[edit]

Calcium chloride dissolves in water to form chloride and the aquo complex [Ca(H 2 O) 6 ]2+. Thus, these solutions are sources of “free” calcium and free chloride ions. This description is illustrated by the fact that these solutions react with sources of phosphate to give a solid precipitate of calcium phosphate:

3 CaCl 2 + 2 PO 3− 4 → Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 + 6 Cl−

Calcium chloride has a very high enthalpy change of solution, indicated by a significant rise in temperature accompanying the dissolution of the anhydrous salt in water. This property is the basis for its application on the largest scale.

Molten calcium chloride can be electrolyzed to give calcium metal and chlorine gas:

CaCl 2 → Ca + Cl 2

preparation [edit] [Ca(H 2 O) 6 ]2+ center in crystalline calcium chloride hexahydrate, illustrating the high coordination number typical of calcium complexes. Structure of the polymer center in crystalline calcium chloride hexahydrate, illustrating the high coordination number typical of calcium complexes.

Calcium chloride is obtained from limestone in much of the world as a by-product of the Solvay process, which follows the following net reaction:[10]

2 NaCl + CaCO 3 → Na 2 CO 3 + CaCl 2

North American consumption in 2002 was 1,529,000 tons (3.37 billion pounds).[27]

In the US, most calcium chloride is obtained by purification from brine.

As with most bulk salt products, trace amounts of other alkali and alkaline earth metal (Group 1 and 2) cations and other halogen (Group 17) anions are typically present, but the concentrations are insignificant.

Occurrence [ edit ]

Calcium chloride occurs in the form of the rare evaporite minerals Sinjarite (dihydrate) and Antarctic (hexahydrate).[28][29][30] Another well-known natural hydrate is ghiaraite—a tetrahydrate.[31][30] The related minerals chlorocalcite (potassium calcium chloride, KCaCl 3 ) and tachyhydrite (calcium magnesium chloride, CaMg 2 Cl 6 ·12H 2 O) are also very rare.[32][33][30] This also applies to Rorisite, CaClF (calcium chloride fluoride).[34][30]

See also[edit]

Adding liquid ballast to your tractor tires can significantly improve performance in many ways.

They increase traction and lower your tractor’s center of gravity (a plus for tackling steep terrain). You can also balance the weight of heavy equipment, improving performance and safety.

But with so many types of liquid ballast to choose from, it’s hard to know which one offers the best solution for your specific needs. Let’s explore the pros and cons of five popular liquid ballasts:

water

Pros: Adding water is certainly the easiest way to gain tire ballast. It is inexpensive, readily available and safe to use.

Cons: At 8 pounds per gallon, water isn’t as heavy as other options. It also freezes at a relatively warm temperature (32 degrees F), which poses a risk of expanding ice separating the tire from the wheel rim. Therefore, water is not suitable ballast in areas with cold winter weather. The last thing you need are frozen tractor tires when you’re ready to plow the driveway or clear your fields with snow.

Read more: Here are 5 ways to balance your tractor.

antifreeze

Pros: By definition, antifreeze is designed to resist freezing. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water will remain liquid at much colder temperatures than plain water – down to about -35°F. A higher 70/30 mix of antifreeze/water may work even better in colder temperatures, but don’t assume that antifreeze alone will work best. Antifreeze must be mixed with water to work – by itself, antifreeze will freeze at anything below 0°F.

Cons: Antifreeze is more expensive than water and ethylene glycol antifreeze is very toxic. Consider using propylene glycol antifreeze instead, which is slightly safer.

calcium chloride

Benefits: Calcium Chloride has historically been a top choice for a number of reasons. When mixed with water, the solution can withstand temperatures as low as -50°F or -60°F. It’s also inexpensive and weighs about 40 percent more than plain water.

Cons: Calcium chloride is known to be corrosive and can severely damage rims. Tubing can help alleviate the problem, but calcium chloride can also be dangerous to handle, making it a less desirable choice than it has been in the past.

beet juice

Pros: An increasingly popular option, beet juice is heavier than water (weighing about 11 pounds per gallon) and can withstand freezing down to -35 degrees F. Even better, it’s non-corrosive or toxic and avoids the major disadvantages that come with other liquid tire ballasts.

Cons: The really only downside to beet juice is the price. It’s a more expensive solution.

wiper fluid

Pros: A relatively inexpensive solution, washer fluid freezes at a much lower temperature than water – typically -20 degrees F or less, depending on formula.

Cons: Windshield washer fluid is no heavier than water in terms of ballast, so it’s not an improvement in warm-weather locations. Also, many windshield washer fluids contain methanol, a highly toxic alcohol. It goes without saying that washer fluid should not be ingested. In addition, care should be taken not to inhale vapors or allow the liquid to come into contact with skin or eyes.

Since the invention of rubber tires for farm tractors, farmers have added ballast to their tractors to maximize their traction and optimize balance and stability. This ballast comes in two forms: iron weights and liquid-filled tires.

Liquid ballast comes in many forms. Most types of liquid ballast have some limitations. You freeze. They are no heavier than water. They are poisonous, caustic or very expensive.

Rim Guard® was developed and patented in 1998 as a liquid tire ballast that overcame all the disadvantages of other liquid tire ballasts.

Rim Guard® is formulated from a by-product of sugar beet processing, so it comes from the American farm and goes back to the American farm.

Rudy’s can fit Rim Guard to any tire anywhere with our fleet of service trucks!

Tractor ballasting plays an important role in getting these jobs and tasks done as quickly and economically as possible. One aspect is rear wheel slip control. Too little weight and the tires will spin, leading to excessive tire wear and poor productivity. Too much weight and not only is fuel wasted, but adverse soil compaction occurs. Studies from respected institutions such as the Iowa State University Extension and the Alberta Agricultural & Rural Department Ministry indicate that the optimum slip is 10-15% for 2WD tractors and 8-12% for 4WD machines. Maintaining slip at these levels allows the maximum amount of power to be transferred to the drawbar.

A second important aspect is the protection of components such as the front axle. Front axles are generally smaller than their rear brethren and are not as heavy to load. When equipment such as a front end loader (FEL) is added, the loads on the front axle are increased and without proper weight balancing can lead to premature failure of the axle and associated components. As always, the first rule is to read the owner’s manual for the recommended amount of ballast needed.

In this feature we will explore the different methods of adding ballast and their pros and cons, how slip is measured and the importance of tire pressure.

ballast boxes

A ballast box can be as simple as a cast concrete cylinder or block with category-sized coupling pins extending outward from the mass, or steel-made shells filled with rocks, lead, steel, dumbbells, etc. In most cases, this weight is supported by the tractor’s three-point hitch (3PH).

Pros: Ballast boxes can add a lot of weight in a small space and can be removed or added as needed and only then. Prices range from the cost of concrete and a steel bar to $250 plus for a crate purchased and then what materials are added for the weight. Clever builders could pour in PVC pipes for transporting rakes and/or other tools. This method of weight gain is not affected by temperature extremes.

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Cons: These crates lengthen the tractor and reduce maneuverability. The weight is carried by the tractor’s frame, axles and tires, but as long as the ballast meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, the extra weight shouldn’t be a problem.

Case weights and equipment ballast

Another method of adding weight is with suitcase-style weights that can be hung on 3PH mounts. This method allows the user to select and vary the amount of weight desired. Common 3PH devices also provide good ballast. Box knives, milling machines and rotary cutters often fulfill a double task for this task. And in the case of Box Blades, most designs have vertical steel plates/beams that allow box weights to be hung from these bar points. To ballast rear-mounted or towed implements, it is not uncommon for tractors to have weight mounts built into the front frame assembly that accept box weights.

Pros: A big advantage is the low cost – free if a device has already been purchased and used as ballast. It’s relatively easy to add or remove weight, and the ballast can be varied to suit your needs or task. This ballast method is unaffected by temperature extremes.

Cons: The extra weight in front or behind the tractor also increases the overall length, which can affect maneuverability. As with ballast box designs, additional weight is distributed to the tractor frame, axles and tires.

wheel weights

Ballasting by this method can be provided by cast discs that fit into the tractor wheels, or by plastic trays filled with concrete or sand. Some systems even use a starter first weight that can accommodate additional shifts. Larger tractors like the Case Maxxum 115 we tested in October can even come equipped with rod axles ready to take on extra ballast.

Pros: Ballast can be added or removed, although not as easily as a slip-on suitcase weight. The weight is fully supported by the tractor axle and tires (better than 3PH ballast). Insensitive to extreme temperatures.

Lawn Care Tips: Soil Check

Cons: The ability to add weight is limited to the inner wheel space. When additional layers of weight are added, maneuverability is compromised. And in the case of rod axles, which we compare to Ben Hur hubs, they require an extra level of caution around posts and doors when installed. Wheel weights are generally $1 to $2 per pound. And if they are cast iron, wheel weights require painting and subsequent maintenance.

Loaded tires

Adding fluid to tires has long been a preferred method of adding weight. This method does not occupy the 3PH or increase turning radius/decrease maneuverability. Liquid-filled tires also feel less “bouncy” due to the displaced air content. This can be particularly beneficial for precise loader work, where jerking of the implement can be counterproductive or even dangerous. And with all of the methods below, the weight is no longer supported by the tractor frame, axles or tires as it is distributed across the footprint directly to the ground.

Starting with water we will examine some of the different liquids used.

water

Pros: Water is about as cheap as you can get. Plus, it’s non-toxic so it won’t kill the lawn, garden, or crops if spilled.

Cons: Freezing 32 degrees F. Combines with tire air (oxygen) and leads to rusting of the rims over time. Substituting nitrogen for clean air can alleviate this, but requires access to a gas station. At 8.3 lbs per gallon, this is one of the least efficient (easiest) methods of adding weight.

calcium chloride

Benefits: This dense chemical salt solution of calcium and chlorine has long been used in agriculture, ranching and commercial applications. It’s an effective method of adding weight (11.5 lbs per gallon), is inexpensive, and is freeze protected to -30°F to -40°F, depending on the mix.

Cons: This method requires tubes that cost $30 to $80 per tire. Also, it has a hygroscopic nature, which means that when exposed to air, it will attract/absorb water and rust metal surfaces. It requires special equipment for inflating tires as well as operator safety precautions. It is highly corrosive and toxic. If ingested by a pet, most likely the results will not be good. Calcium Chloride is classified by many states as a hazardous waste requiring special handling and disposal methods. It will contaminate the soil and stun plants from growing if spilled.

Antifreeze/Glycol

Pros: This is relatively inexpensive and protects against freezing to around -25 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the mix.

Cons: Automotive-style antifreeze is highly toxic. When spilled, it contaminates the soil and contaminates groundwater. It is toxic to animals. Even at 8.3 lbs per gallon, antifreeze/glycol is no more efficient at adding weight than water.

Solvent for the windscreen washer system

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, typically non-corrosive and non-flammable.

Cons: Also only adds 8.3 lbs. per gallon. Considered to be somewhat toxic and certainly not pet safe.

methanol

Pros: Few.

Disadvantages: Extremely flammable. Highly toxic even to rubber and will attack tires and rims over time. It also weighs less than water.

rim protection

Pros: Inexpensive beet juice mix costs about $0.28/lb. Weighs 10.7 – 11.0 lbs per gallon (about the same as Calcium Chloride). It is non-corrosive and non-toxic. If spilled, it will not contaminate the ground or kill your pets. In addition, it requires no tubes.

Cons: Can attack rubber joints in valve stems (metal stems are recommended).

How to measure slip

Slip can easily be measured by two people without special equipment. The first step is to stake out a route that has similar conditions to the field where the tractor will be used. A chalk mark (we like to place it at the valve stem position) helps keep track of the revs to be measured.

How to choose a transmission for your tractor

One person starts the tractor with the implement running or in the ground engaging position before reaching the start point. When the tractor reaches the starting line, the helper (at a safe distance) notes the position of the chalk line and starts counting the turns. At 10 turns, the helper places a marker. The tractor is then returned to the start line to begin the course again, this time without the implement engaged or lowered (using the same gear and engine speed). From the starting line, the helper counts turns again (to the next ¼ turn). Then the following formula is applied:

Percent Slip = (10 revs loaded) – (10 revs unloaded) x 100 then divide by (10 revs unloaded).

For example, if the travel required for 10 revs under load is 8.5 revs without load, the calculated slip is 15 percent.

The importance of tire pressure

It’s a well-known fact that under-inflated tires quickly wear out their sidewalls. A natural tendency is to over-inflate tires, but this reduces lug contact with the ground, which increases slip and fuel economy. Check the tire manufacturer’s website or owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure for the load being carried. In combination with the correct ballasting and knowledge of the axle weight, the correct filling values ​​can be extrapolated.

Conclusion

Ballast and tire pressure must be considered to achieve maximum performance. What type of ballast is right for your situation and conditions will depend on the attachments you have available, whether your tractor is disposable or not (task specific), your budget, the need and ease of adding weight or to remove, and any preferences specific to your operation.

With a multi-purpose tractor, the ability to remove ballast in late spring for light drawbar tasks like planting or spraying, mowing and baling, and then the ability to add ballast for tillage in the fall is the primary reason. For disposable machines, these requirements may be different. Regardless of the type of ballast used, the most important factor is always maximum productivity with maximum fuel savings. Anything else and the farm suffers

No, helium is not a suitable gas to fill a tire. Although helium is lighter than air, it’s not light enough to make a significant difference. Not only are helium molecules not light enough, but they are also much smaller than the molecules in the air. The helium molecule just goes through the rubber, which means you lose your tire pressure and leave nothing but flats in your wake.

What are all the problems with using helium to inflate tires?

An atomic number of 2 and an atomic weight of 4.003u make helium the second lightest of all the elements. Air, on the other hand, has an atomic weight of 28.965 u, seven times heavier than helium. Helium is also the second smallest element, and this is where we run into trouble when we talk about tires.

Because of the tiny size of the helium atom, it just passes through the hoops. This isn’t instant, but it’s a constant leak. With a normal tire there is no way to prevent this. Also, the air itself isn’t that heavy, so the overall weight difference to the vehicle isn’t that big at all.

Helium is a finite element; it cannot be generated and it is not found in the atmosphere. Because of its weight, it just floats up and pretty much off the ground. The world’s largest helium producer is ExxonMobil. They harvest the helium in Wyoming from helium-rich CO2 and methane gas fields. For all of these reasons, helium is finite, making it expensive. Far too expensive to use as gasoline to inflate tires.

Are there advantages to using helium?

One problem air can cause is corrosion. Much compressed air contains small amounts of water vapor. Although not very much, the water vapor is enough to condense into water particles and cause corrosion inside the tire, on the wheel itself.

Pure helium is non-corrosive, so it has strength over air. However, its disadvantages are far too negative and outweigh the benefits of preventing corrosion. However, if you want to prevent corrosion, you can use nitrogen in your tires. Not only does this prevent corrosion, but it also has a number of other benefits.

What is helium used for?

The most common applications for helium can be divided into 5 areas: