Tire Ballast Chart

 

55 gallon drums of Methanol

 

Adding liquid ballast to your tractor tires can increase/improve traction, lower the tractor’s center of gravity, and counterbalance heavy implements. This tire ballast chart compares different tractor tire ballast fluids and options. Speak to a representative to learn more about how we can help with your tire ballast fluids needs!

 

 

Tire Ballast Chart: Compare Tractor Tire Ballast Fluids

Product Biodegradable Corrosive Freeze Point Economical Characteristics
Water Yes Yes 32 °F Yes

  • Not as heavy as other options – 8.35#/gallon
  • Freeze-related expansion can lead to tire separation.
  • Safe for the environment and the user, but detrimental to the life of the equipment.
  • Lowest initial cost, but long-term cost prohibitive.
Calcium Chloride Yes Yes -50 to -60 °F No

  • 13#/gallon (weight varies based on concentration of solution)
  • Resists freezing down to -50 or -60 °F.
  • Can cause significant damage to wheel rims.
  • Not the safest choice for the user and environment, as it damages the soil and can cause an alkalinity burn.
Methanol Mix  *our choice* Yes Modestly -20 °F Yes

  • ~7.8#/gallon
  • Although a solvent, Methanol does not create long-term soil contamination because it evaporates quickly and readily biodegrades.
  • Most economical when compared to water with less equipment degradation.
  • Methanol solutions are less flammable when created with water.
Antifreeze Yes No -35 °F No

  • Recycled material is often used as opposed to new product which may contain contaminants.
  • One of the more expensive options
  • Not environmentally friendly or safe
  • Repurposed product is even less environmentally friendly and can be considerably more harmful than new product.  Both types can lead to long-term soil contamination, are considered toxic, and are listed as marine pollutants.
Beet Juice Solution Yes No -35 °F No

  • Approximately 11#/gallon
  • Made from sugar beets which can draw harmful and undesired pests and animals.
  • An increasingly popular option but is primarily produced in northern states.  This can create costly logistical challenges for users in southern states.
  • Most expensive solution.
  • The organic material can increase the biochemical oxygen demand of water as it decomposes. This could lead to algae blooms and worsened water quality once the weather warms up.  Some research has been noted to decimate aquatic bodies stating “it is a source for organisms, microbial communities that can suck the oxygen out of the water.”
  • While it is not considered to be corrosive, it does stain surfaces and could compromise painted surfaces.
  • Some additives may cause slippery conditions if there are leaks or spills onto surfaces and/or roadways.
Foam Filled No N/A N/A No

  • Lightweight, which is counter-productive for most uses.
  • Rarely done or used.
  • Most expensive option.
  • Permanent.
  • Polyurethane foam is not environmentally friendly.