how much does it cost to load tractor tires

The Cost of Loading Tractor Tires

Tractor tires are the backbone of any farm. They provide the necessary traction and support to carry out the farm's operations. However, over time, the tires can wear out, reducing their effectiveness. In such cases, it's essential to load the tractor tires to improve their performance. But before loading the tires, the question that arises is how much it will cost to load them. This article tries to give a comprehensive answer to this question.

The Cost of the Materials Required for Loading Tires

Loading tractor tires involves adding liquid ballast to them to increase their weight and hence the traction. The cost of the ballast depends on the weight and type of ballast needed. Water is the most common and affordable ballast, costing about $0.01 per pound. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is also used and costs about $0.04 per pound. The weight of the ballast required depends on the tire's size and the tractor's horsepower. On average, 40-50% of the tire's air volume can be filled with liquid ballast, which contributes to about 4-6 pounds per gallon of ballast. The weight of a single tire weighing 18.4x38 can be increased to about 450-500 pounds using calcium chloride with four gallons. Consequently, the cost of loading a single tire with calcium chloride would be $32 to $36.

The Cost of Labor Required for Loading Tires

A professional tire service is needed to load tractor tires. The cost of loading varies depending on the dealer. The cost usually increases with the size of the tires and the equipment's weight or horsepower. Technicians bill by the hour for their services, and most jobs last around an hour or more. On average, the labor cost of loading one tire can range from $45 to $100. However, if tires need to be removed or re-mounted, the cost can go up to $200 per tire.

The Cost of Buying New Tires vs. Loading Old Ones

If the cost of loading the old tractor tires is too high, you may consider buying new tires instead. The cost of buying new tractor tires varies depending on the model, brand, and dealer. On average, a new tire can cost between $800 to $3000. However, if your tires are in good condition with no excessive wear, loading them is a good option. In contrast, if the tires are severely worn, loading them may be a waste of money, and replacing them with new ones proves to be a better investment in the long run.

Conclusion

The cost of loading tractor tires depends on the weight and type of ballast needed, the tire's size, the tractor's horsepower, and the cost of labor. An average cost of loading a single tire with calcium chloride is between $32 to $36, while the labor costs can range from $45 to $100, depending on the size and weight of the tractor and its tires. Therefore, before deciding to load your old tractor tires, make sure to weigh the costs of loading them against the cost of purchasing new ones, ensuring that you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.