Water filling tractor tyres, also known as water ballasting, is a time-tested method to improve traction, stability, and overall performance in agricultural and industrial applications. By adding water to your tyres, you effectively increase their weight, reducing wheel slippage and improving grip on challenging terrains.

In this guide, we'll cover the benefits of water filling, the types of water-filled valves, and the best filling methods to ensure optimal performance. We will also discuss its advantages, drawbacks, and when it may not be the best solution.

Why Water Fill Your Tractor Tyres?

Water filling serves three main purposes:

• Increased Weight: Adding water to tyres significantly increases the weight of your tractor, improving stability and reducing bouncing, especially when using heavy implements.

• Improved Traction: The added weight helps tyres grip the ground better, reducing wheel slip and increasing efficiency.

• Enhanced Stability: A properly balanced tractor provides better control and handling, reducing the risk of tipping over on uneven terrain.

Water ballasting is particularly useful when working with heavy rear-mounted implements or when your tractor’s power-to-weight ratio is insufficient (ideally about 49 kilos per horsepower).

Types of Water-Filled Valves

When water filling tractor tyres, you’ll need to use the appropriate valve based on whether your tyres are tubeless or have an inner tube:

• 
  Tubeless Tyres: Use a T618A valve or a shorter TR618B

• 
  Tyres with Inner Tubes: Use a TR218A valve

New tractors generally come equipped with air/water valves, making them suitable for water ballasting. However, you should always check whether your tyres have the appropriate valves before proceeding.

If you need new valves, these area available on our website below:

TR618A Bolt In Water Ballasting Valve for Tubeless Tyres

TR618B Short Bolt In Valve

Inner tubes with a TR218A Valve

It is not very common to water ballast front tractor tyres.  However, water blasting the front tyres can help them grip the ground better when the front is lighter than the rear, or towing heavy agricultural tooling on the back.  The rest of the time, front tyres typically use TR13 or TR15 valves, which you cannot water fill.

Best Methods for Water Filling Tractor Tyres

To fill your tyres with water, you'll need a water filler attachment.

Both attach to the valve at one end as well as a garden hose, however there is differences in the bleed mechanisms.

There are two main types of fillers:

Hanermous Water Filler

• Advantage: This filler features a bleed hose that floats to the top when the valve is positioned at the highest point (10 o’clock or 2 o’clock). This eliminates the need to manually release air while filling.

• Limitation: It only works with water-filled valves, meaning you may need a separate attachment for front tyres that use TR13 or TR15 valves.

Check out our Hanermous Water Filler here!

Bell-Type or Screw-On Water Filler

• Advantage: This filler can attach to TR13 and TR15 valves, making it more versatile for front tyres.

• Limitation: Air must be manually released by pressing a button as water is added.

Browse our Bell-Type Water Filler here!

Proper Filling Technique

To ensure optimal performance, follow these best practices:

1. Position the Valve Correctly: The valve should be at either the 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock position. This ensures that the tyre is about 3/4 of its height or 75% filled with water, leaving enough air to maintain proper cushioning and pressure.

2. Insert a jack:  Insert a jack under the axle to sustain the tyre in the original position during deflation.

3. Reduce pressure: To about 0.5 bar (7.25 psi)

4. Add Anti-Freeze if Needed: If operating in very cold climates, add anti-freeze equal to 1/5th of the water volume to prevent freezing.

5. Reinflate to required air pressure: inflate back to the usual pressure required for the implements.  When checking accurate pressure, position the valve in the 12 o’clock position or the highest point so you can be sure it is in the tyres air zone.

Benefits of Water Ballasting

Water ballasting offers several advantages when done correctly:

• Cost-Effective Solution: Requires only valves, hoses, and water, making it an affordable alternative to metal weights.

• Reduced Tyre Wear: Improves traction, reducing slippage and premature tyre wear.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Distributes weight evenly, maximizing power transmission to the ground.

For example, depending on tyre size, a single tyre can hold between 250 and 1400 litres of water, effectively increasing your tractor’s overall weight without additional equipment.

Disadvantages of Water Ballasting

While water ballasting has many benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider:

• Increased Fuel Consumption: Carrying extra weight year-round increases fuel usage, particularly during road travel or when operating without heavy implements.

• Installation Time: Filling and emptying tyres takes several hours compared to quickly attaching metal weights.  It can take on average between 2 to 3 hours to fill up the tyres and about 2 more to empty them.

• Reduced Shock Absorption: Less air in the tyres means a rougher ride and potentially less control when cornering at high speeds.

• Freezing Risks: Without proper anti-freeze, tyres can freeze in cold conditions.

• Potential for Overloading: Improper weight distribution can negatively impact performance and soil compaction.

Get the Right Equipment for the Job

Choosing the correct water filler and valve type is crucial for efficiency and safety. Browse our range of water fillers and valve attachments to ensure a smooth and effective filling process.

Shop Our Full Range of Water Filling Valves Here

Final Thoughts

Water filling your tractor tyres is a simple yet effective way to boost performance, reduce wheel slip, and enhance stability. However, understanding both its advantages and drawbacks is essential to making an informed decision. Whether you opt for a Hanermous filler for automatic air release or a bell-type filler for versatility, following the correct filling method ensures the best results.

For more expert advice on tyre maintenance and accessories, check out our other tips and tricks or contact our team for tailored recommendations.