Ballasting your tyres

Ballasting tyres with liquids

In some specific cases, to increase a machine's weight or lower it's centre of gravity, both Tubeless and Tube Type tyres can be ballasted with liquid.

Agricultural valves are usually "air and water" valves. This means tyres can be filled up to a maximum level of 75% with liquid (water + anti-freeze) (diagram 1).

In winter, temperatures may fall below freezing and at 0°C the use of a Glycol based anti-freeze product is required.

As MICHELIN is not involved in the design of those products, MICHELIN’s warranty specifically states that MICHELIN will not be held responsible for any associated damages to the tyres.

To water ballast to the maximum level, fill the inner tube or Tubeless tyre with liquid up to the level of the valve (valve at highest point), while releasing the air (diagram 2).

Inflation and pressure are adjusted using air.

As there is less air to provide pressure (approximately 25% of total volume), it is vital to regularly monitor pressure levels. We recommend a monthly check.

Ballasting tubeless tyres with liquid

Assemble and position the tyre; see “Inflation and bead positioning”,

• Deflate the tyre to a low pressure (roughly 0.5 bar)
• Position the valve at the highest point,
• Start to fill the tyre with liquid (water + anti-freeze), to a maximum of 75% while releasing the air (diagram 2),
• Finish inflating with air and adjust the pressure.