Should You Load Your Skidder Tires with Ballast

[MikePhua]

The Role of Tire Ballast in Forestry Equipment
Skidders are built to drag heavy logs across uneven terrain, often in wet, steep, or unstable conditions. To maintain traction and stability, operators sometimes add ballast—typically liquid weight—inside the tires. This practice, common in agriculture, has also found its way into forestry, especially in regions with soft ground or steep grades.
Ballasting tires increases the machine’s overall weight, lowers its center of gravity, and improves grip. However, it also affects fuel consumption, ride quality, and component wear. Whether or not to load skidder tires depends on terrain, tire type, machine configuration, and operational goals.
Terminology Notes

• Ballast: Weight added to a machine to improve traction or stability
  
• Calcium Chloride: A common liquid ballast with high density and freeze resistance
  
• Rim Guard: A non-corrosive beet-based ballast alternative
  
• Tubeless Tire: A tire that seals directly to the rim without an inner tube
  
• Bias Ply: A tire construction with crisscrossed layers, offering durability but less flexibility than radial designs
  

Benefits of Loading Skidder Tires
Operators who load their tires often report:

• Improved Traction
  Added weight helps tires bite into soft or muddy terrain, reducing slippage during pulls.
  
• Enhanced Stability
  Lower center of gravity reduces tipping risk on slopes or when handling large logs.
  
• Reduced Bounce
  Ballast dampens shock and vibration, especially on rough trails or rocky ground.
  
• Better Weight Distribution
  Helps balance the machine when using heavy grapples or winches.
  

In 2016, a logging crew in British Columbia loaded their rear tires with calcium chloride to improve downhill control. The added weight helped anchor the machine during steep descents, reducing brake wear and improving operator confidence.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite the advantages, tire loading comes with trade-offs:

• Increased Fuel Consumption
  Heavier machines require more power to move, especially during transport or long-distance skidding.
  
• Higher Stress on Drivetrain
  Axles, bearings, and transmissions may wear faster due to added load.
  
• Corrosion Risk
  Calcium chloride is highly corrosive if leaked. Rim Guard or windshield washer fluid are safer alternatives.
  
• Reduced Floatation
  On very soft ground, heavier tires may sink deeper, increasing rutting and soil disturbance.
  
• Complicated Repairs
  Changing or patching a loaded tire requires special equipment and safety precautions.
  

Best Practices for Tire Ballasting
If you choose to load your skidder tires:

• Use a corrosion inhibitor or non-corrosive fluid like Rim Guard
  
• Fill tires to 75–85% capacity to allow for air cushion and expansion
  
• Monitor tire pressure monthly—liquid ballast can mask slow leaks
  
• Label tires clearly to alert service crews during maintenance
  
• Use inner tubes if the rim is not rated for liquid ballast
  

For machines operating in freezing climates, ensure the ballast has adequate antifreeze properties. Calcium chloride remains liquid down to -50°F, while windshield washer fluid varies by brand.
Alternatives to Liquid Ballast
Some operators prefer dry ballast methods:

• Wheel Weights
  Bolt-on steel plates that add mass without affecting tire internals
  
• Counterweights
  Rear-mounted blocks that balance front-heavy machines
  
• Radial Tires
  Offer better flex and ground contact, reducing the need for ballast in some conditions
  

In 2022, a forestry contractor in Maine switched from loaded bias-ply tires to high-flotation radials with no ballast. The result was improved ride comfort and reduced soil compaction, though traction on steep grades declined slightly.
Conclusion
Loading skidder tires with ballast can improve traction and stability in tough terrain, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Operators must weigh the benefits against fuel costs, maintenance complexity, and environmental impact. In forestry, where every slope and soil type presents a new challenge, the decision to load tires should be based on experience, terrain, and machine configuration—not just tradition.