Just wondering if there is any problems with using a step up transformer to run a european mercury vapor ballast in North America? Ive ran european SBMV lamps on it before with no issues despite the 10 hz difference but would a ballast and lamp be any different?

Lamp will be somewhat underdriven, approximately -17% (50/60 ratio). This is for a simple 2-terminal choke.

Not all ballasts have them, but some Philips ones from the late 90s/2000s have a 230v as well as a 240v tap. If the current turns out to be insufficient when running at 240v 60hz on the 240 tap, you might want to try the 230v tap.
If you still have to buy a ballast, look for one of those. It won't harm the ballast at all, i don't know about the lamps themselves.