Tire PSI question...

[Podunkadunk]

Hi all,
I have a L3130, HST, 4x4. I was reading my operator's manual and now I'm confused. Please chime in with your interpretation/advice.

The manual has a warning which reads "Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate tires above the recommended pressure shown in the operator's manual."

So, the manual states the inflation pressure for my unit is:

R-4's;
Front tires: 10-16.5 NHS, 6PlyRating...20psi
Rear tires: 420/70-24, 6PlyRating...20psi

You would think it would be pretty simple, but then there's this note:
"Maintain the maximum pressure in front tires, if using a front loader or when equipped with a full load of front weights." For my particular unit, that weight happens to be 386 lbs.

That statement is what is confusing me. Which "maximum" are they talking about? The manual says 20psi, but doesn't list a max or min, just 20psi.

The tire itself has a warning on the side of it stating not to exceed 45psi max cold.

I understand the meanings of these notes and warnings, but can't figure out which pressure they are talking about.

I DO NOT have an FEL, but I just added approx. 320lbs of weight to the front end (total of the grill/brush guard weight and 2 (55lbers) and 2 (80lbers)).

I know this seems like a lot of info for a "simple" tire psi question, but I wanted everyone who reads it to have the same info I have and be well informed before giving me your thoughts.

What pressure should I maintain in the front tires?

-Podunk

 

[DieselPower]

In the automotive and trucking world the "max" preasure is what is listed by the manufacturer of the vehicle. The max preasure on the sidewall of the tire is very often higher than the vehicle manufacturers max preasure rating. One reason is the application, the other is that the rim may not be able to hold the higher preasure. I know many heavy truck rims are rated at between 120-130 PSI while the tires on them may have a max preasure of 150-200 PSI.

It could be the case that your tractors rims are not rated for 45 PSI. I know truck rims are usually marked with the max preasure they can hold. You might check to see if your rims are stamped with the max preasure rating. The next step would be to call the dealer and inquire.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Podunkadunk,

Good question. I hpoe more people chim in.

I have a 3130 with Ag tires and FEL. I think the manual calls for 18 psi. I am running around 22 psi in the fronts but it doesn't take very much to flaten the tires when carrying a load in the bucket or on the forks.

 

[North GA]

I have a L3130 with a FEL that is about two weeks old. I asked the same question when I read the operator's manual. I think you stand a chance of rolling the tire off the rim with power steering and four wheel drive and carrying a decent load with the FEL. I inflated my front tires (R4) to 40PSI. The back tires (R4) have 20PSI.

 

[Podunkadunk]

Podunkadunk,

Good question. I hpoe more people chim in.

I have a 3130 with Ag tires and FEL. I think the manual calls for 18 psi. I am running around 22 psi in the fronts but it doesn't take very much to flaten the tires when carrying a load in the bucket or on the forks.

Well, 110 people have read the post as of this posting...with only 3 responses. I guess it's got everyone stumped! It makes no sense whatsoever...and if someone can make heads or tails of it, please CHIME IN with your thoughts. I'm totally confused.

I read all the time in TBN "read the operator's manual", "follow the manufacturer's recommendation", etc, etc etc. Well, I did, NOW WHAT?

I just want to know where all the "experts" and are now. Where are all those guys who are always touting their hundreds of hours of operation and thousands of posts in TBN?

I think I'm going to post it in the "General" section...gets more attention. I need an answer.

Podunk

 

[HomeBrew2]

Ok, well, the way I took it when I read my similar manual notation:
20psi is the mfg max recommendation. You can go lower for comfort (suspension in bumpy conditions) or for more traction or whatever but, if you have a FEL on or weights, don't go below 20psi. Just the way I saw it.

 

[DocHeb]

Well, 110 people have read the post as of this posting...with only 3 responses... I just want to know where all the "experts" and are now. Where are all those guys who are always touting their hundreds of hours of operation and thousands of posts in TBN?

I think I'm going to post it in the "General" section...gets more attention. I need an answer.

Podunk

WHAT - YOU DIDN'T GET THE ANSWER YOU WANTED IN SIX HOURS?!?!?!

 

[Stef]

20psi is the mfg max recommendation. You can go lower for comfort (suspension in bumpy conditions) or for more traction or whatever but, if you have a FEL on or weights, don't go below 20psi.

That's exactly the point. You can go softer for comfort but if you have a FEL or front weights you have to inflate the front tires at 20psi (if 20 is stated in your manual).

Here's an exemple with my tractor. The manual states to inflate the front tires at 22psi (turf) or 35psi (R4)... maximum. It can be less than that (comfort) but for loader work and front weights it should be at 22psi (turf) or 35psi (R4). It's very important because the front tires tend to distort a lot especially with heavy loader work.
IMHO this is the major advantage of R4 tires over turf or AG, with more pressure the tires are stiffer and can bear more weight without distortion.

You said 320 lbs. IMHO this weight is nothing compared to a full loader charge. If the manual states 20psi for the front tires, I'd do exactly that and never think about that again.

I hope it helped you a bit.

 

[Podunkadunk]

That's exactly the point. You can go softer for comfort but if you have a FEL or front weights you have to inflate the front tires at 20psi (if 20 is stated in your manual).

Here's an exemple with my tractor. The manual states to inflate the front tires at 22psi (turf) or 35psi (R4)... maximum. It can be less than that (comfort) but for loader work and front weights it should be at 22psi (turf) or 35psi (R4). It's very important because the front tires tend to distort a lot especially with heavy loader work.
IMHO this is the major advantage of R4 tires over turf or AG, with more pressure the tires are stiffer and can bear more weight without distortion.

You said 320 lbs. IMHO this weight is nothing compared to a full loader charge. If the manual states 20psi for the front tires, I'd do exactly that and never think about that again.


I hope it helped you a bit.

Thanks HomeBrew2 and Stef. I have them set at 20 psi. I interpreted it as you did, but with an owner/operator manual, you'd think they'd be specific.
'Preciate it. Have a good evening.
Podunk

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I think you got your answer but here is a bit more to think about when generally considering tractor tire pressure.

• Lower pressure will offer more traction
• Lower pressure will minimize damage to the lawn
• Higher pressure will compact soil, fields, lawn, etc (which is why farmers use low pressure)
• Higher pressure increases safe loader capacity
• No matter what pressure, the sidewall will increase the actual ground pressure by 5 to 15 PSI depending on the sidewall stiffness (R4 tires are stiffer than Turf tires, etc)