Replacing just one front tire

[jejeosborne]

I have a B7800 that has one front tire that is damaged beyond repair. The other tire has about half the tread left. Should I replace them in pairs like I would a car or will it be ok to replace just one. Obviously there will be a circumference difference. On a car the differential will get a workout at high speeds. With a low speed tractor will it hurt anything?
Jeff

 

[Diamondpilot]

I personally would replace both and keep the good one as a spare. Who knows, you may damage one of the new ones mid life and then you will have 2 with the same tread.

Chris

 

[RoyJackson]

Interesting question...
The question, of course, will the circumference on the new tire differ greatly then the old tire...and would that have an adverse effect on the drive train. The safest way out would be to replace both front tires.
If that's not feasible, mount the new tire and inflate so both fronts have the same pressure. Then measure the circumference of both tires. If less then 5%, I wouldn't worry about it. If greater then 5%, I'd ante up for another new tire. No way to justify that, but that's what I'd do.
You could ask your tire dealer about it, but I'm sure he'll want to sell you another tire. You could also ask your dealer..he might give you a more impartial opinion.
If money is tight, and your use of 4WD is limited...well, something to consider.

 

[jejeosborne]

Is there a differential on the front axle on these tractors? If so i wouldn't think it will be a problem to replace just one. I wouldn't think the slow speeds of the tractor could damage the differential. If not, then I would expect the two tires to constantly be fighting each other putting additional strain on the drivetrain. I keep it in 4wd all the time with the exception of the pulling it in the barn on the concrete floor.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day as posted earlier do not exceed 5% difference in rolling radius you will have a differential in there and it will be constantly fighting itself and this is worse in 4wd, try your local tyre centre sometimes they have 2nd hand units from people that have been in your situation.



Jon

 

[TripleR]

We have done this on a couple of our tractors without incident. The front differential does not lock and front wheel assist is used only about 25% of the time. Tires cost about $800 each, so the cost is significant. Both tractors are over twenty years old and now have new rubber since Goodyear got out of the Ag tire business so we had to switch brands.

 

[Jay4200]

I have a B7800 that has one front tire that is damaged beyond repair. The other tire has about half the tread left. Should I replace them in pairs like I would a car or will it be ok to replace just one. Obviously there will be a circumference difference. On a car the differential will get a workout at high speeds. With a low speed tractor will it hurt anything?
Jeff

You can just replace the damaged tire and run the old one on the other side. No, it will not hurt anything (if it could, you wouldn't be able to turn). OTOH, replacing a single tire ALWAYS looks cheezy and makes your tractor look shabby, and for that reason alone you should absolutely change both tires at the same time.

JayC

 

[Usta]

This is my thinking.
Not sure exactly about the 7800, but my tractor in 4WD is phisically a 2WD with one back tire and one front tire working. With the rear differential lock, it is 3WD with one front tire and both back tires working.
So, therefore, I would not see a problem with a minor difference of the front tires if only one of the tires will ever be pulling.

Is my thinking correct or as a wise TBN member once stated....
"am I on the right track or do I have one wheel stuck in the ditch"

 

[RoyJackson]

Is there a differential on the front axle on these tractors? If so i wouldn't think it will be a problem to replace just one. I wouldn't think the slow speeds of the tractor could damage the differential. If not, then I would expect the two tires to constantly be fighting each other putting additional strain on the drivetrain. I keep it in 4wd all the time with the exception of the pulling it in the barn on the concrete floor.

If you feel the need to run in 4WD all the time, suggest you replace both tires.
I also suggest you evaluate that need to run in 4WD. I use it as necessary. There's little use in putting wear on gears unnecessarily.

 

[jejeosborne]

I have decided to replace both and keep the one as a spare. I have to run in 4wd all the time due to steep terrain on our entire property and through the woods. I am going to step to the plate and have them foam filled as well. No more flats! Pardon the pun but I am TIRED of buying tubes at $25 a POP. Wow two puns in one sentence.
Jeff

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you made a wise decision.

Chris

 

[pat32rf]

If you need to run in 4wd because of poor traction then one tire is probably spinning more than the other anyway. Its only when going straight ahead with perfect traction that you need all tire gearing equal.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day glad to hear you replaced as a pair Jay4200 i'm sorry but i have to disagree with you on not doing any damage you will do damage if you run odd size tyres and make the diff work overtime every rotation of the tyre it may not happen in a couple of hours work but what happens when the worn tyre is u/s and needs to be replaced do you just fit a new tyre on that side? I have repaired many diffs and final drives in the last 20+ years and yes some of them can be contributed to odd tyres.


Jon

 

[pat32rf]

I still feel that if you are driving highway speeds on pavement, two matching tires are advisable, but on the terrain I have, with the traction I have, at the speeds I run, its VERY seldom that both tires on either axle are turning the same speed,(or traveling the same distance).
I just replaced BOTH front tires (torn sidewall) last month on my JD4300 (4000hrs) and am keeping the "good" one as a spare. The dealer was good enough to patch (at no charge) the bad tire enough to keep "John" going until the new tires came in, but a spare in the barn just makes me feel better....

 

[TripleR]

I still feel that if you are driving highway speeds on pavement, two matching tires are advisable, but on the terrain I have, with the traction I have, at the speeds I run, its VERY seldom that both tires on either axle are turning the same speed,(or traveling the same distance).
I just replaced BOTH front tires (torn sidewall) last month on my JD4300 (4000hrs) and am keeping the "good" one as a spare. The dealer was good enough to patch (at no charge) the bad tire enough to keep "John" going until the new tires came in, but a spare in the barn just makes me feel better....

Some people will never accept this even though many people have found it to work well for them. Go out and talk to some farmers who have to pay a couple of grand or more for each tire and see what they do.

 

[jejeosborne]

I am having to agree with what Pat32 is saying. I do not often drive my tractor in a straight line for more than a few feet. I am constantly turning and maneuvering around anyway. I did receive my TWO new tires Thursday and they are being mounted and filled with foam on Tuesday. I ended up buying "blemished" Titan tires off the internet for $75 per tire saving me about $40 per tire. They are new and never mounted and figured that I am having them filled with foam anyway so who cares if they have a visual defect. They will be covered with dirt and mud by Wednesday afternoon anyway. The foam is quit expensive at about $110 per tire for the 23x8.50-14. I am looking forward to the additional 150 lbs to the front of the tractor as well.
Jeff