Tire cracks?!?

[RSR]

I have a new (2 month old) LS tractor with 25 hours. In looking it over this morning I noticed both front wheel have chunks of rubber that are breaking off the leading and trailing edges of every tread lug. (See picture attached) While some lugs don't have chunks broken out yet, you can see where cracks are forming.

They are all aligned with the center of the tire, where there is flashing, I'm assuming, from the fabrication process.

Has anyone noticed this before? Is this normal, or something that should be claimed under warranty?

 

[Diggin It]

Do they happen to be Carlisle tires?

 

[RSR]

Do they happen to be Carlisle tires?

Yes, they are. I just found a prior thread with an identical problem. Those tires had a manufacture date of 08/19. Mine are 09/19. It looks like a bad batch of tires.

 

[Diggin It]

OK, I was going to point to that thread, but wanted to clarify the brand.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd start by going back to the dealer. They are going to immediately tell you they don't warrant tires, that you need to go to the tire manufacturer. I'd then ask them to help you in that regard. Then you'll know how good your dealer is.

After that, I'd look thru my paperwork from the purchase for warranty information regarding tires and follow that path.

 

[Hilbilly]

I have a new (2 month old) LS tractor with 25 hours. In looking it over this morning I noticed both front wheel have chunks of rubber that are breaking off the leading and trailing edges of every tread lug. (See picture attached) While some lugs don't have chunks broken out yet, you can see where cracks are forming.

They are all aligned with the center of the tire, where there is flashing, I'm assuming, from the fabrication process.

Has anyone noticed this before? Is this normal, or something that should be claimed under warranty?

View attachment 634320

Looks like you took pictures of the tires that came on my new tractor.

I think I am the person you are referring to in the other thread. The good news is ( well for me anyways) Carlisle replaced both of my tires without argument and did it very quickly. The only cost I will be out, is the cost of removing and replacing the tires. They might cover the cost but I figured I would eat it and just run the tires I have now, until they give out and then replace them. More than a fair trade in my opinion.

I was very impressed with their response to the issue.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[jmc]

I think I am the person you are referring to in the other thread. The good news is ( well for me anyways) Carlisle replaced both of my tires without argument and did it very quickly. The only cost I will be out, is the cost of removing and replacing the tires. They might cover the cost but I figured I would eat it and just run the tires I have now, until they give out and then replace them. More than a fair trade in my opinion.

I'd probably try to "use up" the defective tires too but there might be a risk of the rubber failing in the structural part of the tire too, like during loader work.

 

[ovrszd]

Pure speculation on my part. I think it is a fault in the forming and pouring of the tire. I don't think there's any structural strength issue. I'd be just like Hilbilly, I'd run em. Only problem is the replacements will have an old shelf life before he gets to use them unless he ruins one by accident. Most tires have a shelf life and are dated on the sidewall somewhere. It's common to see an unbelievable sale price on tires because they are reaching the end of their shelf life for warranty purposes.

 

[jmc]

I'd be just like Hilbilly, I'd run em. Only problem is the replacements will have an old shelf life before he gets to use them unless he ruins one by accident. Most tires have a shelf life and are dated on the sidewall somewhere. It's common to see an unbelievable sale price on tires because they are reaching the end of their shelf life for warranty purposes.

I'm a believer in tire shelf life after a recent event: 20 year old tires with 100% tread since the dump trailer they were on doesn't get used much, and only locally. Pressure gets checked before taking it out. Empty trailer at highway speed or less and one tread completely delaminated. Replaced all four afterward.

 

[Paystar]

I emailed Carlisle when all the sidewalls cracked on my 2013 Kubota when I got it new. They were very good to deal with. Shipped me 4 brand new tires free of charge. I was impressed.

But the new ones have very big cracks that opened up in the sidewalls the first season I had them on. And my tractor is never left outside.

But they don't lose air so I'm not going to worry about it any more.