Tires for Kubota RCR48 mower deck?

[998cc]

Hello again to the group.
What are folks using to successfully replace the original tires on these mower decks? I have tried replacing one with new chinese tire and tube, and it failed after a few hours use. Photo attached of an (I believe) original tire. Size is 2.80/2.50-4. Outer diameter is roughly 8 inches.

Thanks.
Russ

 

[WranglerX]

Those look like basically hand truck or wheel borrow tires... Would think some "flat free" tires/wheel may be appropriate...

Marathon Flat-Free Tires :: America's Flat Free Tire Leader

Marathon is one of the largest suppliers of flat free wheelbarrow and hand truck tires to the Lawn and Garden industry.

www.marathonind.com

More specifically....

2.80/2.50-4" Hand Truck Tires - Marathon Industries

Marathon is one of the largest suppliers of flat free wheelbarrow and hand truck tires to the Lawn and Garden industry.

www.marathonind.com

 

[RjCorazza]

I could never go back after running solid wheels on my (different) mower. I think mine are 6" OAD , and most sizes should be available online or through the OEM.
I'm curious what you end up with.

 

[5030]

Fill your failed tire with expanding foam and call it good.

 

[WranglerX]

You might be right. Come to think of it, I’ve seen them both ways.

edit: Just saw OP posted new picture showing cap and relay behind cover. Sorry about the confusion.

Fill your failed tire with expanding foam and call it good.

What type and brand of foam.... Surely not wall insulation foam....

 

[5030]

What type and brand of foam.... Surely not wall insulation foam....

I've used insulating foam (limited expansion) in the past on small, easily deflated tires. I removed the valve core and stuck the straw directly into the stem with the stem at 12 o'clock and allowed the stuff to cure with no issues.

Works well especially on wheel barrow tires that like to go flat on their own.

 

[Tinhack]

Look for tires and tubes made in USA, Vietnam, Thailand or Korea. The Chinese just haven't figured out quality rubber compounds yet. I've never had any rubber products from China last over a year.

That size tire is as common as fence posts. You're just not looking.

 

[5030]

People on RV forums refer to them as 'China Bombs'

 

[Tinhack]

People on RV forums refer to them as 'China Bombs'

When I was counting pennies years back, I skimped and saved enough to buy four new Zhōngguó-tires for my 81 Chevy truck. Within a year, I had two of the tires blow out just sitting in the driveway. The blow outs were within a few months. Blew the tread right off of them. That's when I said, "No More".

I can't count the number of times I've replaced other small tires and air hoses over the years. They just rot without being used.

 

[5030]

Sounds like the Chinese tarp straps at HF. Guaranteed to rot away in a year. Besides, they stink.

 

[ConawayFarms]

I ended up switching to a solid rubber tire from a local hardware store, and it’s been holding up great. You lose the air cushioning, but no more flats.

 

[998cc]

Look for tires and tubes made in USA, Vietnam, Thailand or Korea. The Chinese just haven't figured out quality rubber compounds yet. I've never had any rubber products from China last over a year.

That size tire is as common as fence posts. You're just not looking.

Tinhack,
Thanks for the response.
I have looked, and the only tires I am finding are tail wheel tires for small aircraft. No way to tell where they are made, but they are about $80.00 each. At $80.00 each, I would like some assurance they are robust and can be used reliably in this application. Whatever the case, components certified for aircraft use always come development and liability costs included in the price tag.

The original Kubota tires were made in Taiwan and lasted decades.

Is there another source?

Russ

 

[998cc]

I ended up switching to a solid rubber tire from a local hardware store, and it’s been holding up great. You lose the air cushioning, but no more flats.

Good thoughts. Did you find tires only or did they come formed on the non-split rims? I bought some like this on Amazon but upon inspection, doubt the rims will take the punishment. Will try them.

 

[Tinhack]

The original Kubota tires were made in Taiwan and lasted decades.

Taiwan used to be a good place for rubber, but I haven't seen tires made there in quite a few years.

Are you looking for a tire and tube or the whole wheel assembly? There's a huge difference in what you'll find for assemblies.

 

[998cc]

Taiwan used to be a good place for rubber, but I haven't seen tires made there in quite a few years.

Are you looking for a tire and tube or the whole wheel assembly? There's a huge difference in what you'll find for assemblies.

I'll take either one. Pneumatic tires as originally fitted would be fine. However, a solid-rubber tire that would fit the Kubota split rim might be fine. The bearings in the stock Kubota wheel are wide roller bearings and spread the load very well. New wheels seem to come fitted with cheap ball bearings.