Changing tires yourself? 23x8.50x14 R4 tires

Sodo · May 8, 2014

My 2710 needs new front tires. It's a half-day project at least to (take the wheels into town and) have the two front tires changed for $332. These front tires are about the same size as a small car tire. Wondering if anybody has DIY experience.

I can order tires on the internet for $260 delivered. Compared to $332 and a half a day, (that's kind of like $532).

How difficult is it to change a tractor tire of that size? (23x8.50x14 R4) It's pretty easy to "try" and I'm not afraid of spending a couple hours on it, that's much faster than the half day (minimum) to drive to town. I can break the bead with hydraulics. Maybe re-set the bead with a ratchet strap (?) I understand how its done - I've changed a lot of motorcycle tires and a few other types, but not tractors.

kenmac · May 9, 2014

I've changed plenty of tractor tires in my day. Not very difficult if you've got the tools and know how. Getting the bead to seat on some tubeless tires can be a challenge some times

stuckmotor · May 9, 2014

I've changed a few that had tubes. It was easier when I was younger but still, no big deal.

George2615 · May 9, 2014

I've changed them too. Its a little tougher than a car tire due to more tire plies on tractor tires. But if you have the tire irons it can be done.

8N Ren · May 9, 2014

It's even better when you have a helper, the jobs usually not too bad, the hardest part sometimes is breaking the bead.

Sodo · May 9, 2014

8N Ren said:
It's even better when you have a helper, the jobs usually not too bad, the hardest part sometimes is breaking the bead.

Thx all for the replies. Was thinking a helper would be good….. I have an excavator (with a thumb) to break the bead.

8N Ren · May 9, 2014

I hope you would just use the flat backside of the bucket with the tire laying on the ground as to not potentially wreck your rim, I picture a whoops lol.

Sodo · May 9, 2014

that's what a guy with no thumb does - not sure I can agree to that

crazyal · May 10, 2014

I've done all my tractor tires myself including the rear tires on my Case 580K. I did just like you said, use the backhoe to break the bead and then tire irons to remove and install the tire. Tubes help as they make beading the new tire easy. Car wheels have a bead that helps keep the tire on the wheel when the pressure gets low, tractors don't seam to have it so breaking the bead is probably easier than you realize. If it's rusty that will make it hard to get off. If you do have tubes put some air in them so they are roughly the shape they would be if pumped up, not too much, they should be easy to squeeze, before putting the outer bead on the wheel. A flat tube can easily get pinched while one with air will usually move out of the way. Get a can of spray silicone that's good for rubber to help lubricate the tires to make them go on easier.