Tires Foam filled tires

coupman35 · May 5, 2020

Am sure this came up before .Am thinking of getting my tire filled whit foam there is a tire shop that does it in town.Am wondering if it a good thing . What your take n this did any one ever got it done and how is it . any info thanks

4570Man · May 5, 2020

It’s quite expensive to have done and they ride terrible. A plus or maybe a minus is it’s very heavy.

coupman35 · May 5, 2020

Am just tinking of doing the front tire on my B2650 .One tire keep going down it a pain in the but.

Roadworthy · May 5, 2020

You could try the recommended amount of "Slime" in your tires if something is puncturing them. It's possible your valve stem is leaky, too.

4570Man · May 5, 2020

I’ve got the front tires on my mower filled. They were constantly going flat and it fixed that problem. They’ve got a half dozen cuts apiece so it was definitely worth it. I paid $40 apiece for the ZT tires and was quoted $300 apiece for my M59 front tires so just putting a tire or tube in is your most economical solution.

dlctcg · May 5, 2020

All 4 of our tires are foam filled on our TC40D (they were when we purchased the tractor)...

The good...
- no worries on what we drive over in the woods (or anywhere else)
- the weight (it works for us)

The not so good....
- ride quality (especially on hard surfaces) we are almost never on hard surfaces like asphalt, roads , or concrete so it is ok.... just ok....
- Ice... not good... I chain all 4
- Tires have zero give so traction can some times be an issue.... but with 4 wheel drive not usually...
- the weight.... if you need to remove them.... we have a tire dolly (oh & a Lull) so not a really issue.... but something to consider

Oldpath05 · May 5, 2020

Foam would be a no return solution. Does your tires have tubes?

Diggin It · May 5, 2020

I looked into this not too long ago, but decided against it. I was told it essentially makes a solid tire that has to be cut off the rim if the tire ever needs to be replaced.

4570Man · May 5, 2020

Diggin It said:
I looked into this not too long ago, but decided against it. I was told it essentially makes a solid tire that has to be cut off the rim if the tire ever needs to be replaced.

They last a lot time on dirt going vehicles but that’s true.

powerstroke444e · May 6, 2020

I have foam filled on my b26tlb and m5400 and would not own a utility tractor without foam filled. The weigh and fact that I never have a flat is worth every penny it costs. Ride is a none issue for me.

jeff9366 · May 6, 2020

coupman35 said:
Am just tinking of doing the front tire on my B2650 .One tire keep going down it a pain in the but.

Foaming one front tire would be very hard on 4-WD and steering components. I suggest installing a tube.

Smokeydog · May 6, 2020

Flat tires were a common occurrence on our B20 front. HD loader for its size. Advise from the local Bobcat dealer “not all tire foams the same” and took them to their approved shop. Surprised how bouncy and heavy the tires were. Worked well for 23 years. Newer B26 and new front tires on the M59 got Gemplers bulletproof sealant.

MHarryE · May 7, 2020

My BIL has a firewood business, front flats were always a problem until foaming. For him results fantastic.

Henro · May 7, 2020

coupman35 said:
Am sure this came up before .Am thinking of getting my tire filled whit foam there is a tire shop that does it in town.Am wondering if it a good thing . What your take n this did any one ever got it done and how is it . any info thanks

I foam filled my front tires on my B2910 soon after buying it about 18 years ago. Was getting flats...foam was the best decision I ever made there.

On my BX2200 I foam filled first the fronts, and later the rears too. Punctures were the driving force, but the weight that low, centered on the axles is a great advantage for stability for the smaller tractor, on side slopes. Second best decision I have made.

The rears on my B2910 are filled with windshield washer fluid. If I were to get a puncture I would probably just get them foam filled too.

I do not have any issue with ride quality. I guess I just accept I am using a tractor and not driving a luxury car?

Just my personal experience. We are each different...

Oldpath05 · May 7, 2020

What about foam fillled tires in cold weather, heavy bucket full of dirt, tire change and most important cost, what is the cost per tire, say 7-16" AG?

LouNY · May 7, 2020

From what I have seen the ride in rough fields suffers, they are harder on bearings, the reduction in traction is considerable.
For me it would be no way in heck, other posters here seem to be all for it.

powerstroke444e · May 7, 2020

LouNY said:
From what I have seen the ride in rough fields suffers, they are harder on bearings, the reduction in traction is considerable.
For me it would be no way in heck, other posters here seem to be all for it.

On an ag tractor I could see the your point about traction but these small compact tractors it's a non issue they all need more weight. Biggest issue for me was locas tree thorns and needing the added weight. 10 years and never needing to worry about flats priceless.

Oldpath05 · May 8, 2020

LouNY said:
From what I have seen the ride in rough fields suffers, they are harder on bearings, the reduction in traction is considerable.
For me it would be no way in heck, other posters here seem to be all for it.

I dont need any rougher ride up here, my tractor shakes me out of seat now in 4L. I consider my front tires shock absorbers for the front end housing especially if the front end comes up.

Smokeydog · May 9, 2020

I couldn’t really tell a difference with foam filled front tires on a B20. Heavy but bounced like pneumatic tire. Could see deflection on a rock or with a heavy loader load. Smooth on road. Downside, expensive up front but no maintenance or down time for 23 years. Running sealant now but would use foam again if having leakage problems. 275 year old farm we tend to find a surprisingly amount of lost iron.

Henro · May 9, 2020

Oldpath05 said:
What about foam fillled tires in cold weather, heavy bucket full of dirt, tire change and most important cost, what is the cost per tire, say 7-16" AG?

I have never noticed any difference in winter vs summer with foam filled tires. Better than air filled tires under heavy load I think. Tire change: only necessary when tire are worn more than you find serviceable. Cost? Do not know today but a LOT more expensive than air! :laughing: