implement tires

jimg · Oct 2, 2007

I was pricing implement tires locally and discovered the OEM doesnt offer them. He directed me to the coop who, Im pretty sure would have to special order them. I do need to verify that though. I thought I might save some $$$ if I just did the ordering and work myself. If I can get retreads/moulds that would be OK too. Im not sure they exist b/c in my experience most implement tires go until theyre rotten. Not sure how much stock could be remfg. Anyway, who do you use for tires, are there any internet dealers that have particularly good service & prices? How do caps/retreads/remoulds work and are they available?

bota7800 · Oct 3, 2007

What implement are you talking about? Is it an air-filled tire? (I assume it is)

For some implements you can use a conventional truck tire. For example, I am currently considering buying a 1950's era JD manure spreader. It has ag traction tires that are pretty cracked. A replacement would be expensive and serve no purpose as it is not a traction axle. A light truck tire would be half the cost. If I buy it that is what I will put on.

jimg · Oct 3, 2007

Hi Bota
Yes, I mean the inflatable type. I did consider auto tires but I think the clearance (which is very tight) necessitates a domed face. Im changing the tires for safety reasons. They certainly arent road worthy and I suspect they wont hold up long in the field either.

BTDT · Oct 3, 2007

I think TSC carries some implement tires, but any of the large tire manufacturers (Goodyear, Firestone, etc) can probably get what you need. They usually have websites where you can pick your type/size with prices. Good luck

ToadHill · Oct 3, 2007

I read in Farm Show Mag. about some guy in the mid west that was selling tires from airplanes for implement tires. They are high flotation type tires and have very sturdy sidewalls. Maybe someone has the old copy of Farm Show and can get an address for you.

Egon · Oct 3, 2007

In the past large implement/construction equipment tires could be retreaded.

In your case it sounds like a new tire is in order. Any of the major tire brand dealers should be able to order in your specific requirements. Make sure the tire you use has the proper rating if it goes on the road at speed.

jimg · Oct 4, 2007

Thanx for all the replies!!

What Im looking for are inexpensive tires.

My coop (and any number of tire dealers) is very willing to charge me almost $90/. I felt that was a bit excessive and thought I might do better buying them over the net. To date Nebraska Tire is the low 'bidder' coming in at $70/ shipped. Ive gotten retreads/molds in the past for various vehicles and wondered if that might be an option for implements. This seems not to be the case though.

The aircraft tires sound interesting and Ive poked around for those but no luck so far.

If nothing pans out Ill probably go w/ recapped 205x65/15s which is whats on them now. The problem w/ that is the tread at the edges needs some grinding before theyll fit properly. The frame/tire clearance is *very* small and designed for a domed implement tire.

jimg · Oct 4, 2007

Success on the aircraft tires...home has them. The price is certainly right but I either need a tube or tire sealant inside to go tubeless. Bottomline is $38/ + shipping. The only part Im not sure about is the size. They say their 27x7.75/15 aircraft tire should replace my 25x7.50/15. Im off to see how caps compare in price.

Farmwithjunk · Oct 5, 2007

Recaps are only as good as the person who does them. Get one from a reputable tires shop that takes the time to do them right and use a good carcas you'll do ok. Get one from a hack shop and you've wasted your money. BTDT. And purchase price is not an indicator of who did their tires the right way. Quality standards are across the board.

Consider the life expectancy of an implement tire and a few bucks isn't a deal breaker anyway. We all want "cheap" from time to time. But there's a HUGE difference between "a good deal" and "cheap".

TSC is NOT "cheap" on their tires. Decent tires, just higher priced than they should be, for what you get.

jimg · Oct 5, 2007

Yes, back in my starving college kid days all I could afford were caps.

I certain wore a pile of those out and had more than one instance where they fell apart.

Anyway, I looked into caps and used tires yesterday and the used aircraft tires dont look so expensive. The cheapest thing locally was $25 for a used tire (which included mounting/balancing).