L3400 front tire problems

[Chilly807]

My '09 L3400 has R1 (AG) tires all around, the rears are made by Firestone, the fronts by Carlisle. I think they're called Farm Specialist, or something like that.

I noticed today that both fronts have developed bulges in the outer sidewalls at the end of the tread bars. It's pretty obvious that air pressure from the tire is directly under the bulges, since they are soft enough you can press them in with a fingertip.

For air pressure to be there, it tells me the sidewalls are coming apart internally, there should be at least a couple of layers between the inner part of the tire and the outside of the sidewall.

They've been aired up to normal as the manual specifies as long as I've owned the tractor (since new), and I've never been overly impressed with their load-carrying ability. With a full bucket of earth, they're almost flat from the operators view.

The sidewall specs say their max load capacity is 1100 lbs. To me, that's a joke for any front tire on a tractor with a loader. R4's aren't an option for my use, so something different is going to have to go on.

Has anyone else had this problem with R1 tires on their L series tractors?

Sean

 

[Goosen1]

I would say that would be a tire defect. Call Firestone and tell them about this issue. They should replace them without question and without charging you.

 

[Goosen1]

Opps.. My bad!! Call Carlisle and tell them about the issue.

 

[KennyV]

Those tires are junk.. if used as tubeless. But if you put a tube in them they will work.
You 'almost' got the tire size into the picture...
KennyV

 

[Chilly807]

Those tires are junk.. if used as tubeless. But if you put a tube in them they will work.
You 'almost' got the tire size into the picture...
KennyV

They're 7-16...

So, you're saying that if I tube the existing tires they should be ok to use? I hadn't considered that..but I think you may be right. If it goes that route I'll take a look at the inside first and see how much damage there is, if any is visible at all. I'm going to approach Kubota and Carlisle first and see what they have to say.


Sean

 

[art]

You would want to check the inside of the casings before installing tubes to be sure the cords are still intack so they won't puncture the tubes.

I would contact the manufacturer as to a potential adjustment towards a new set.

 

[kuboman]

Firestone would replace them but I have no experience with Carlisle. They should replace them also.:thumbsup:

 

[Goosen1]

I wouldn't use the tires even if you use a tube. The damage has been done and the tire will not be able to handle pressure with heavy loader use. It looks like you have a lot of meat on those tires so they shouldn't use excessive tire use as a reason not to replace them.

 

[Goosen1]

Firestone would replace them but I have no experience with Carlisle. They should replace them also.:thumbsup:

No kiddin kuboman... For the problems they had in the past with tires on SUV's, Without a doubt!!! HAHAHAHA!!!!

 

[Chilly807]

You would want to check the inside of the casings before installing tubes to be sure the cords are still intack so they won't puncture the tubes.

I would contact the manufacturer as to a potential adjustment towards a new set.

That's the course of action I'm probably going to take. It's possible that they are defective, but after re-reading my owner's manual it seems Kubota recommends a higher tire pressure if using a loader. It would have been nice if I'd known that two years ago when I bought it, but that's just the way it is.

As it is Kubota doesn't warranty tires, at all. Carlisle might, I'll give them a try on Monday.

These have nylon plies, so I'm not concerned about steel wire in this case.

Sean

 

[Whitnel]

Those look like they are ready to pop. Had a backhoe tire do that once. Was running it and heard a pop, pop, pop when i was throwing some rocks in the bucket. Went looking for the noise, realized it was the back tire popping the steel belts and ran. About that time the tire blew out.

 

[KennyV]

The only thing that it shows, so far ... the air bladder inside the tire has deteriorated and is allowing air to work its way to the outside layer of rubber...
Too much side wall flex is what caused that type of failure...
Placing tubes in them & running the appropriate pressure should allow you to run them for years... I doubt you will get any tire distributor to warrant that type damage... KennyV

 

[bullbreaker]

Sean :
You know I got a L3400DT like yours.
When I saw your front tires I ran out back to look at mine.
My rears are Firestone 11.2x24(RI)
Fronts are "Goodyear Duratorques".(R1)

Here's some specs on your "Farm Specialist"

Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company

Here's also a warrantee submission form.
Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company

Hope it works out for you !
Boone

 

[Chilly807]

It looks like Carlisle stands squarely behind their products! I contacted them on Monday morning, explained the problems I was having. New replacement tires were delivered to my door on Thursday afternoon.

I mounted them this morning, with tubes this time. I doubt I'll have any more problems with sidewall bulges. There may have been a defect with them to begin with, there's really no way to tell at this point.

I checked inside the old ones after removing them, there was no visible damage, although bulges were visible inside as well last night. This morning, whatever air remained in the bubbles was gone and they are smooth inside and out. There was obviously damage between the plies for air to be able to travel like that.

Sean

 

[TripleR]

It looks like Carlisle stands squarely behind their products! I contacted them on Monday morning, explained the problems I was having. New replacement tires were delivered to my door on Thursday afternoon.

I mounted them this morning, with tubes this time. I doubt I'll have any more problems with sidewall bulges. There may have been a defect with them to begin with, there's really no way to tell at this point.

I checked inside the old ones after removing them, there was no visible damage, although bulges were visible inside as well last night. This morning, whatever air remained in the bubbles was gone and they are smooth inside and out. There was obviously damage between the plies for air to be able to travel like that.

Sean

Can't beat that for service.:thumbsup:

 

[bullbreaker]

Sean :
Glad it worked out for you ! :thumbsup:

Boone

 

[LD1]

Congrats on getting things worked out:thumbsup:

I agree that these ag tires are LESS than adequate to be putting on the front of these 4x4 tractors. I would think the MFG's would wise up a bit, and at least give us a tire rated appropriatally.

I have the goodyears on mine, and while I have not experienced any problems like that, only have a 2200lb capacity up front for the pair, with a loader that will lift over 1000lbs, is almost embarrasing. With NO rear ballast, and an empty bucket just driving around, I'd be willing to bet the fronts are allready overloaded in that situation. Considering tractor + FEL is ~3500lb-ish, and with weight transfer (hardly none on the back)......?

I think when it comes time to do my fronts, I am going to be looking for r-4's that are the same height. I wouldnt trade my r1 rears for anything, but the fronts dont do near the work and I think I could live with the R4's up there.

 

[k0ua]

Wow! Looks like Carlisle really stepped up:thumbsup: They look good on the ole L3400

James K0UA

 

[Goosen1]

That's great!!! I'm glad they back up their product.:thumbsup:

 

[Chilly807]

Apparently they guarantee the tires 100% the first year, and pro-rate after that up to 5 years. Mine are over a year old, so they went the extra mile in my case.

I debated whether or not to install the tubes, and decided to go with them. If nothing else, if the new tires develop the same problem at least the air pressure will stay where it belongs.

I haven't used the loader for anything heavy today, I'll have a look at the sidewalls the next time I do.

Sean