Tires Mounting tractor tires

Scrounger · Mar 7, 2005

Is it possible to mount a set of tires on rims for a Kubota BX by hand with only tire irons? I have a set of turfs tires but need to buy the rims from Kubota, not sure how much just the steel rims will cost.

On another note does anyone know of any manufacturers that man steels rims for a Kubota other than the OEM rims.

GerardC · Mar 7, 2005

I would have a trucking tire shop do it. I don't think it's worth the hassle for just a few dollars. Gerard

aardvark · Mar 7, 2005

I did the rear tires on my Crapsman lawn tractor, which are about the same size as the BX front tires. I put my feet on the edge of the wheel with no tire on it, and swung the tire down onto the rim as hard as possible. The tire's momentum pushes the bead on a little farther than you could get it on by hand. From there, I pried the rest of the bead around with two really large screwdrivers. Worked OK but the rim got scratched up. I used my H-frame press to break the bead in order to remove the old tires from the wheels. I don't know if the larger rear tires would make things easier or harder. I remember thinking "this was worth the $20 for someone else to do both tires" after I was done.

Bird · Mar 7, 2005

( Is it possible to mount a set of tires on rims for a Kubota BX by hand with only tire irons? )

Sure; pretty simple in my opinion. Of course, I like to have a rubber mallet to use on that job myself, but it really isn't a necessity.

MarkLeininger · Mar 7, 2005

The problem I always have is getting it to inflate once you get it on. Until the bead is set, the air just comes out around the rim. Not for the faint of heart, but if you put a little starting fluid inside the tire and then light it, the explosion will pop the tire onto the bead. I worked a summer changing truck tires when I was in school and I'd say take them to a shop and pay the money.

Av8r3400 · Mar 7, 2005

( if you put a little starting fluid inside the tire and then light it, the explosion will )

...potentially explode the tire and rim and mame or kill you. Not safe, smart or effective. Use the ratchet strap method described here and other places to set the bead if it won't go on its own.

notamustang · Mar 7, 2005

I have to disagree a little. Popping a bead with starter fluid is parctical and effective. Safe, thats up to the user to decide. Can it be dangerous. Sure as heck can. I am not arguing about the safety one bit, if you have never done it and are worried dont attempt it.
I have done this with ATV and Truck tires. I have never had much luck with a 35" tire and a strap. It beats hiking back to camp or worse yet in search of help from anyone. I have to say with my CO2 tanks I have gotten more luck with 200 psi to get it to pop with a strap but that can of starter fluid is never to far off. Just my opinion and please do attempt this. You could cause yourself injury or even death. 
Steven

notamustang · Mar 7, 2005

One thing that will help with mounting is using some dish soap to get the tire to slip on. Makes a real difference /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

btolle · Mar 7, 2005

Last time I tried it I broke the crystal on my watch. Cost $45 to fix the watch and I still ended up taking tires to the shop where it cost me $8 or $10 each to have them mounted. I will skip the part about breaking the watch next time and take them straight to the professionals.

Bill Tolle

Junkman · Mar 7, 2005

I always remove the valve stem "guts" and then inflate using the full pressure of the air compressor. Once the bead is seated, then I put the valve back into the stem. Some are easy and some are not worth the few dollars to let the professionals that have the correct equipment to do the job.