Skid steer Tire question

[62willy]

Ok, thanks. I will only be in the dirt (that's the issue now, the tires on it are so bald it almost won't move in the sand/dirt, they just spin).

 

[DavesTractor]

I'd recommend checking with local dealers that sell new and used skid steers.

Dealers will often have a set of tires that they took off a used machine that was traded in, and replaced with new. We dealers will do that as new tires on a skid steer help them sell, even though a 3/4 worn out set will work fine for a while. Those used tires always seem a little too good to toss, so they go on a pallet and sit.

I recently sold a set of 4 12x16.5 skid steer tires that were 70% worn out (30% remaining tread) for $50. I put them on CL for $100, got no takers and lowered the price to $50. The guy that bought them was thrilled as he just needed a season of usage. I was happy to get something and get them out of the tire bone pile. I bet I have 4 10x16.5 out back, but tires cost a lot to ship so if you find some cheap used tires it needs to be local.

 

[62willy]

Thanks. I do check Craigslist occasionally. I actually have picked up some tires that will work for me in both the 10x16.5 size and the 12x16.5 size. The rims I have are for 12x16.5, but when I put a 12x16.5 tire on there is about a 3" gap between the tire and the rim. I haven't been able to get it to bead up. My son wants me to use the lighter fluid method, but I'm not willing to. At least not yet.

 

[DavesTractor]

Thanks. I do check Craigslist occasionally. I actually have picked up some tires that will work for me in both the 10x16.5 size and the 12x16.5 size. The rims I have are for 12x16.5, but when I put a 12x16.5 tire on there is about a 3" gap between the tire and the rim. I haven't been able to get it to bead up. My son wants me to use the lighter fluid method, but I'm not willing to. At least not yet.

There are potential issues with the lighter fluid method, although I have seen it work just fine. We do not allow it in our shop.

Take them to a shop that has an air blaster. You have probably seen them. It is a pressurized tank with a ball valve and a snout for the air to go out of. Set that to blow air into the tire, dump the valve and bingo, tire is on the bead. Keep in mind that the air tank wants to shoot backwards, so hold on tight. And wear ear plugs.

I have heard of another method that I have not tried. Grease up the beads a little, then place a bicycle tube of the correct size between the tire and rim. Inflate it to take up the gap, then inflate the tire. Seems a lot could go wrong with a pinch, but the idea seems feasible. At your own risk, I have not tried this.

 

[ericm979]

These tires might be too stiff for this trick but sometimes putting a ratchet strap around the center of the tread and cranking it down can get the sidewalls to spread out a bit.

 

[62willy]

These tires might be too stiff for this trick but sometimes putting a ratchet strap around the center of the tread and cranking it down can get the sidewalls to spread out a bit.

Yeah, I've done that trick with jeep tires and other big tires but these are too stiff and too wide a gap.