Tire Failures

[Mark Page]

I have a 7 ft. Woods finish mower that I pull with a 45 hp Massey. The whole rig is about 8 years old and does a great job.
Starting last year I've been having problems with tires going flat on the mower. I replaced 4 inner tubes last year and 2 so far this year. I went so far as to buy a a spare tire and wheel assembly so I didn't have to stop and run to my dealer each time it occured.
It's never the same wheel and the tires look like new. The problem is with the inner tubes. They only go flat while I'm moving and by the time I catch it the tube is shredded. There is never any visible penetration of the the tire.
I can buy new solid tires and wheels for $160, but you have to replace the yokes to the tune of $400.
No one seems to have an answer to this problem. I've tried fix a flat without results. I'm thinking about sliming them.
What say ye?

 

[cowski]

could you have thorns in them? mount them tubeless to use slime .

 

[tmajor]

A friend of mine, had his tires foamed.

 

[Short Game]

It seems like I've bought way too many new tubes and tires for my ATH 720 Bush Hog. It cost me over a hundred bucks to throw away the crummy bushings and put in ball bearings and I made everything except the bearings. So, I'm pretty wedded to the 4.00 X 8 tires. I keep the pressure at max, and I hate to say it, but no flats so far this year. The stem hole positions in the tires almost make me pinch the tubes. Foam sounds good.

 

[Mark Page]

Can't find anyone within 100 miles that foams tires. Should I be talking to people who deal with industrial equipment? Maybe a forklift dealer.

 

[flyingcow]

could you have thorns in them? mount them tubeless to use slime .

Thorns are tricky. Never really see them. But they do make flats. How about a heavier ply tire?

 

[tmajor]

I don't know much about the process.

From this site.

"Urethane foam can be substituted for air in a tractor tire. Foam is available in several densities which approximate different inflation pressures. Once the foam sets, the tire is truly puncture proof. This is popular with construction equipment, but useful for small tractors, as well. It is expensive: $40 or more for a small tire. Foam-filled tires are several times heavier than air-filled tires. Foam-filled tires are harder on a tractor's steering mechanism than air-filled tires, since there is less "give" to the foam. For the same reason, foam-filled tires tend to create dents and ruts in the ground. Finally, foam filling does not make a thin tire stronger; in fact, it may put more stress on a light duty tire than it was designed to withstand -- resulting in a shredded tire with nothing to support the foam. So, this process is recommended only for heavy duty tires. Most industrial tire dealers provide this service."

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Foam 'em.....Find a dealer who sells/services skid steers, back hoes, industrial equipment. Foamed skid steer tires are VERY common.

Knowing where you live, someone might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Also, tire/wheel assemblies for certain applications are available through a number of sources. They'll already be foam filled.

I run foamed used aircraft tires on my bat wing mowers.


Flat Proofing, Liquid Tire Sealant, Foam Fill Tires - Ken Jones Tires

 

[TripleR]

We also run foam filled aircraft tires on our 10' Woods; it was an option when we bought it.

 

[JoeL4330]

I've had lots of problems w. tires on a finish mower ...in my case from sideways pressure on the sidewall that unseats the tire ...it helps to make sure the spindles (kingpins?) are well lubed and that the tire pressure is high. A little slower speed is gentler on the tires, especially if there are some ruts in the ground. Finally, I often have a problem if I try and turn too sharply or, worse, try and back up ...the caster sometimes doesn't do what it's supposed to and stresses the tire. ...if you frequently make sharp turns or, worse, "three-point" turns then consider lifting the mower a tad (but not so high that you are running the universals on your drive shaft at a steep angle.

Don't understand the need to change out the forks to go w. solid tires ...that might be true for the woods solids, but google marathon tires and see if there isn't one that is sized to fit ...and, they are modestly priced.

 

[Short Game]

Then my mowing scene is probably approaching a worst case scenario. High tire pressure has made the most difference.

 

[brewdog]

I've popped a couple tires on my woods rear finish mower too. The dealer told me he only orders solid now from Woods. You're not alone. I'll trade mine in before I throw another $400 in it for solid tires.

 

[Short Game]

I just looked at Bush Hog's page and the ATH 720 has gone to solid tires too. I wonder if they still roll on bushings.

 

[dmrp6510]

A bobcat store can foam tires

 

[Short Game]

...and I hate to say it, but no flats so far this year.

It took only 66 hours, less than three of them, mowing, for the whammy to get me. This is Crazy Week, getting the disc golf course ready for our annual tournament, the FernBurner. I'm doing the last mow and everything this week is under the gun. So, of course I get a flat on the mower and to make it better, two of the eight wheel bearings I put in had seized, on different wheels of course. I'm in for a late lunch. Late from fixing a flat and freeing up the bearings, hoping the expensive little buggers will be okay.

Oh yeah, it was a tiny puncture in the tube. Not a new one, but the patch I'd put on it was missing. It probably left when the bead came loose. I patched it again and gave it 50 pounds.

 

[brewdog]

interesting about Bush Hog doing the same thing with solid tires. I'll probably get through this mowing season and consider trading up this winter when things slow down.

 

[Short Game]

I got my used ATH 720 six years ago for $425. The guy I got it from paid $1200 new. I think they are over $2500 now. A new one would be nice. I'm getting a lotto ticket tomorrow.

 

[Mark Page]

Bought a set of 4 solid rubber tires yesterday. I want to see something tear these puppies up.

 

[TripleR]

I picked this up Thursday; glad hey are foam filled.:thumbsup:

 

[tmajor]

Nice catch ... I think, it's an Indian arrowhead. :laughing: