Tires Tires going flat while stored

crown · Jan 1, 2002

The front tires on my B-7500 seem to have a slow leak I kept a check on them during the mowing season, however the tractor is now stored and only gets used when snow falls. I was out in my shed today putting away Christmas presents and lights I noticed both front tires were almost completly flat, how should the tractor be stored and what is the best solution for the air leaks in the tires.

beenthere · Jan 1, 2002

Sounds like your leaks are not too slow when you can't use the tractor. I'd take them to a tire repair shop and have them locate the leak(s). Likely (my experience) they have thorns in them, which is a real nuisance at best. Some get by with just adding slime in the tire, which may plug the leaks. Others put tubes in them, which is okay IF the thorns can be found and removed. I would try removing all the thorns (feeling for them carefully and pulling with pliers or pushing them on through with an awl or blunt icepick, then pulling them out with pliers) and putting slime in the tire, then air. Short of doing the repair, I'd keep a compressor close by to pump them up before using the rig. Good luck.

BMW · Jan 1, 2002

It kinda depends on where the leak is. If its pin hole in the tire itself I usually put in a plug (lawn tractor, haven't had a flat on the L3010). If its leaking around the rim you might have to clean the tire bead or put in tubes. Get a spray bottle of soapy water and spray all over the tires and rim looking for bubbles. If I don't feel like fooling with a flat tire for a while for what ever reason I usually but blocks underneath the axel to carry the weight when the tire goes flat.

Later
Mark

Charliebrn · Jan 1, 2002

Yup, used to have the same problem on both Cubs and on my BX, also only with the front tires. Tired tubes, etc. Field stubble or woody weeds make small punctures to the thinner fronts. Got tired of it and filled them with Arnco's Soft Fill. No more problems, ever. The soft-fill is pliant, with about the same deflection as air-filled tires, so the ride is unchanged (the foam stuff doesn't deflect and makes for a rough ride). I highly recommend it.

BobinCols · Jan 1, 2002

Do what everyone is saying and don't overlook the valve stems (valves) as a possible leak. Good luck.

crown · Jan 1, 2002

The soft fill sounds good where do you buy it. Is it simple enough to fill yourself. Thanks for the advice.

Charliebrn · Jan 1, 2002

My dealer took care of filling the tires. From what I understand, it's a 2-part process of mixing the stuff, then injecting it into the tires before it sets up. I know you have to let them sit for a couple days before you can mount them and use them so it sets up properly and not develop a flat spot. I don't think you can do it yourself. It cost me @$130 for both fronts...i took them to my dealer on Thursday, then picked them up on Mon.

RichNJ · Jan 7, 2002

I had the same problem. Took the tires to the tire shop and they said there was a leak at the bead. Problem solved.

TresCrows · Jan 8, 2002

Occasionally though I doubt it is the case here, the rim itself will have a leak along a welded seam or between the halves. My LT had this situation, a leak in a weld. It was very tiny but annoying. I finally removed the tire and coated the seam with a B-sealant, left over from sealing fuel tanks in an airplane.
That is odd, I did get a flat with the BX from a piece of stubble but other than that it held pressure perfect. My new 2410 has a slow leak at the valve which I need to repair, LH rear, well I may have already fixed it as the stem may have been loose.
Good luck.
J

Ranger · Jan 8, 2002

Almost two years ago I purchased a caterpillar backhoe. The front tires were either low or flat everytime I tried to use it.
After taking the tire to a good shop and had it taken of the wheel, wirebrushing the rim of the wheel, repainting it, and remounting the tire, I have not had another flat.