Tires

[Eric Allen]

I've got a '41 H that had been sitting, with some very old severely cracked tires. They have lots of tread but look awful, especially along each tread bar. Is there any product that can be applied to fill the cracks and/or make them last longer? Thanks
Eric
 

[Zachary Hoyt]

I don't know if there is any product that will help them last longer, there is tire paint which may help them look better that can be had from Miller Tire and maybe others. Keeping the tires out of the sun is supposed to help avoid further cracking. The tires on my H are pretty deeply cracked and have worked for me so far for the last few years. They can look pretty bad and still hold air and do work for a long time.
Zach
 

[jhakenwerth]

I had some very old and severely cracked rear tires on my H I thought I would see how long they lasted, they were on the tractor when I got it.The tires lasted long enough for me to refresh the whole tractor 3 months, then the outer side wall blew out 7 inch gap.
 

[dhermesc]

Nothing will make them last longer than keeping it out of the sun and rain. Most likely they are cracked to the cords and the cords have also rotted.

That said as long as you aren't plowing or doing heavy field work tires like that will last a long time. Its when you start getting bulges in the sidewall or a crack that starts to spread out that you need to open the wallet for new or different tires.

I've seen more than a couple tires that were being used for feed bunks that have found their way back onto tractors with the increase in tire prices.
 

[Dean Olson]

Damage has already been done.

Run them till you can afford new. I'll bet they'll "work" for a long time.
 

[Eric Allen]

Thanks for that, guys I just use it to rake with and occasionally bale with when the Allis won't run. I'll just keep on running it and watch for better ones. I had just wondered about roof tar calk or spray undercoating or something like that. It's funny where your mind goes when you are trying to save money... Thanks
Eric
 

[Janicholson]

Black urethane windshield caulk will make cracks look better, and keep out additional water etc. Apply it by holding the cutoff tube onto the crack to force it in. Scrape the excess with a flexible putty knife and put it in the next part of the crack. Let it harden for at least 2 days. I would jack the tire off the ground to avoid over spreading the lower cracks, and also to allow turning it to easy reach positions. It will not make the tire safer or "fixed" Jim
 

[Tom Fleming]

Hard to tell. If you truly want to use them and they have a bit of tread on them, here is something I have used with good success:

http://www.gemplers.com/product/9DR12/112-124x34-36-38-Tire-Reliner

You do have to demount and remount the tires to use it.
 

[Eric Allen]

Thanks that looks promising and much cheaper