Front tires keep going flat

[DaveWW]

I bought two new tires in the spring (Carlisle), they seem to be decently made.
One of them went flat after my first time out. I brought it back, they fixed it.
Both have new tubes in them.

I took it out one more time and cut for about 2 hrs. Didn't notice it prior to putting it away, but I noticed a few days later - both front tires flat.

I took it to the tire dealer, and they picked numerous thorns out of the tire. I don't know where they came from, I am cutting a little rugid area but it isn't too bad and it doesn't have huge thorn plants.

Anyways, what are my options? Can I get them filled with the foam that hardens? The tire guy said the tractor would ride really rough and I might regret it.. But I don't know what I did wrong the first time, and I don't want to be taking them off again after then next cutting (brush hog)

Any advice? Thanks,

 

[DaveWW]

My tractor is a 1951 TO-20

 

[hf]

Hi Dave, thorns are like porcupine quills, they keep on working in to the tube. bottom line, they will never hold air. we have lots of thorns here, has ruined rear tires also. I would find a pair of airplane tires, yes, there are dealers around, (google them) that sell them. If I remember, they were 16 or 22 ply rating. haven't had any issues since. good luck

 

[miner09]

I bought Carlisle tires--600-16--4ply from Tractor Supply. The rubber is very soft.Seems like any thing will cause a flat. I have had the same problem. I had some older tires off a parts tractor that was not real good. Been running them all summer, no problem. Maybe just a cheap tire. Next time I will buy a 8ply tire.

 

[Rob in OH]

I used to do alot of custom mowing with a TO35
I had so many flats from thorns I couldn't count them all,filled the front tires with foam never regretted it. The only way to go. Never noticed a rough ride,your not going that fast in a rough area anyway. The only thing I noticed was you can feel more weight in the tires through the steering wheel.Not an issue though that would keep me from doing it again.

 

[Charles in Aus.]

There is a product called 'Slime ' available here in Australia but made in the USA, you put a bottle into the tube and it seals all manner of punctures. I have used it on my trailer , ride on mower and numerous bicycles and wheel barrows , it works well in all tyres that do not need to be balanced.. It is a great product and well worth the expense when compared with the cost of repairs and the inconvenience.

 

[maxwell99]

my tire dealer told me of a like story.

they just took the tires off and replaced them as each time you drive, the thorns just keep moving around inside the rubber and cause another leak.

get new tires and stay out of that area, then spray thorn bushes with killer.

try that spray stuff as one other guy said, its works best on tubeless tires, but it might work on a tube tire, your problem is the thorns never sleep, each time you drive they work.

some of the local ammish guys have modern tractors outfitted with steel wheels.

they look odd, but would be great for bush hogging your fields.

I feel your pain, I got a new rear tire for my TO-35 Fergy and ran a stob through it pulling a log in the woods, the tire dealer (coop) fixed it, put a major boot in the tire, but so far its worked,

Like you, I was not a happy camper.

 

[Jeff-oh]

I have some thorny brush in my area also. I purchased a gallon of green Slime for tubed tires and pumped it in both my front and rear wheels. It works well and seals the small holes.

There is also green Slime for tubless tires that has larger chips of rubber in it.

Slime is basicly antifreeze with nylon fibers in it. The antifreeze keeps it fluid to coat the inside of the tube. The fibers are then carried into the hole by the leaking air.

JEff

 

[DaveWW]

Ok, thanks for your input. I will do some homework on the airplane tires and the hardening foam. I think those are my only two choices at this time..
I've walked the entire 2.5 acres and I cannot find any thorns. My concern is it will just happen the next time I run the hog.

 

[Terry G]

I put tire reliners in the front tires on my TO-20 and that stopped the flats from thorns. I bought them at the local Co-Op but that has been years ago.

 

[Dean]

Bingo.

I use tire liners in the tires of all of my mowing tractors.

I cannot remember any flats since I started using liners 25+ years ago.

Dean

 

[Boss Hog]

Where can you find the tire liners?

Local tire store says they can't get them. I found one at here:

http://www.gemplers.com/product/TG11/750x16-Tire-Guard-Front-Tractor-Tire

But at $92.50 each they're pretty danged steep.

 

[Duner Wi]

I have made liners from a thread worn off bias ply of appropriate size. Sawzall at an angle removes the beads and makes for nicer install. Then I cut it cross ways and taper the over lap. This should reduce thorn problems.

 

[Dean]

They are becoming hard to find but Gemplers had them the last time I checked.

Dean

 

[Bill Clark]

Had same problem on my TO-20. Finally bought a set of used aircrft landing tires and rims. Problem solved.Call Gensco Aircraft Tires, 1-8008478473. Size is 29 X 9.0 X 15. Perfect fit. Last years price was 98.00 complete ea tire. Fright to Indiana was around 75.00 days. 16 ply.

 

[DaveWW]

Ok, and the rims they shipped you fit and lined up correctly with the TO-2o nut studs? If so I might pull the trigger on them.

 

[Bill Clark]

They will ask info on hole center and studs. Brand new wheels aired up ready to go . The shock thru the steering is more harsh, need alittle more turning radius. All in all a great purchase. You will be happy!