Setting Tire Beads

[Deere7520]

I'm putting new tires on my 1975 7520 and have a few questions about setting the beads. I took the 20.8 34 tires off and am putting 18.4 34 BKT tires on it with Firestone 16.9-18.4 tubes. These are 18 inch wheels. I cleaned the wheels with a wire wheel and treated the wheels with a rust converter then painted them. I used dish soap and a little water mixed for the lubricant and got the first tire on and inflated to 16 psi. These beads don't look like the beads on the old firestone tires that came off. They don't have the bead that edges over the rim. It almost looks like they are all the way against the rim edge but I can't imagine they are set. Has anyone else used the BKT tires and have any insight on this. I have set alot of garden tractor tires that are tubeless and always have to take them up to the max inflation to make them pop.

 

[4020guy]

Hi, I have a 1975 7520 as well. Tires today are crap compared to 10 or 15 years ago. Try to get a decent tube. The BKT tires are off-shore and I don't mean Canada. I presume the tires are on the tractor. With lots of soap, try to raise or lower the wheel to centre the tire. Use a hose with a clip-on chuck and stand back. The 18.4 on the wider rim[18 vs 16] won't crowd the edge as much but will seat. Had an imported 34 inch tire last year that was over an inch smaller in diametre on one side than the other. Talk about wasting time on that one. I've noticed some tires now don't have pry-notchs either. Less rubber, less cost, inferior rubber less cost. Tires rotted off a wagon my dad bought in the early 60's. I used the Firestone tubes again as they were ten times better than anything I could buy to day. Just buy a new tube today and store it in the garage for a year, even inflated, it will be rotted and cracked useless. Good luck and be careful.....Ron

 

[Anonymous-0]

We mount truck tires and did my tracktor last week.You should not use a water based lubricant because now you have water inside the tire causing it to rust. We use a special tire grease,The tires I put on a old JD A I did not even use tire irons on.The lub I get is from Rubber Inc Durand Wi

 

[buickanddeere]

You are in good company. Brittany Speers also thinks Canada is over seas.

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Sometimes I've had to smack the bead/sidewall of the tire with a large hammer to get them to seat. On tires that are small enough you can lift just pick them up and drop them on the ground a few times.

 

[Deere7520]

I have only done one tire so far and have seven more to do. I wanted to make sure I'm doing it right before I keep going. I figured the soap would dry clean and not cause much rust but don't know for sure. I've heard of several people doing that. I thought I read on the tires or tubes not to used any petroleum products. It looks like the bead is set but I can't imagine it would set that easy. Should I still inflate to around 20 or 30 psi just to make sure they are set? As far as where they were made was in India. They appear to be a good quality tire. I was told not to buy tires made in China but India and Turkey are fine. I bought these at Harry's Farm Tire in Wheatland (great place to deal with).
Thanks

 

[sgtbull]

I've always used talcum powder on tubes and beads. Spread it on liberally. It makes the beads just slide on, as you get rid of the friction the rubber has against the metal. Been doing it that way for 20 yrs with 100% good results so far. Makes them easier to break down later also.. The talc stays on the tube and bead and keeps the tube from sticking and helps it shape up to the tire nicely.

 

[shadetreegarage]

I have had the same problem with Firestone tires on the M- and L-series front wheels. Have tried most lubricants, including a silicone spray, over-inflated to ridiculous pressures, beat on them, etc. but still have several that will not seat properly. Wish I had some advice for you, but if you find a cure, please post it. I think I'll go try the baby powder trick.