Tire Weather cracks

[miner09]

Rebuilding tractor that rear tires have weathered cracks on side wall’s. Hold air ok and tread looks new. Are there anything I can use to fill in cracks that will stay in place. Only be going to tractor shows and not driving a lot. Really don’t want to spend $900-$1000.

 

[Texasmark]

In bought a CIH 895, 84 HP recently, 18.4 x 30 as I recall rears, built in about 1984 and it still had the original Good Year rears with at least 60% tread. I found a spot that I thought ought to be covered and just applied some black RTV with my finger. Been on there since I put it on and I have used this tractor for some pretty tough plowing jobs.

 

[DanielW]

It's been discussed on here a few times. While there are a few things that can fill the cracks, the general consensus is that the products that have any chance of lasting make the cracks more obvious. And no product is going to give any more strength or integrity to the tire, so you might as well just leave it.

Miller makes a 'Tire Paint' that will mask over the smaller cracks and make the tires look black, shiny, and new. They call it a 'paint', but it's actually more like a conditioner and stain than it is a paint: It seems to 'soak into' the rubber. It lasts surprisingly long and makes the tires look nearly new. That's what I'd be going with. It's a favourite among restorers - you have to try some to really believe how well it works. If you're just using your tractor at shows, drives, and the occasional plow day, I suspect one application would last years. And it doesn't take much: Buy the smallest bottle they sell, and you'll still likely have enough to do a couple coats or a couple of tractors.

No reason to spend money on new tires for a tractor that sees minimal use. Even some of our tractors that see a lot of use (in particular the Fords we run on balers and discs) have cracks that you could lose a finger in, and they've been running that way for years.

 

[rrlund]

Ya, I was going to suggest black tire paint too. I think Gempler's has it.

 

[moresmoke]

Unless its a tractor that a blowout while using would have severe consequences, I would just run them. I have one tractor that had badly cracked tires when I got it 30 some years ago. They haven’t really gotten any worse.

 

[miner09]

Thanks guys. I’ve never used the black paint from Miller. I’ll give it a try.

 

[miner09]

Not available during winter months. Water base.

 

[rustred]

all depends on what is all involved here. will it be painted? and if so and going to a show the tires are the first thing to get comments. but of course it all depends if its a professional paint job.