First flat on new L3800

[Rail Dawg]

Was clearing some heavy yaupons and small oak here in Texas with my new L3800 when I saw the right front R4 tire had broken the bead and was flat.

Turns out it was a heavy duty branch maybe 1/2" diameter had punched through the tread. Used the bucket to lift front end up, put a log underneath and got the tire to a local shop.

I was surprised to see it flat... does this happen pretty often and is there anything I can do to lessen the chances of it happening?

Not disappointed but a flat is a show-stopper in the middle of a hectic day of clearing.

Any inputs/suggestions appreciated.

 

[Tomtint]

Maybe fill them with foam

 

[Rail Dawg]

Maybe fill them with foam

Do others do that? Does it work?

 

[General Lee]

R-4's are a very durable tire, most resistant to punctures. Whatever did it, have some respect for it because it isn't that easy to do. I'm not sure on the foam. Punctures happen, just takes something the right sharpness and angle to get it done.

 

[k0ua]

Flats are pretty rare (at least for me).. I had several in some Tri Rib fronts on a 2wd tractor several years ago, but they are not as tough as R4 like on your L3800. the flats I had were caused by black thorns. Popping the bead by not having enough air pressure is more common. But obviously you ran into something pretty nasty. Yes foaming the tires works, it is expensive, and makes it ride a bit rougher. Foam is kind of a misnomer, it is more like just solid rubber. It has to be cut off of the wheel when the tires wear out or so I have been told. But if you do it, your flat days are over.

James K0UA

 

[DT86]

. Foam is kind of a misnomer, it is more like just solid rubber. It has to be cut off of the wheel when the tires wear out or so I have been told. But if you do it, your flat days are over.

James K0UA

A friend of mine bought a ~100hp tractor that had foam in the REAR tires. It rides like a square wheeled wagon. The tires are bald now and he has to find new rims or figure out how to cut the foam out.

 

[kubotacres]

I've rode over some pretty nasty stobs,sticks,logs,ect with both the 3240 and 3200.. Both tractors have R4's and never had a flat..Like the others said you mustof hit a heck of a sticker to puncture those tires...

 

[creekbend]

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[Elcid76]

I have had several flats in my two years of R4 use. Luckily all flats have been on the front tires, and due to Locust tree thorns. For those not familiar with locust trees, you should consider yourselves lucky! I did also have issues over last few years with the two piece valve stem connections getting loose (that was a scare on one of my rear tires last year). Luckily all I had to do was tighten the valve stem and that tire had never leaked since. I do a lot of digging, and I learned my lesson about checking tires by having a low pressure front tire actually roll off of the rim while I was down in a hole with a full bucket. There are a lot of lessons to learn on these things. I check my fronts regularly now, and kep them up around 40 psi. The rears are easy now since I filled them with rim guard.

 

[MHarryE]

My B-I-L has a firewood business, is always in the woods and frequently had flat fronts (R-1 ag tires). He got his foam filled. Didn't do the rears due to the $$$ but he says they haven't been a problem.