I Swear I Know How To Read Tire Pressure But....

eventer79 · Dec 31, 2013

:confused2:

As a normal person (i.e. crazy busy having to be 4 places at once), I haven't had a lot of time to play with foster tractor since my initial "fixup". Background here.

I checked the front tires, they were ok, but for the life of me, we couldn't get a read on the rear tires. (Just for reference, neighbour who is awesome was helping, has done fencing contracting, bushhogging, has several old JD's including the 100 hp which runs the post driver, so he is my guru) Every time we tried to read pressure, unknown fluid squirted out and we couldn't get a pressure. We also could not find anywhere on the tire or manual that says what the pressure SHOULD be.

They are 11.2 x 24 R1's. I know folks put a variety of different fluids in for ballast. I am fairly certain it wasn't antifreeze, I know that look and smell! We quickly gave up and decided to let it be for now, it is not working hard this winter. But carrying some things around the other day, the rear tires were sitting low and squishy, so I'd like to know if they are at least close to correct or not!

(I do have very expensive truck - 10-ply - and weight rated trailer tires, so I'm pretty careful and educated on tire stuff, but these R1's are new to me)

Thanks!!!

Sterff · Dec 31, 2013

They are probably full of fluid if liquid is coming out. Try to take a reading with the valve stem at the highest point. That way the air is above the fluid.

eventer79 · Dec 31, 2013

Ah, good idea. Dang ADHD, it's always in such a hurry that it misses the obvious. Thank you!!

Zebrafive · Dec 31, 2013

There are special tire pressure gauges for liquid filled tires. They are spring loaded so you can only read when on the valve stem. When you remove the gauge the spring forces the liquid out and it returns to zero.

Tx Jim · Dec 31, 2013

I agree to put valve stem at 12 o'clock to check air pressure.

tractorshopper · Dec 31, 2013

Agree with the others. My rear wheels are filled from the dealer and he told me to check the pressure with valve step up only and to fill to proper PSI from there.

Furu · Dec 31, 2013

Not only put valve stem at top but if you give it a shot of air to clear the remaining liquid from the valve stem it makes it easier as well.

Depending upon the quantity of ballast fill it is possible to still have the valve stem below the level of the liquid even if at the 12 o'clock position since the top of the tire can still be well above the stem. I am not good at drawing art but here is a depiction of this.

As Zebrafive recommended, use the special tire pressure gauges for liquid filled tires and make sure to thoroughly clean afterward. Depending upon the liquid in the tire you will regret it if you do not. (don't ask how I know)

eventer79 · Dec 31, 2013

Furu said:
As Zebrafive recommended, use the special tire pressure gauges for liquid filled tires and make sure to thoroughly clean afterward. Depending upon the liquid in the tire you will regret it if you do not. (don't ask how I know)

I see what you mean about stem location, I'll check it out. Thank you though, for the reassurance that I am not the only one who learns things the hard way every. freaking. time.

tessiers · Dec 31, 2013

Also probably real low psi, 10 or 12, maybe less. In the old tractors, tire pressure was dependent on implement draft, drawbar weight and soil conditions. Since we lost our ability to reason through such things manufacturers have to give us a 1 size fits all number. Under full load you should get a little squating, not too much, unless soft ground and light draft.

adirondackmtnman · Dec 31, 2013

Tire pressure by reading doesn't mean all that much in a big rear tire, if the tread bars are touching the ground from one side of the tire to the other, inflate until just before the outsides lift off the ground, and if they're overinflated to the point that only the center of the tread touches, let some air out until the tread just touches all the way across, no gauge needed. Doesn't usually take a lot of pressure, unless you're hooked up to something really heavy on the back, basically just enough pressure to keep the wheel from spinning inside the tire. Hope that helps.

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