L3400 front tire problems

[Chilly807]

My '09 L3400 has R1 (AG) tires all around, the rears are made by Firestone, the fronts by Carlisle. I think they're called Farm Specialist, or something like that.

I noticed today that both fronts have developed bulges in the outer sidewalls at the end of the tread bars. It's pretty obvious that air pressure from the tire is directly under the bulges, since they are soft enough you can press them in with a fingertip.

For air pressure to be there, it tells me the sidewalls are coming apart internally, there should be at least a couple of layers between the inner part of the tire and the outside of the sidewall.

They've been aired up to normal as the manual specifies as long as I've owned the tractor (since new), and I've never been overly impressed with their load-carrying ability. With a full bucket of earth, they're almost flat from the operators view.

The sidewall specs say their max load capacity is 1100 lbs. To me, that's a joke for any front tire on a tractor with a loader. R4's aren't an option for my use, so something different is going to have to go on.

Has anyone else had this problem with R1 tires on their L series tractors?

Sean

 

[Goosen1]

I would say that would be a tire defect. Call Firestone and tell them about this issue. They should replace them without question and without charging you.

 

[Goosen1]

Opps.. My bad!! Call Carlisle and tell them about the issue.

 

[KennyV]

Those tires are junk.. if used as tubeless. But if you put a tube in them they will work.
You 'almost' got the tire size into the picture...
KennyV

 

[Chilly807]

Those tires are junk.. if used as tubeless. But if you put a tube in them they will work.
You 'almost' got the tire size into the picture...
KennyV

They're 7-16...

So, you're saying that if I tube the existing tires they should be ok to use? I hadn't considered that..but I think you may be right. If it goes that route I'll take a look at the inside first and see how much damage there is, if any is visible at all. I'm going to approach Kubota and Carlisle first and see what they have to say.


Sean

 

[art]

You would want to check the inside of the casings before installing tubes to be sure the cords are still intack so they won't puncture the tubes.

I would contact the manufacturer as to a potential adjustment towards a new set.

 

[kuboman]

Firestone would replace them but I have no experience with Carlisle. They should replace them also.:thumbsup:

 

[Goosen1]

I wouldn't use the tires even if you use a tube. The damage has been done and the tire will not be able to handle pressure with heavy loader use. It looks like you have a lot of meat on those tires so they shouldn't use excessive tire use as a reason not to replace them.

 

[Goosen1]

Firestone would replace them but I have no experience with Carlisle. They should replace them also.:thumbsup:

No kiddin kuboman... For the problems they had in the past with tires on SUV's, Without a doubt!!! HAHAHAHA!!!!

 

[Chilly807]

You would want to check the inside of the casings before installing tubes to be sure the cords are still intack so they won't puncture the tubes.

I would contact the manufacturer as to a potential adjustment towards a new set.

That's the course of action I'm probably going to take. It's possible that they are defective, but after re-reading my owner's manual it seems Kubota recommends a higher tire pressure if using a loader. It would have been nice if I'd known that two years ago when I bought it, but that's just the way it is.

As it is Kubota doesn't warranty tires, at all. Carlisle might, I'll give them a try on Monday.

These have nylon plies, so I'm not concerned about steel wire in this case.

Sean