Swapping 14.9x24 tires...

[Sysop]

How large of a task is it to swap a set of liquid filled 14.9x24 tires side to side to gain a bit more width? How many guys should be on hand to keep the task relatively safe? My centers were already turned over so they're in the middle setting, I've decided I'd like them at the widest which requires swapping the tires side to side. Recommendations?

 

[RickB]

I've done this type of thing by myself more times than I can count. As it's your first time, having an extra person around would be a good idea. Having two extra people around would probably be worse than doing it alone, too many 'experts'. Loaded tires are easy to handle when kept completely vertical.

 

[Sysop]

That's my question. Having them full of fluid it seems they could possibly get away pretty easy if things shift much. I don't have a truly flat place to work. Plenty flat enough to park and raise the tractor, but not smooth like concrete. I'd not have any "experts" helping, just strong young back muscles.

Thanks allot for the reply.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Back in my younger days (20-24) I could swap out a 18.4x38 by myself. We had dual rears on a 9000 Ford that came off after spring plowing and went back on in the fall for fall plowing so it was a double task each year. You just have to be really careful and keep them vertical and don't let them get overbalanced. 14.9x24 should be a piece of cake due to the low height and much less weight. Walking them back up to get the lug bolts on is the hardest part and that is where you might need a second person to look behind and give instruction on what to do with the tire to get it aligned and maybe work the jack to get the height perfect.

 

[Sysop]

Thanks for the input! The only thing I have for reference is changing large tires on pickups and large trucks and I know some of those can be a bear simply loaded with air. The thought of having liquid shifting around in some of the more difficult I've dealt with seems like it would be an easy path to disaster. Ideally I'm going to get someone with some experience to "lead the team", but worst case I'll be in charge and have a couple spry young back muscles there to do the heavy moving and keep things safe as possible so I was looking for replies and comments just like these.

Thanks again!

 

[Chris2]

I've got 14.9-24 R2 on my Jeep they're not bad to get on and off but mine are not loaded. As said above simply walk the tire to the hub and rais/lower the jack to line up.

 

[deerseeker001]

i have 14.9x24 fluid filled tires on my international tractor also have a set on rims aired up with better tread.the one on the tractor is like new the other needs replacing so how do i transfer the fluid to the good tire ?

 

[windy acers]

That's my question. Having them full of fluid it seems they could possibly get away pretty easy if things shift much. I don't have a truly flat place to work. Plenty flat enough to park and raise the tractor, but not smooth like concrete. I'd not have any "experts" helping, just strong young back muscles.

Thanks allot for the reply.

I am 59 and I did it by my self last week.Had to sit a few times!!!!

 

[Sysop]

One last question. In my situation, the centers are already how they need to be for the widest setting. All I need to do is swap rims side to side. Is it easier to take them off, centers and all, and reverse the centers as I switch sides? Or is it easier to leave the centers bolted to the axle and just swap the rims and tires?

 

[RickB]

Take the centers and all.