Tougher Tires... I need some

[RalphVa]

Had lots of flats on the original turf tires on the JD 4010. Went to Slime, then tubes. Finally replaced with tubeless. No problems for maybe a couple years until I traded it in.

Have had R4s on the JD 1025R (lemon) for 2 years and have R4s on the JD 2025R for over a year. Absolutely no issues whatsoever, but I haven't used these tractors as much as I did the 4010. Don't like the lack of side grip on the R4s. You definitely need steering brakes, e.g. separate left and right brakes with R4s.

 

[Qapla]

We run R4's on ours. We have had our share of flats.

Definitely carry some plugs, they work quite well. We have tried tubes. They have their problems but sometimes, if the hole/cut is large enough it is what it takes.

We checked on foam - we were told that they will not foam "old" tires like ours.

Trying to keep a check on the tires sounds good, but it is not always easy and sometimes you do not notice the flat until it has already come off the bead. It can be a challenge to pop a tractor tire back in the bead, especially if the compressor is not "industrial". We have found that using a "ratchet strap" placed around the tire in the center will help with popping the tire back on when you give it air. Just make sure you stop with the air as soon as it pops onto the bead so you can release the strap without injury to you, the strap or the tire.

 

[Oldpath05]

Last week I had 2 flats... costing time and 2 service calls to the field. I am running a Danuser Intimidator into fencelines and tree/brushy areas clearing them out. So my front tires are taking a beating. JD 12.4x24 R1 ag tires with about 40% tread life left. 3 flats overall since I've owned it, but 2 last week.

>> Off-Road Tire Reliner | GEMPLER'S <<<<<<<<<<<I guess this is what one poster suggested, might help, diffenitly be a pain to install, it's is cheaper than foam, cheaper than new tires if tires are only half wore out. But doing what your doing, I'd even try these on new tires especially when your size tire is kinda pricy>>> 12.4x24 Firestone Super All Traction II Tractor Tire (8 Ply) (TL)

 

[TractorGuy]

Not cheap but you can see if forestry tires are available in your sizes.

 

[jeff9366]

In the LINK in Post #7, the Firestone tire shown @ $299 seems to be a pretty standard eight ply tractor tire, perhaps combining some of the tread characteristics of R1 and R4 tires. However, with max inflation at 32 psi and rigidity of eight ply construction, I question how much R1 type traction this tire will provide. However, it should be considerably puncture resistant compared to four ply R1 tires and more puncture resistant compared to six ply tires, whether R1 or R4 type.

Going to Firestone's Forestry Tire tab, I see true Firestone brand tractor Forestry tires are $1,100 each AND UP. Firestone does not say, but I expect at least one ply is Kevlar fabric.

I abhor equipment down time. If I had the need for puncture resistance as the primary characteristic of my tractor tires I would spend the money for the specialty Forestry tires @ $1,100+.

However, our OP has only a TEMPORARY need.

GOOD LINK. I SAVED IT.

 

[jeff9366]

Look at Gemplers, they have these things called tire liners, they are heavy pieces of rubber that go between the tube and tire that are designed for just such a problem.

I have never used TIRE LINERS in tractor tires. However, I use TIRE LINERS inside the tires on my Touring Bicycle. On bikes, the rear tires wear much faster than front tires. I have worn out three rear tires used with liners, without a flat. However, liners are weight and on a bike your muscle power has to propel the liners down the road with the rest of the bike. Worthwhile tradeoff to me. Touring bikes usually have panniers mounted on the rear. I is a real PIA to repair a rear flat.

I abhor downtime on bicycles as much as I abhor downtime with other equipment.

Excellent, cost effective suggestion, WOLFY.

TRACTOR TIRE LINER LINK: Google

 

[Turbys_1700]

1. Plug and play. The last time out I plugged a new R4 rear in my Workmaster 50 to get home. A couple portable air tanks and you are good to go. At least you can get home. I had to plug it again once home but it is holding well.
2. I run Berryman's in my fronts and so far so good.
3. I bought a set of new airplane fronts for my 4610 SU. They are a good option for around $550 delivered.
4. Foam is the only fool proof method but they have downsides. I may end up foaming the rears on my SU but I don't know.
Good luck and keep us updated. Lots of good advice here.

 

[DJ54]

With approx. a years worth of work yet, and 40% tread, I'd probably foam those, then put new ones on when you're done, and in maintenance mode. New tires of any kind now, and foamed would probably be shredded up pretty good by then. JMO.

 

[Oldpath05]

Look forward to herring the cost and performance of two front foamed tires....

 

[arizona98tj]

Concerning portable air compressors used out in the woods, a good alternative for any kind of off-road vehicle (ATV, 4x4, tractor, etc.) is a CO2 tank. I used to carry a 10 pound CO2 tank in my Jeep. I could air up twelve 35" tires with it. And you don't have to worry about the low flow issue that most any 12 volt compressor has. It would seat a bead on a Jeep, which is a common problem unless running beadlocks. I had a 125# regulator on my CO2 tank which allowed the use of air tools although I didn't carry any with me.