12/10/2017 - Big Tyres
Make sure that any fitting or removal of tyres is performed by fully qualified and trained professionals. Make sure the correct tools are used and the proper procedures are followed. For example, make sure you are using a compressor that has a fully working and correctly adjusted pressure gauge.
If the correct procedures for fitting your Tractor Tyres are not followed, you could find the tyre does not mount correctly, or could burst causing injury or even death.
First, you will need to deflate your tyre and remove the valve core. Be careful not to damage your tyres sidewalls or beads with the tools you are using in this step. You may have removal notches present on your Tractor Tyres, if so, start here when unseating the bead of the tyre. You may find that lubricating the bead or rim flange helps you to remove the tyre quicker and with more ease. Now is a good time to inspect your wheel rims for damage, as they may need to be repaired before fitting your new tyres.
You should have already checked that the new tyre and inner tube being used are the correct size and specification. It is important that the tyre is suitable for the machine, and its application. The tyre spec should be correct for the rim being used, for example a 18.4R30 tyre is compatible with a DW16L30 rim. If you are not sure seek expert advice. If your tyre is used, check it fully, inside and out for any imperfections or damage, if the tyre is damaged or shows signs of degradation. Replace or repair the tyre.
If you are mounting a tyre on a previously used Rim, make sure that the rim is clean and shows no sign of damage. If it is damaged or unclean, use a metal brush to brush the imperfections away! Never mount a tyre to a rim that is damaged or deformed, you are putting yourself and others at great risk if you do.
If you are fitting the tyre with an inner tube, you must make sure that the tube is suitable for the tyre size you have (Inner tubes are marked with the sizes of the tyres they are compatible with). Never fit an inner tube onto a rim that is damaged or deformed, doing so could risk the tube bursting which can lead to serious injury. If you’re fitting a tubeless tyre onto your rim, make sure that a new tubeless valve is inserted each time.
Only use tools that are in good condition. Make sure they aren’t sharp, are clean and are suitable for the tyres and rims (levers, machines, bead-breakers, etc.). If your tyre is wide or has a large volume, you may want to use an automated bead pusher or a bead breaker to fit the second bead.
Before you fit the tractor tyre, you should lubricate the tyre beads and rim seats. A small coating of lubricant around the beads of the tyre and the bead seats on the bead set well will do fine.
The first step will be to get the valve or valve hole into position at the bottom of the tractor wheel.
Position the bead breaker 'window' away from the valve to avoid the latter damaging the bead.
When ready, place the tyre into the rim so that the first of the tyres beads is positioned on the edge of the rim, using a lever or tool push the tyre bead over the rims edge and push it into the deepest rim well, once inserted, fix the valve by tightening the nut lightly.
If an inner tube is being fitted inside the tyre, position it inflated slightly inside the tyre. Once confident with all the previous stages, bring the second bead over the edge of the rim and push it into the deepest rim well. Finish it off at the valve. Make sure that the beads are not pinching the Tube.
There are some safety rules to abide by when inflating a tyre.
A safety cage should be used to hold the agricultural tyre in place, as well as wear goggles, safety shoes and safety ear muffs. If there is no safety cage or bar, stand as far away from the tyre as possible.
Refrain from standing next to the rims, looking into the rims or standing near the tyre at all times, as if something goes wrong, you can put yourself at serious risk. For maximum safety, use an inflation gun.
To see our complete range of tractor tyres please see our Agricultural tyres page, and for more information on our on-site fitting service please see our Tyre Fitting page.