Air Pressure

WFM

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My L3800 I bought new in 2013 before the emissions crap was added. And I've checked the front tires off and on as any time I thought they looked soft I'd check and add air as needed. I think the front max is 54 psi. I have them at 40 psi. The rears are loaded and I've never dared check them because they are loaded. I thought one might look a little soft so I called the dealer to ask about adding air. A young man who answered said have the valve stem on top and use a "liquid" pressure gauge to check the air pressure. I told him I've never heard of a liquid air gauge. He said you'll lose some liquid when you check it so you'll need the liquid air pressure gauge to check it.
Has anyone heard of a liquid air pressure gauge ???

Mod edit: Clean up! :giggle:
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

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40PSI OMG!!!!!

Fronts are 26PSI MAX
Rears are 17PSI MAX

Unless you have R4's and not the R1's!
Please read the side wall for proper pressure.
 
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mcfarmall

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I depress the valve core for a second or two to blow the snot out of the stem, then use a traditional gauge. If your liquid level is covering the stem, your tire is overfilled.
 
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NCL4701

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Example: https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-928...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

You can use a regular air pressure gauge but if you get liquid in it it will probably damage it. Highly preferable to have a gauge that’s rated for liquid filled tires. A search for something like “tire pressure gauge for tractor” should bring up some options. Very likely your local tractor dealer or ag supply would have something as well.

Check the pressure with the valve stem at the dead top of rotation. There should be at least a small air pocket that, of course, stays at the top so if you get any liquid out it should be just a little bit.
 

cthomas

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I use a fancy Snap On electronic air pressure gauges and I just made sure I am adding pressure when attaching the nozzle to blow out the valve stem(stem at noon position). When done blow about 20 seconds of air thru it and hang down to dry. Been doing this for a decade and no issues with the gauge.
 
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85Hokie

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As mentioned .... fluid in an air gauge is a no no.

your tires SHOULD NOT BE MORE than 70-75% full of liquid.

Always take readings with the valve steam at 12 o'clock ;)
 

BAP

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Regardless of what many who posted think, getting fluid out of your valve stem when positioned at the 12 O clock position does NOT mean it’s overfilled. Loading fluid into a tire which you can’t see into is not an exact science. Plus, when pumping the fluid in, the tire is off the ground. When weight is put back on the tire the fluid level in relation to the rim and valve stem changes slightly. So getting fluid out your valve stem will happen. Actually if you have loaded tires and your valve stem is perfectly dry, then somebody probably screwed you loading your tires by not putting enough in.
 

85Hokie

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Regardless of what many who posted think, getting fluid out of your valve stem when positioned at the 12 O clock position does NOT mean it’s overfilled. Loading fluid into a tire which you can’t see into is not an exact science. Plus, when pumping the fluid in, the tire is off the ground. When weight is put back on the tire the fluid level in relation to the rim and valve stem changes slightly. So getting fluid out your valve stem will happen. Actually if you have loaded tires and your valve stem is perfectly dry, then somebody probably screwed you loading your tires by not putting enough in.

I agree with you about the loaded tire "calculations" - however at the 12' o'clock position - now here is another variable, the size of tire and rim diameter = the tire should be NO more than 75% full of liquid - which in the case of a BX23/25 rear tire ......is under the 12 o'clock position.

Doing the math - and yes I did ..........

this example - 24" tire on a 12" rim - @ 75% full ..... the valve would be ....dry! BUTTTTTT ---- I have seen people place the liquid IN the tire with the tire laid on it's side!!!!!!!

SO - I am gonna agree that .....chances ARE - there will be a bit of liquid coming out at the 12 o'clock position!

I bought 2 24" BX tires ....... I swear there are full to the top - I don't care where you wish to poke - you gonna get wet!!!! ;)
 

Biker1mike

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Clipped by mike ... Loading fluid into a tire which you can’t see into is not an exact science....
Well it could be an exact science. Volume of a torus. It would not be hard for the tire makers to have listed volumes by tire size. Even an approximate across several widths would do.
Online calculators will also do the trick so they do not have to find a math wiz.

With my family lineage we would drill a hole half way up and wait for the liquid to pour out.
 

fried1765

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I agree with you about the loaded tire "calculations" - however at the 12' o'clock position - now here is another variable, the size of tire and rim diameter = the tire should be NO more than 75% full of liquid - which in the case of a BX23/25 rear tire ......is under the 12 o'clock position.

Doing the math - and yes I did ..........

this example - 24" tire on a 12" rim - @ 75% full ..... the valve would be ....dry! BUTTTTTT ---- I have seen people place the liquid IN the tire with the tire laid on it's side!!!!!!!

SO - I am gonna agree that .....chances ARE - there will be a bit of liquid coming out at the 12 o'clock position!

I bought 2 24" BX tires ....... I swear there are full to the top - I don't care where you wish to poke - you gonna get wet!!!! ;)
With "recommended " 75% full, ......how can tires be "full to the top"?
75% full is 75% full.....not "full to the top".
 

cthomas

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On my BX I remembered they had the tires off and laying flat when they filled them, so I bet that they were overfilled.
 
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Dennis.D

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Put the valve stem at 12 o'clock and start by putting air IN the tire to clear out the liquid. Then just push the valve stem in with a medium size philips screw driver. If just air comes out, you can use the gauge you have. If liquid comes out, you need a new liquid compatible gauge.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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I have exceptionally odd R3 floatation tires on my L and with them 75% filled the valve stem would be under the fluid level. ;)
So yes it's possible to fill them properly yet still always have wet valve stems!
I would have to take out a loan to fill them too! 🤪

1679697007473.jpeg
 
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WFM

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I stopped at NAPA, Dawn couldn't find one for liquid so off I went and stopped at car quest they had sold the one he keeps in stock so order me one and I'll pick it up next week.
My tires are R1 and heres the sidewall specs,
20230325_162055 tire presser.jpg
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
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I stopped at NAPA, Dawn couldn't find one for liquid so off I went and stopped at car quest they had sold the one he keeps in stock so order me one and I'll pick it up next week.
My tires are R1 and heres the sidewall specs, View attachment 98795
That explains it, 8ply.
Manual show only 4ply tires.
 

WFM

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Porter Maine
I did look quick at the rears but really didn't see the inflation specs. Possibly its on the inside ?