Did something really stupid - One inch hole in tractor tire

[camobob]

I'm new to tractors. I've been running my used Kubota M6800 for three years now with no major issues. Yesterday I managed to run over a three point hay spear and one of the small tine went completely through my tire. I try to be careful but sometimes I feel the dumbest person on earth. I could use some advice on what to do. The tire is a Firestone 420/85R30 Performer EVO with 50% tread or better left on it. It's weighted and water filled. Hole is on the tread maybe 3/4 to the sidewall.
Can I fix this tire? If not, do I have to replace both tires so the tractor isn't tilted?
The tire is flat and the machine is not in a good spot to work on. I've had the tires off once to do the brakes. That was in the shop, not sure I want to try it again on soft ground. I don't even know where to begin with this.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

'stuff' happens, take a deep sigh and .....

drive tractor slowly to shop, decide best position to work on it and get it there.
take 3-4 pictures of the 'problem', call local tire shop, explain and send pictures.
it might be 'bootable...depends on where damage is, then add a tube.
the 'boot' mechanically holds the tire together, the tube makes tire round.
they may put in a 'plug' first, depending on the damage.

this is a 'have to see it..to decide best plan' deal.
You should call Kubota dealer get a price on tire AND rim. It'll be CHEAPER than just a tire...

 

[je1279]

They make patches for the inside of the tire for holes of that size, but I've never used them and can't speak to how well they work. I would also be concerned that the location of the patch would be suseptible to future punctures. As @GreensvilleJay stated, getting it into your shop for additional assessment is the first order of business.

 

[MOOTS]

Call around big tire shops and ask if they do vulcanizing. Good luck.

 

[D2Cat]

Might do some calling around. Here there is a guy who has his service truck and works on all big tires. He primarily services highway rigs with tire problems because there are so many, but he comes to the farm and replaces/repairs farm tires. He's quick and very fair priced. Find a guy like that in your area.

 

[camobob]

Might do some calling around. Here there is a guy who has his service truck and works on all big tires. He primarily services highway rigs with tire problems because there are so many, but he comes to the farm and replaces/repairs farm tires. He's quick and very fair priced. Find a guy like that in your area.

This is what I'm hoping for, I just don't know anybody yet. I'm off to the Kubota dealer now to see what they say. Do you suppose I could find someone like that online?

 

[D2Cat]

This is what I'm hoping for, I just don't know anybody yet. I'm off to the Kubota dealer now to see what they say. Do you suppose I could find someone like that online?

I would make a few calls to off road tire shops, implement dealers, and ask for referrals if they say no. Most full service tire shops, they sell and install tires on just about anything, farm trucks, tractors, highway truck tires, etc. they will do it or know someone who does.

 

[bbxlr8]

Something to think about: Smaller tractor & tire example but I put three massive nails through my front in close proximity to each other with a brain lapse. Regular style plugs and repairs didn't work. I pulled and took to a truck service shop recommended by local K dealer.

Quick & easy vulcanization and no need for tube. I have since repaired a similar off-road tire myself. In this case, I discovered mushroom-shaped plugs and bought a full set of sm to large off Amazon (edit - these are quite thick). you pull the stem through in combination with the pro-level vulcanization compound. Rebalanced afterward and still holding.

I would think it is repairable but as mentioned above, you have to get it in and off. W/out seeing it, I imagine an inner patch with some vulcanized fill through the meat of the tire; may not even need a tube

 

[Henro]

Just a thought, but perhaps you could deal with the tire since the liquid fill could be (or already is) drained from the tire.

MAYBE you could get the tractor jacked up and the tire off, if you think you could handle an empty tire of that size.

Then you could take the tire and get it serviced, and bring it back unloaded, and get it on the tractor, and drive the tractor to where you want it before dealing with filling the tire to match the other one...

Or do the essentially same thing if the tire cannot be repaired and a new tire is installed...

Just thinking of what I might do in your case...

 

[Outnumbered]

I'm new to tractors. I've been running my used Kubota M6800 for three years now with no major issues. Yesterday I managed to run over a three point hay spear and one of the small tine went completely through my tire. I try to be careful but sometimes I feel the dumbest person on earth. I could use some advice on what to do. The tire is a Firestone 420/85R30 Performer EVO with 50% tread or better left on it. It's weighted and water filled. Hole is on the tread maybe 3/4 to the sidewall.
Can I fix this tire? If not, do I have to replace both tires so the tractor isn't tilted?
The tire is flat and the machine is not in a good spot to work on. I've had the tires off once to do the brakes. That was in the shop, not sure I want to try it again on soft ground. I don't even know where to begin with this.

Looks like you are from VA, I have used McCarthy Tire in Rockville, VA on two occasions for the larger Ag tire on a Ford 2600. Once was a full replacement due to a piece of wire slicing a 4" gash in the sidewall. The tires were loaded and I was able to carefully roll it from the tractor to my trailer where I let it drop and then used a cable winch to drag it up on the trailer. Dropped off the trailer at their location and picked it back up the next day. This was before I had the Kubota with the loader which makes it a bit easier if I had to do it again.
Edit: I know they have mobile service for trucks so a call may be in order to see if they will handle a "field" call for your tractor as well.

 

[camobob]

Looks like you are from VA, I have used McCarthy Tire in Rockville, VA on two occasions for the larger Ag tire on a Ford 2600. Once was a full replacement due to a piece of wire slicing a 4" gash in the sidewall. The tires were loaded and I was able to carefully roll it from the tractor to my trailer where I let it drop and then used a cable winch to drag it up on the trailer. Dropped off the trailer at their location and picked it back up the next day. This was before I had the Kubota with the loader which makes it a bit easier if I had to do it again.
Edit: I know they have mobile service for trucks so a call may be in order to see if they will handle a "field" call for your tractor as well.

I'm west of you near Lynchburg. My local Kubota dealer recommended Gretna tire. Gt will come out and fix the hole and refill the fluid. I could take the tire off myself, bring it in, have the tire shop fix it, then put it back on and refill it - that would save me $180. I've pulled the tires before. It's doable but not easy. that was in the shop, the tractor is out in the cold now. $180 for the service call seems like a bargain. The whole job is going to cost more than I'd like but stupid is rarely cheap. I'm glad the damage wasn't worse.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

nice to hear 'progress' is rolling along !!! agree fluid filled tires are NOT fun, even on a concrete floor.

 

[D2Cat]

I'm west of you near Lynchburg. My local Kubota dealer recommended Gretna tire. Gt will come out and fix the hole and refill the fluid. I could take the tire off myself, bring it in, have the tire shop fix it, then put it back on and refill it - that would save me $180. I've pulled the tires before. It's doable but not easy. that was in the shop, the tractor is out in the cold now. $180 for the service call seems like a bargain. The whole job is going to cost more than I'd like but stupid is rarely cheap. I'm glad the damage wasn't worse.

Wise solution. Might cost more then you desire, but you will be safe and have your tractor back in operation..

 

[camobob]

Wise solution. Might cost more then you desire, but you will be safe and have your tractor back in operation..

Thanks - and thanks again to everyone on this board! I've been doing everything on my for 50 years but even I know there's a time to hire a pro. This guy has the truck, the crane, the fluid tanks, everything and he does it every day. I'm comfortable that he'll get me back in operation and I won't have to make or buy a single tool. I'll be back tho - something else will break and I'll be back asking for advice

 

[Henro]

I've been doing everything on my for 50 years but even I know there's a time to hire a pro.

Amen to that. Took me 77 years to reach that point...

 

[DustyRusty]

Amen to that. Took me 77 years to reach that point...

Is it stubbornness or determination not to give in? 77 years is a very long time to learn the lessons of life.