I read on another thread about flat free tires and it reminded me a problem? I have with mine. It's not a big problem however it sure annoys me. Running on a smooth surface at a pretty good clip it appears they (flat free tires) are out of round. Maybe from setting in one position over the winter months this is just a guess. Don't know that it causes a problem but it sure is bouncy running from one lawn to another.:thumbdown:Anyone else notice this or have a solution to it. I plan to raise the front off the ground this winter. May not help but it's a thought.
#2
BKBrown
What brand are those Flat Free tires ? They may have an answer or will be willing to exchange them ! ???
They're the one's that come one the 326 as standard equipment? I haven't looked for a name brand on the tire inself.........but that's an idea. I doubt they will do anything now as this was the third winter I have them.
#4
BKBrown
Tires, especially flat free tires should last much longer than 3 years. The old nylon belt tires used to thump until they warmed up, but that should not be the case with flat free tires. It couldn't hurt to mention it to your dealer (if you purchased it new) -- they may have a solution ?
Do you happen to know the size ?
Good Luck ! :thumbsup:
#5
KJINTF
Those tires are
Semi-Pneumatic Flat-Free 15 x 12.0 - 6
#6
BKBrown
15 x 12.0 - 6
If I read that right - it is 15" tall 12" wide on a 6" wheel -- is that the rear tire ? I was under the impression (probably wrong) that he was talking about front tires ?
#7
KJINTF
That was the front tire the rear tire is a Pro Turf 26 x 12.0 - 12 and fully Pneumatic
#8
BKBrown
So the front tire on that machine is 12" wide ? Rear is 26x12-12 Front is 15x12-6
#9
KJINTF
That machine is a 1,750 lb beast - A wonderful machine
I guess I made a mistake copying the data the correct size is attached
6" width and 12" width front and rear
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#10
BKBrown
That makes more sense - I found it hard to understand a 12" wide caster wheel on the front. 15x6-6
Do yours get flat spots or out of round ? That seems to be what bones66 was talking about.
#11
KJINTF
typo - my fingers went to 12 when they should have gone to 6 and I try to preview my post before I send it out on it's way - O" well mistakes do indeed get made. Will not be the last one I make
No I have not had the problem he is speaking of
However mine is only 2 months old w/ 4 hours on the clock and is / will always be stored in a climate controlled barn. Those tires are semi pneumatic so maybe they could develop a flat stop if stored for a long period - Hope not to have that problem in three years
#12
BKBrown
I make mistakes too - not human if you don't ! :laughing: The only problem I had on the mower casters with the Ventrac was grass getting between the tire and rim and then a leak :frown: - solved that with the solid (foam) smooth flat free tires - no problems since ! :thumbsup:
#13
KJINTF
Must be high grass to get between the tire and rim, mowing a field?
Once finished mowing I have been blow cleaning all the clippings and getting the machine up on the hoist to grease things, Might be a bit overkill each time
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#14
BKBrown
Yes, it was only when I did deep grass or rough areas, but would always get the flat at the worst time. It required removing the wheel from the caster assembly, breaking the beads, cleaning inside rim, reseating the tire bead, and remounting -- usually all when I was in a hurry to finish. I could have tried tubes in the tires, but have not had a problem since I put the Flat-Free tires on.
The foam filled 'flat free' tires will get a flat spot, but will roll it out after a while... Block it up to take the weight off the tires if you can...
After many years they will tend to get a bit shorter and eventually the side walls will fail right at the bead, not all will have that problem, but enough will that it's annoying... You will have many years of trouble free tires... :smile:KennyV
#16
bones66
Semi-pneumatic??? was used a couple of times in this thread. Is the semi-pneumatic part of this the type of foam used? Kind of like most foam with air pockets through out.
#17
BKBrown
If I understand correctly, the term is used because part of the tire is filled with air, but there is no way to adjust that pressure. The tread and side walls are much thicker and should not puncture.
My tires will get a flat spot over the winter, or even the cold parts of mow season, spring /fall, they don't 'warm up' when the mower is used, even then the grass at my house is not putting green smooth, so, i don't feel it, Tires getting holes has been a problem for a long time, have looked at and been around several types of products to help, from class 8 trucks to scag mower, are some tire stores that sell a Gel, they remove most of the air and Fill the tire with gel that cures over night, it add a good amount of mass inside the tire, takes away almost all flex in tire, not good for a road unit, ran a Massey Ferguson with front tires gel filled, Never had a flat after that,the sales demo on that stuff used a sawzal to cut a section of the tire out, the rest of the tire kept its shape, the extra mass wasn't a problem or the lack of flex in tire. I wont get the tire gel or flat free on my mower cause i run em low on air to help with ride.
If I was a Pro mower I would look into flat free tire or gel filled,fixing flats on a busy day of mowing would be bad, maybe a greater evil than the "ruff" ride. gel filled or flat free seems like a have to for those that get a lot of flats.
after this i am off to look into(google) flat free tires
For what its worth, the front tires lasted 14 yrs on my scag until sidewall rot made me buy 2 new fronts, still on those Huge back tires at near 16 yrs. i do wish my scag had that glyde ride or that my 5 acres was smooth
