Contents

Tire types

Tire treatments

"What can I do about chronic flat tires?"

Small tractor tires are often very thin, containing few plies, or layers. This makes them prone to punctures in areas where sharp objects, such as thorns, stones, glass or splinters will be encountered -- such as in fields, trails or overgrown lots. Here are several ways to reduce or eliminate flats. If none of these options seems to fit your needs, talk to an equipment or commercial tire dealer. 

Heavy duty tires can be purchased for any tractor or riding mower, as replacements for original equipment. This is often the simplest and most effective cure. "Ag," or agricultural tires are narrow, made of heavy rubber and feature angled bars on the tread which provide excellent traction in most conditions and good resistance to punctures. Ag tires are not good for lawns, though, since they tend to dig into the ground and tear up grass. Turf tires are wide, balloon style tires that distribute the tractor's weight over a large area and minimize damage to lawns and soft soil. Turf tires usually have little tread and provide poor traction in slippery conditions. Also, turf tires do not generally resist punctures well. Flotation tires are extra-wide turf tires designed to minimize soil compaction and help support the tractor or implement's weight through mud or swamp areas. Ribbed tires have grooves around their circumferences and are excellent as puncture resistant front tires on 2WD machines and for wagons. Combination tires (aka construction tires) combine the balloon design of turf tires for lawn protection with heavier plies for puncture resistance and a deep lugged tread for better traction. One good source for information about different tire types and tread designs is the Firestone Agricultural Tire Company site -- their Farm Tire Data Book is a valuable resource. For smaller tractors and mowers, try the Carlisle Tire & Wheel Co.

The proliferation of styles and types of tires has led to an industry attempt at standardization (ASAE Standard S296.4).  Here are the standard designations for agricultural tires:
 
 

Used aircraft tires, with 16 or more plies, can be found in sizes that fit many small tractors. These usually have ribbed tread, are very heavily constructed and offer excellent puncture resistance. Since they have no traction, these tires are best used for implements, wagons and as front tires on tractors. One US source for aircraft tires is GENSCO Aircraft Tires.

Tire inserts can be placed in most tires to make them much more puncture resistant. These inexpensive, heavy rubber liners provide a thick, strong layer between the tire interior and inner tube. Tire inserts do not keep sharp objects from penetrating the tire, but help prevent them from damaging the inner tube. One source for tire inserts is Gempler's.

An anti-flat liquid which resembles a thick syrup can be added to tires to slow or stop air loss from small punctures. This solution coats the inside of the tire or inner tube as the tractor moves and clogs up air leaks. Although this treatment does nothing to make tires puncture resistant, it can keep small punctures from causing tires to go flat. Unfortunately, since the solution does not completely fill the tire's inside, as the tractor sits for awhile the syrup drains to the bottom of the tire and previously sealed punctures can reopen. Linseal, Tire Milk and SLiME are popular brands.

Anti-flat foam, a popular and inexpensive motorist's emergency item available in aerosol cans, can also be used to temporarily fill tractor tires. Like anti-flat liquid, this foam does not prevent punctures but helps stop air leaks afterwards. Some people rely on this treatment as a permanent solution for flat tractor tires. Unfortunately, over several months the foam breaks down, losing its puncture sealing qualities and creating a sticky mess that has to be cleaned out of the tires eventually.

Urethane foam can be substituted for air in a tractor tire. Foam is available in several densities which approximate different inflation pressures. Once the foam sets, the tire is truly puncture proof. This is popular with construction equipment, but useful for small tractors, as well. It is expensive: $40 or more for a small tire. Foam-filled tires are several times heavier than air-filled tires. Foam-filled tires are harder on a tractor's steering mechanism than air-filled tires, since there is less "give" to the foam. For the same reason, foam-filled tires tend to create dents and ruts in the ground. Finally, foam filling does not make a thin tire stronger; in fact, it may put more stress on a light duty tire than it was designed to withstand -- resulting in a shredded tire with nothing to support the foam. So, this process is recommended only for heavy duty tires. Most industrial tire dealers provide this service.