Appropriate Tire Gauge for Kubota L2800 Tractor

[Dosido]

I'm attempting to help an elderly neighbor with an L2800 tractor but need some assistance. He wanted me to check the tire pressure but the tire gauge I have for my car does not appear to work. The tires appear to require 35 PSI (stamped on the tire) but my gauge says they are at 15 yet they do not look flat at all. I'm guessing my pencil gauge is not getting a good seal and isn't reading the pressure correctly.... although it seems to fit on the stem. Is there a special tire gauge we should be using on his tractor tires?

 

[6869704x4]

Depending on what he's doing with the tractor 15 may be enough.

 

[bbxlr8]

No - they could be that low and look fine. Digital gauge could be a second check, but add air and see...
Old school still works.

 

[Tarmy]

Are his tires filled? They actually make a pressure gauge for liquid filled tires…mine have antifreeze as well.

 

[old and tired]

Are you talking the smaller front tires or the big rear tires?

I've had my rear tires at zero psi, and they "looked" fine. Same with the front tires, but as soon as I add weight in the front loader, then you see them squat down.

 

[Nicksacco]

If the tires are filled, make sure the valve is at the 12 o'clock.

As @Tarmy said, there are pencil gauges made for filled tires.
Simple to take apart when/if they get clogged.

This is one I have

 

[Old Machinist]

I use a Milton Accu-Gage.

I think if you look closer at the spec on the tire it will read MAX pressure. Not required.

I don't run over 25 lbs in any of my tractor tires and my loaded R14s have 10 in them.

 

[Dustball]

Pencil gauges can be unreliable because they rely on friction to provide a reading. If you do insist on using one, use one that has a more appropriate range for tractors such as a 0-30 psi gauge.

I recently bought a few of these as they had very good reviews on Project Farm's YouTube channel.

https://www.amazon.com/ETENWOLF-Industrial-Calibrated-Replaceable-Batteries/dp/B0BY2GD9VC

 

[StephenR]

I use a larger "commercial" grade tire pressure gauge for my machines. They aren't any more accurate for measurement then a regular "car" tire gauge, but the gauge doesn't matter. What the tractor is being used for matters. Are the rear tires liquid filled? Does it have a loader on it? Does it carry a large bushhog on the back?
I keep my front tires up solid and the back a little "low looking". If I pick my attachment up and the tire looks "low", I will add air until it gets more rounded. I do not exceed the pressure limit on the tire,

 

[jyoutz]

If the tire is liquid filled, be sure to use a gauge that is designed for that (links have been posted). And check with the air nozzle around 12 o’clock. Otherwise you’re just going to get liquid and not air pressure.

 

[lugbolt]

If the tire is liquid filled, be sure to use a gauge that is designed for that (links have been posted). And check with the air nozzle around 12 o’clock. Otherwise you’re just going to get liquid and not air pressure.

I'll add this. Push the valve core in and let some air out before you put the gauge on it because there is going to be some fluid in the valve stem and that fluid will get into the gauge. Once it's flushed, you can use whatever gauge you want. I learned a long time ago that if you check filled tire pressures, and you don't do that, it'll destroy the pressure gauge. Especially digital gauges.

on rear tires they don't start looking low til about 7 psi. Front's at about 15. (R4's not R1's).

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

Pencil gauges can be unreliable because they rely on friction to provide a reading. If you do insist on using one, use one that has a more appropriate range for tractors such as a 0-30 psi gauge.

I recently bought a few of these as they had very good reviews on Project Farm's YouTube channel.

https://www.amazon.com/ETENWOLF-Industrial-Calibrated-Replaceable-Batteries/dp/B0BY2GD9VC

I agree on the pencil gauges being handy, and potentially unreliable.

Due to Wisconsin being hot in summer and well below freezing in winter I learned mechanical gauges are far more reliable than anything that runs on batteries.

Older Milton products have been reliable for me, reviews of new products suggest they're made in the U.S. from imported parts and frequently leak (bad seals, suggesting poor quality control).
Personally I'd get a "value-based product" like @Old Machinist mentions so if it fails I'm not out a block of treasury bills.

I actually bought a Jaco analog gauge that doesn't have to be on an air line to work, because if I'm going to get stuck with what's basically a Chinese made product assembled in the US I might just as well buy a quality Chinese product for 50% less. They also make an inflator with analog gauge which is likely a better option as it's easier to read than the Milton original service station gauge and 1/2 the price, though not nearly as sturdy as the Milton either. Although right now the gauge @Old Machinist linked to is $13+$6s/h which is a really good deal.

 

[John T]

I'll add this. Push the valve core in and let some air out before you put the gauge on it because there is going to be some fluid in the valve stem and that fluid will get into the gauge. Once it's flushed, you can use whatever gauge you want. I learned a long time ago that if you check filled tire pressures, and you don't do that, it'll destroy the pressure gauge. Especially digital gauges.

Even with your method, calcium filled tires can still ruin a digital gauge.
the pressurized air is full of salt.

you really need a "wet gauge"

I always lift the tire slightly to take weight off it.

not sure why.. I just do.