Did something really stupid - One inch hole in tractor tire

camobob

New member

Equipment
m6800
Dec 26, 2021
21
1
3
Virginia
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.
 
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GreensvilleJay

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Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,853
5,141
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
'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...
 
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je1279

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
LX2610 w/ 60" MMM, LP 72" Snow Plow, EA Wicked 55" Grapple, and Woods 60" BB
Dec 6, 2020
755
488
63
Upstate NY
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.
 

D2Cat

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
13,930
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40 miles south of Kansas City
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.
 
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camobob

New member

Equipment
m6800
Dec 26, 2021
21
1
3
Virginia
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?
 
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D2Cat

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
13,930
5,774
113
40 miles south of Kansas City
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.
 
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bbxlr8

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Equipment
L2501 w/R14s, LA525, BH77, SGC0660, CL 5' BB, CL PHD, WG24 + Ford 1210 60" mmm,
Mar 29, 2021
397
253
63
Eastern PA
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
 
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