Picked up a nail in the rear - DIY Plug or take it in?

[LarryBud]

I have a L3130. I was mowing over by the neighbors and evidently, they tossed a small piece of 2x4 with a framing nail punched through and pointing up. My rear picked it up and when I removed it, the air gushed out.

Now, I see some use a plug to fix it and others say have it patched. What's the best route for a permanent fix?

 

[RCW]

No fluid in the tire?

Given it will never exceed 60 mph, I suggest you use whichever you prefer.

While I’ve had auto tires plugged, it’s not something I like for concern of failure. That’s never happened either.

 

[LarryBud]

No fluid in the tire?

Given it will never exceed 60 mph, I suggest you use whichever you prefer.

While I’ve had auto tires plugged, it’s not something I like for concern of failure. That’s never happened either.

No fluid. Just air.

 

[Edke6bnl]

I just picked up a oldet kubota neglected for over 6 years, there are many plugs in several tires and holds air after sitting fir years

 

[Henro]

Try it yourself. What can you lose? If it doesn't work for you, you can still take the tire to a pro.

Probably will work for you though...

 

[ctfjr]

My first tractor had the same misfortune with meeting up with a nail. I plugged it, kept it for 10 more years putting on about 600 more hours with no issues.
Note to self - when moving into newly constructed house just assume the carpenters didn't give crap where they threw their scrap.

 

[Pawnee]

DIY tire repair is a hot topic on motorcycle forums. A plug failure could spell disaster in that situation yet about 80% of the guys do it without consequence. The other 20% think those guys are nuts.
On a slow moving tractor there is far less risk.
Plug it, check it a couple times ,and keep on truckin'.

 

[torch]

DIY tire repair is a hot topic on motorcycle forums. A plug failure could spell disaster in that situation yet about 80% of the guys do it without consequence. The other 20% think those guys are nuts.
On a slow moving tractor there is far less risk.
Plug it, check it a couple times ,and keep on truckin'.

If you can remove the tire, use a mushroom plug from the inside. Kind of a cross between a patch and a plug. Can't blow out. Even approved by motorcycle tire manufacturers (although they do derate the speed rating if you install one.)

 

[Captain13]

DIY tire repair is a hot topic on motorcycle forums. A plug failure could spell disaster in that situation yet about 80% of the guys do it without consequence. The other 20% think those guys are nuts.
On a slow moving tractor there is far less risk.
Plug it, check it a couple times ,and keep on truckin'.

i still keep a plug kit on my bike just to get me to a place where I can get a permanent repair or a new tire. Most places won’t even patch a motorcycle tire at all.

 

[Edke6bnl]

If you can remove the tire, use a mushroom plug from the inside. Kind of a cross between a patch and a plug. Can't blow out. Even approved by motorcycle tire manufacturers (although they do derate the speed rating if you install one.)

For cars and motorcycles this is the best choice, because this will reduce the chances to rusting out the steel cords

 

[arml]

I use both...a plug and, green slime. Like preventive medicine.Less to worry about.

 

[woodman55]

I would try a plug, if that does not last then a plug/patch.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Now, I see some use a plug to fix it and others say have it patched. What's the best route for a permanent fix?

I've put many highway miles on car or truck with plugs. I have never had a failure, and don't expect to. As far as I'm concerned, a plug IS a permanent fix. You'll wear out a tire before that plug will fail.

As long as it's in the tread, and not the sidewall, you are good.

And if it fails, well, then you can worry about a patch.

There's ONE caveat - if you are going to run with unusually low pressure for some reason, a plug will probably fail before a patch will.

Other than that, it's a difference that makes no difference.

 

[MOOTS]

Plug it and forget about it.
Our JD110 loader at work has many, many plugs in its tires, some holes have up to 3 plugs.

 

[GeoHorn]

Off road/Ag use..?? plug it. Good for 20-30 years.

ON hwy use? Repair it via patch or tire-shop.

 

[torch]

I was referring to this style:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07N69PGM1 ( I find the 6mm plug handles most needs quite admirably. )

For repairs on the road, without dismounting the tire, I carry these on the bike:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0006NE3KE (They are intended as a temporary emergency repair but many swear by them and say they last the remaining life of the tire)

 

[CGMKCM]

Plugged several tractor, zero turn, ATV, RTVX tires and the all sealed up fine and ran the tires for several more seasons. Low speed off road use I think it is safe.

 

[SonofOrange]

I've always understood that the patch is preferred over plugs and slime due to balancing considerations. Maybe I'm misinformed. Either way, I've got several plugs in my slow moving equipment and highway tires. The only problems I've had is when I've tried to plug a hole that was too large. Just so you know, a hole from a gutter spike is too big to plug.

 

[mcfarmall]

Pluggit. My favorite tire killer is a carbide tipped stud from a snow machine track. That monker will deflate a tire in 2 miles.

 

[Pau7220]

There is no need to remove the tire from the wheel. .. these are low speed off road tires. Use a standard string repair, available with tools and glue for $10 or so. About 2 years ago I stuffed about six or eight 8” into my RR R-4 crown area when I picked up a pin from a sliding barn door roller. Still holding, calcium filled.