Tire bulging out the side

[GreensvilleJay]

BOTH the fronts on my then new BX23S had similar bulges, one had 8. Kubota traded me two new ones on rims no problem. 2nd set have been on for 3 yrs, +-600 hrs, zero issues.
I'd rather have Kendas (K514 ??) though IF I could get them.

 

[ve9aa]

I would GUESS it'll fail when you have that big ol' load in your bucket, hit a rock or pothole and then tip the tractor in such a way as to change the color of your shorts or worse, test the structural integrity of your ROPS.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

 

[Pau7220]

I would GUESS it'll fail when you have that big ol' load in your bucket, hit a rock or pothole and then tip the tractor in such a way as to change the color of your shorts or worse, test the structural integrity of your ROPS.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

In MOST cases, when a front tire fails the axle will pivot and drop evenly without disrupting the tractor.

If it was a rear… replace immediately!

Rear tires keep the tractor where it should be in relation to the ground, unexpected failure could get ugly.

 

[Flintknapper]

If that tire was on a vehicle and you took in in for warranty it would be considered a road hazard failure which would not be covered unless you had purchased a road hazard warranty when you bought the tire.

On a tractor it may be a different story but more or less it was most likely caused by an impact to the tire while in use.

Agreed on both accounts but for different reasons.

With respect to tire stores/retailers (passenger car and truck tires) it is ALWAYS your fault it seems.....unless there has been widespread failures of the same tire nationwide (manufacturer defect).

In the second case (tractor tires) owing to the type use they see.....it is more reasonable to expect that damage occurred during use even if not readily apparent to the user at the time.

But still worth reporting in the event a known defect exists.

 

[Flintknapper]

I would GUESS it'll fail when you have that big ol' load in your bucket, hit a rock or pothole and then tip the tractor in such a way as to change the color of your shorts or worse, test the structural integrity of your ROPS.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Yes, lets hope that doesn't happen. Heavy loads on the FEL, raised and in a sharp turn is a real concern for tipping even without the potential for tire failure. Always keep your bucket as low as circumstance permits.

There are so many ways to get into trouble when operating a tractor (user error or disregard) that we don't need to increase the 'chances' by not replacing a known defect.

IF a person were only mowing a yard or pasture at low speed and needed to wait a week or two before replacing the tire....that would be one thing (a comfortable calculated risk). Working the tractor hard with heavy loads (especially un-ballasted loads) is of course asking for trouble.

 

[SDT]

I'm sorry I thought I did post a photo. Not sure why it isnt here. I'll post again. View attachment 84264

Sidewall separation and/or broken cords.

Tire will fail. Could fail tomorrow or last awhile.

 

[retired farmer]

You have imagined that a chunk will somehow dislodge itself (as if cored out) and become a potentially deadly projectile. Please stop. That is irresponsible fear mongering and hyperbole.

We are dealing with a small tractor tire inflated to a horrifying 20 psi.


I concur, Aint gonna hurt nothing or no body, its just a low pressure tire running at a very low speed. Run it till she blows.......

 

[RBsingl]

I agree that tire failure in this case is more inconvenience, not danger. If you had the severe misfortune to have the tractor right at the tipping point on that side when the tire let go, then that would increase the likelihood of it tipping but that is the only likely danger and the odds are small. Just avoid any crazy scenarios like operating with a full and raised loader while on a slope until you get it replaced, a scenario you should avoid even with good tires.

But that tire is on borrowed time and unless you are about to sell it to someone who doesn't care about the damaged tire, then get it replaced as quickly as reasonable. It will give up and that will happen at the most inconvenient time possible like a couple of acres left to mow with rain on the way.

I am pretty OCD about tires on my cars and pickup because there are safety issues there. My Corvette Z06 recently got new ZP tires because with its speed capability, a blowout with a regular tire would be really bad. My Cadillac ATS and Camaro also have ZP tires and they both came originally equipped that way. For years I had switched the ATS to regular tires and kept a tire repair/inflator kit in the trunk but now that my teenage daughter is driving that car it is back to ZP tires because I don't want her stuck somewhere changing a flat tire. I don't have the same level of concern about low pressure, low speed equipment tires.

Rodger

 

[GeoHorn]

It doesn't propel a 'chunk' of anything. The tire SPLITS in the area where the rubber has exceeded its elastic limit. The area of separation is in the sidewall where the nylon casing is fused/bonded to the rubber compound NOT the bead or any steel belts.

You have imagined that a chunk will somehow dislodge itself (as if cored out) and become a potentially deadly projectile. Please stop. That is irresponsible fear mongering and hyperbole.

We are dealing with a small tractor tire inflated to a horrifying 20 psi.

Here is a real world example of what happens when a 'bulge' fails. I know you'll recoil when you see the guy purposely slit/puncture the actual bulge site. I mean what kind of fool would place himself in such a perilous position. Please take this opportunity to educate yourself on tire construction (passenger vehicle and tractor tires....the same). Perhaps then you'll understand why the danger you propose (at low inflation pressure and a tire that is not dry rotted) is such folly.

In no wise am I advocating we ever dispense with reasonable safety practices. I AM however calling out your notion that the OP's tire represents a physical hazard. The tire is a 'time bomb' (pun intended) only in the sense that it WILL fail at some unknown point. The failure WILL be unspectacular and manifest as nothing more than an audible 'whoosh'.

We live in a world with plenty of things to actually worry about. The OP's tractor tire is not one of them. Anyone believing otherwise probably needs to stay at home each day because you are venturing out into a world where REAL risk assessments are necessary.

As a former technician for an automobile dealership who installed and maintained wheels and tires…I know what I am writing. YOU are wrong and the question to ask is” Are YOU going to take care of the man and/or his family when YOUR ”safety guarantees” fail the test?

Taking a blade and cutting open a tire sidewall is not a valid comparison. A blade can be inserted into the sidewall…and a rapid “slicing” motion applied…and the air will simply express out of the tire as it deflates. THAT is a ” deflation “…. not a ruputure.

If you can get ANY TIRE MANUFACTURER to agree with your foolish statement in writing…Please post it here.

 

[Flintknapper]

As a former technician for an automobile dealership who installed and maintained wheels and tires…I know what I am writing. YOU are wrong and the question to ask is” Are YOU going to take care of the man and/or his family when YOUR ”safety guarantees” fail the test?

Taking a blade and cutting open a tire sidewall is not a valid comparison. A blade can be inserted into the sidewall…and a rapid “slicing” motion applied…and the air will simply express out of the tire as it deflates. THAT is a ” deflation “…. not a ruputure.

If you can get ANY TIRE MANUFACTURER to agree with your foolish statement in writing…Please post it here.

Here is an example of your so called 'rupture' (also a release, the only difference is the force curve over time). We are not told at what pressure the tire failed (I inquired in the comment area) but suffice to say it was probably in the 60 psi range, fully three times the pressure of the OP's tire.

Note the 'SPLIT' in the tires sidewall just as I said would happen with any tire not dry rotted and at low pressure (35 psi and under). I would submit as a former technician you failed to learn this along the way.

As you will see in the video there is NO explosion, no detectable debris flying anywhere, just a quick release of air (no doubt at a high pressure). A purposeful over-inflation to cause failure.

Of course, a tire manufacturer will not make any statements other than replace the tire for liability reasons, you know that....so don't throw that out there. It would not be in their best interest regardless the real world facts.

That doesn't support your position... it just means they practice CYA. And pretty much everyone here is smart enough to know that.

Again, lets maintain the context (tractor tire, low pressure inflation) NOT a death trap.

 

[D2Cat]

I was working on a trailer and was about 40' away when it exploded. It had no bump or knot that I know of. Probably 60 PSI in the tire. I though someone shot a rifle. It was an old tire though!

 

[Flintknapper]

I was working on a trailer and was about 40' away when it exploded. It had no bump or knot that I know of. Probably 60 PSI in the tire. I though someone shot a rifle. It was an old tire though! View attachment 84327

Yep, dry rot. Common 'trailer' tire failure. Tire compounds (rubber) begin to degrade the moment they leave the mold. It is the reason tires have a manufacture date. I've seen some absolutely ridiculous excuses for a 'tire' on agricultural trailers.

Tread separation in your case. THAT is an honest to goodness rupture of the sub-plys. Something quite different and apart from sidewall bubble/bulge though.

Depending on the design, ply count and load rating.... could have been inflated anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds psi. i've seen failures like those before and THAT represents what the ''Geo' man thinks is going to happen to the OP's tire.

I have a bit over 22 years experience as an engineer (now retired) for a large Class A motor-home manufacturer and I've seen my share of tire failures (for various reasons). Usually under-inflated where the tire rapidly heats up and internal pressure rises. THOSE tires DO in fact blow out. And do so vigorously. And as you say....sounds like a rifle shot.

 

[GeoHorn]

Flint,… continously repeating your careless statements of chance does not reduce the irresponsible foolishness of them, … and odious since you‘re advocating others than yourself to assume the risk.

 

[Flintknapper]

Flint,… continously repeating your careless statements of chance does not reduce the irresponsible foolishness of them, … and odious since you‘re advocating others than yourself to assume the risk.

Arguing with the insufferable is the problem I see here. We have both presented our positions (and hopefully experiences). It is incumbent on each person reading these posts to use their own common sense to reach a decision. Each person is responsible for their own actions and safety.

I maintain with every confidence that the OP's tire represents no hazard to his physical being and at the same time have repeatedly recommended he replace it. You continue to present the Chicken Little scenario where the 'sky is falling' and have blown the risk completely out of proportion.

Thankfully this great country was explored and settled by less timid men and we are free to make up our own minds.

 

[GeoHorn]

Arguing with the insufferable is the problem I see here. We have both presented our positions (and hopefully experiences). It is incumbent on each person reading these posts to use their own common sense to reach a decision. Each person is responsible for their own actions and safety.

I maintain with every confidence that the OP's tire represents no hazard to his physical being and at the same time have repeatedly recommended he replace it. You continue to present the Chicken Little scenario where the 'sky is falling' and have blown the risk completely out of proportion.

Thankfully this great country was explored and settled by less timid men and we are free to make up our own minds.

Running for Office, I see.

You can bluster and insist on repeating yourself all you like. It doesn‘t mean you’re being reasonable, safe, or right.

 

[Flintknapper]

Running for Office, I see.

Preferable to one Running his Mouth.

Reply with your parting shot....I am sure you will not disappoint.

I've stated my position.....you have yours. I'm leaving it at that.

 

[JerryMT]

I noticed my front tire was bulging out the side wall.
It feels like the rubber is a bit thin there. The tires have never been over inflated.
Just wondering if I should trust it. I have a neighbour that says he has had this in the past and that the tire lasts quite a while. Just wanted to get a few more opinions from the forum here.
Thanks for your time.

Drew

Most likely a ply separation in the sidewall. Check with an ag tire dealer to see if there is a warranty on the tire. It can be dismounted and they can determine if it is impact caused or is a ply separation. Usually impact damage will have tears on the inside layer. A ply separation will be smooth on the inside.

 

[BAP]

Using the logic of some that this tire is going to kill or maim someone, you better tell the OP to stop using his mower deck too. The mower deck has just as much chance of killing or maiming someone when it launches a projectile out of, like a stone, when in use.

 

[RBsingl]

Using the logic of some the this tire is going to kill or maim someone, you better tell the OP to stop using his mower deck too. The mower deck has just as much chance of killing or maiming someone when it launches a projectile out of, like a stone, when in use.

Exactly! PTO shafts are waiting to catch the unwary, blades themselves can shoot off fragments if they contact a solid object, high pressure injection lines (particularly on a common rail diesel) can shoot a blinding stream of fuel, etc. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations because of a combination of fatigue and equipment and it can be even more hazardous for those not experienced. When I bought my Deere 955 compact utility in 1995, the graphic warning emblems on the PTO shafts definitely got my attention since I had no desire to end up wrapped around one. If you want to avoid a lot of risk, hire someone else to do everything for you (and make sure that you carefully check references so that you aren't hiring a serial killer ) but risks in life are not fully avoidable.

I am a marketing professor by degree but I spent a lot of my career doing enterprise risk management and understanding risk is something that has become habitual. Risk management doesn't mean risk avoidance but rather understanding and managing risk. I would never head out for a high speed highway run with a tire that has a bulging sidewall and I am at least as attentive to the very thin 120 PSI tires on my Trek road bicycle but if my tractor or wheelbarrow had a bulging sidewall I would plan on getting it replaced soon to avoid failure at an inconvenient time but I wouldn't worry about finishing a task with it. Most equipment owners are going to take dumb shortcuts at one time or another (the slope really isn't that steep, I don't need to set the parking brake, I can clear this jam with the PTO still running, etc. that are truly foolish). Proper risk management is like buying insurance, which itself is a subset of risk management. By the time you need it, it is to late to do/buy it.

I enjoy the field of risk management and consulting work I did in this area during the dot com boom paid for my early retirement but I always keep in mind that it is management, not just avoidance. My daughter was 3 when I took her on our first father/daughter camping and hiking trip to the Colorado Rockies. Anna was sitting at the picnic table while I was setting up the tent and by the time I had the tent set up I had just about convinced myself that it would be safer to stay in a hotel with her given some of the previous adventures I had experienced while camping in the Rockies. When I finished setting up, Anna proudly showed me the little wooden balls she had found on the ground to play with. I gently informed her she had found animal poop That was the worst thing that happened on the trip and anything that cleans up with soap and water was never a problem in the first place. We had a great trip with elk wandering through our campsite each evening and a moose stuck its head through the back window of the pickup one morning as we were heading out; fun experiences that never would have happened at a hotel.

Rodger

 

[lynnmor]

My trash collector will take one tire per week, if I have a faulty tire it gets kicked to the curb so I am having difficulty understanding this conversation.