Tire Inflation Rules
Always check and inflate tires when they are cold.
Never “bleed” air pressure from warm or hot tires.
If a tire becomes low while operating, adjust the pressure the same as other tires of the same size on the machine.
Always use a liquid-type pressure gauge when checking pressure in tires with liquid ballast. Check pressure with the valve stem at the bottom.
Inflating Tires
Remove the valve cap and check the air pressure. Be sure to hold the gauge firmly against the valve stem to get a correct reading.
Add or release air as needed to obtain correct air pressure.
Tire Ballast
Tire ballast or weight can help give the most effective traction and power. Improper tire ballast can cause premature tire wear. Tire ballast can be judged by looking at the tire tread pattern after pulling under load.
Too much weight:
The tire tracks will be sharp and distinct in the soil and there will be no evidence of slipping. This is not good as the tires are literally geared to the ground and do not allow the flexibility of engine operation that is obtained when some slippage occurs.
Too little weight:
When the tires have too little weight they lose traction and the tread marks are entirely wiped out. And forward progress is slowed. Not only is less work done but the tires wear excessively.
Correct weight:
A small amount of slippage occurs and the soil between the cleats will be shifted but the tread pattern is till visible.
Tire Failures
Tire failures may be caused by underinflation, overinflation or careless operation. If tires are not inflated properly, they are more subject to damage than under any other condition.
Avoid driving over objects, such as large rocks, tree stumps that may penetrate the tire or break the cords.
Avoid spinning the tires by engaging the clutch slowly. Use ballast and weights when pulling heavy loads to prevent spinning damage.
Adjust the tire spacing to avoid stubble damage when operating in harvested corn or soybean fields.
Locate small cuts in the tire and bevel to prevent stones and other small objects from embedding in the tire and causing leaks or broken cords.
