Eldon (WA)
Well-known Member
Another big mowing job today, but fortunately only about 4 miles from home. 2 1/2 hours into the job I see something in the field up ahead...turns out it is one of the laminated tires off of my Bush Hog mower....look back and sure enough one side is running on just the rim. So I head to the truck, get out my smart phone and call a couple of dealers in the area. JD dealer wants $214+ $30 shipping and 6 days to get another one in. I decide to head home and do more research. On the way, I'm thinking I still have a hard rubber tire from a LandPride mower that the hub bushing wore out on under warranty and the dealer just gave me a new one. Sure enough, it looks close to the same size, but the rim is pressed on around it. I try to pop the center out with the skidsteer and forks, but no go. I take a pneumatic cutoff tool and cut out a section of the rim and bend it out of the way...this steel wheel is tough! Anyway, it pops out with the forks this time. Tire has all these little rubber lugs on the ID, though...and I wind up cutting them all off with my pocketknife sawblade (I am back at the job now). The rim is tight, but the bolts draw the split rim together....and I am back in business in 1 1/2 hours! Tonight I get on the I-net and found a laminated wheel for a total of $57 including shipping. I think I will order two. I didn't think a laminated wheel would break, but there is a center steel ring that holds the rubber pieces on that broke.