Trailering with flat tires?

KenB_Texas · Mar 25, 2009

I am going to pick up an H about 100 miles from here next week. The tires are no good and flat.
I have an extra set of wheels and tires I could take with me. But the thought of changing them in the field by myself is not all that appealing.
SO
What are the chances I will ruin the wheels trailering her with flat tires?
Are there any other safety issues to consider?

I have seen it done but that doesn't make it right.

Bob M · Mar 25, 2009

Unless the rims are already badly weakened from rust, trailing your H on flat tires shouldn’t hurt the rims a bit.

Actually once the tractor’s loaded having flat tires makes trailering a bit easier. The tractor will chain down better (there's less movement/bouncing on flats). Also it lowers the trailer’s center of gravity several inches making it a bit more stable in turns, on rough pavement, etc.

However it won’t do the (flat) tires any good!

Dave H (MI) · Mar 25, 2009

"I have an extra set of wheels and tires I could take with me. But the thought of changing them in the field by myself is not all that appealing."

You mean the idea of being trapped under a heavy rim for hours waiting for help while the fire ants pick your bones clean is scaring you off? Frankly, I am disappointed. Where is your spirit of adventure???

rustyfarmall · Mar 25, 2009

If you can get it loaded onto your trailer, the rest will be easy. I once hauled a tractor with rear tires that leaked air. I had to stop every few miles to retighten the chains. I would much rather those tires had been completely flat.

KenB_Texas · Mar 25, 2009

"spirit of adventure" MY a##
you are to funny Dave...and you should see the TEXAS size fire ants.. do I ever HATE them

Thanks guys you lay my fears to rest...

Ken

LMack · Mar 25, 2009

It isn't the size of them bugs and they are no bigger in Texas than Georgia, it is the bite and the shear number of them at one time. If you stand in an aunt hill they will crawl up your leg and not bite until someone blows the whistle. Then they all bite at once.

If there is no liquid in those tires, you should be able to handle them fine. I almost never have anyone with me to help and I have been know to move fully ballasted tires....alone.

old · Mar 25, 2009

I have hauled many a tractor with flat tires, bad tires and bad rims and as long as they are chained down good there is no problem. If your worried about the rims just take some old tire rubber with you and set under the tire/rim area where it sits on the trailer and chain it down. I have yet to hurt a rim with flat tires on them. Ya the tire may never be used again or maybe the tube but never hurt a rim yet
Hobby farm

Bob Kerr · Mar 25, 2009

If you are worried about flat spoting the rims, just get the tractor up on the trailer , then jack it up and put a 4x4 under the rims so it rides in the drop center part. Should be ok then.

Hugh MacKay · Mar 26, 2009

Ken: A lot of high equipment is trucked with tires flat, however it's blocked under the axles, for a number of reasons. Lowers height, protects tires and bind chains or straps stay tight better.

I realize this is a bit different as they drive them on with air in tires, and often times will leave enough air pressure to give tires some grip on trailer deck.

The first time I ever hauled a machine long distance was a self propelled forage harvester with flotation tires. Had it chained on 4 corners and on rough asphalt it just kept breaking chains. After about 300 miles I stopped at a hardware store, got him to chop me up some 6x6 blocking. I let enough air out so machine came down placing most of the weight on blocking. Next 900 miles never broke a chain.

Trailering with flat tires?

KenB_Texas

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Bob M

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Dave H (MI)

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rustyfarmall

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KenB_Texas

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LMack

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old

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Bob Kerr

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Hugh MacKay

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