A few days ago, our farm
tractor got a flat tire during our most recent winter blizzard. The damage was beyond a repair. Glenn immediately got on his cell phone (yep,
right in the middle of his snow removal activity - not a second to waste) and
ordered two new rear tires. He could not
be without his tractor. Unfortunately, the tires were not in stock and had to
be ordered and shipped. Glenn
followed-up with a daily phone call to get a status report. Day by excruciating day, Glenn became more
and more anxious.
Finally, the tire guy
arrived in the yard today to replace the two rear tires. We have been handicapped for days without the
use of our tractor.
 |
| old tires - ready to recycle |
 |
| still had plenty of tread, though |
The replacement took
place right where Glenn parked the tractor. These tires are huge and heavy and beyond Glenn’s
capability to remove and replace them on his own. He just does not have the
proper equipment for such an undertaking. Each tire weighs about 800 pounds. A majority of that weight is due to the liquid
that fills the tire. The liquid has to be drained, via pump, before the old tire
is taken off the tractor, then the liquid has to be returned to inside the new
tire.
 |
| NEW tire |
 |
| new tire label still attached...that's new |
 |
| look at that thread and little rubber hairs - new |
Voila - two brand spanking
new tires ready for work detail. Glenn relaxed. He had his tractor back.
To a farmer, new
tractor tires are to be celebrated, sometimes admired, and even flaunted.
That is…until the
bill arrives - ugh!
Well done on the new tractor tires; those look magnificent. It is definitely a reason to celebrate this new addition. 800 pound tires are no joke, they can be a problem to remove. The liquid just keeps them from puncturing and keeps air in the tire. Love the color and the yellow rims. Hope it keeps Glenn happy.
ReplyDeleteHeidi Sutton @ Ag Source Magazine