Replacing New Backhoe Tires
How to Replace a New or Used Backhoe Tire and Construction Equipment Tires
A backhoe is only as good as the tires that make it go. It is important that you have backhoe tires that are going to have the deep tread you need to have stability on the job site. You need tires that are going to be tough enough for whatever work you are going to do with them. Especially if your work site has anything sharp or any detritus that might cause damage to your tires, it is really important that you get new backhoe tires that will resist punctures and tears.
But even the best quality tires wear out after a while. No matter how puncture resistant your tires are, there is still the chance that they will meet their match out there on the job site. In such a case, you need to be ready to repair or replace your backhoe tires so you can get your equipment up and running again.
Step 1 – Make Sure the Backhoe is in a Safe Location
The first step when you realize that your tire is damaged or flat is to make sure that everyone is safe. The backhoe needs to be on stable ground with no danger of slippage. If possible, get someone else to help you. Changing, repairing, and replacing backhoe tires means lifting some really heavy things. It is very helpful to have an extra set of hands. Also, keep in mind that pry bars exert a lot of force. Make sure that you handle them with care.
Step 2 – Use Stabilizer Blocks
The second step when you get a damaged tire is to stop and get the weight of the machine off the tire. You are going to be maneuvering around the tire, so you need the heavy backhoe not to be resting on it. You can use the stabilizer to lift the backhoe off the tire if the damaged tire is in the rear. If it’s a front tire that’s the problem, use the front bucket to get the backhoe off the tire so you can take it off.
Step 3 – Get out your pneumatic impact wrench to remove the lug nuts
The third thing you want to do when you are repairing or replacing your backhoe tire is to use a pneumatic impact wrench to remove the lug nuts. This will allow you to remove the entire wheel from the tractor. Lay the wheel down on level ground and remove the valve stem core. Let the tire deflate fully.
Step 4 – Remove the Inner Rim Bead & Outer Rim Bead
The next thing to do is to get the wheel inner rim bead off the tire. A tire hammer may be helpful in achieving this step. You may also be able to use the bucket to press the tire down off the rim bead. Flip the tire over and do the same thing on the outer rim bead.
Step 5 – Remove Tire from the Rim
You will need to prop the tire up to remove the tire from the rim. You can use a wooden block to do this. Next, use a tire iron or a pry bar to pry the tire off the rim. Make sure not to pinch the valve. The best way to do this is to start near the valve and work away from it. Once the whole tire has been pried off the rim, you’ll want to prop it even higher so that you can get the tube out.
Step 6 – Remove the Tube
To remove the tube, first take the valve stem and the stem locknut out of the tube. Starting at the valve stem, remove the tube from the tire. Place the tube on top of the tire so that you can look for damage.
Step 7 – Replace the Valve Stem
Next, you will want to replace the valve stem so that you can re-inflate the tube. This is the best and easiest way to find any damage to your tube. Obvious tears and punctures may be easy to see, but if you have a hard time finding the damage you can use a spray bottle with dish soap in it to quickly locate any leaks. Just spray a thin layer of soapy water on the tube and any places where air is leaking out will quickly show themselves in the form of bubbles.
Step 8 – Deflate the Tube
Once you know where the damage is in the tube, you can repair it. Deflate the tube again and place it on a flat work surface. Use a buffing tool to score the rubber around the hole a bit, so that the patch will stick better. You will want to make sure that the roughened area is larger than the patch itself, so that you won’t have to worry about the edges of the patch coming loose.
Tire patches are usually adhesive, and as such they often come with instructions to simply stick the patch on the damaged area. However, backhoe tires take a lot of pressure and it is always good to make sure the patch is on extra firmly. You can use rubber cement for extra adhesion. Apply a thin layer and rub it with your finger to make sure it is perfectly smooth. Let it dry just until it is not glossy any more; do not let it over dry or it will not adhere. Then you can remove the protective backing on the tire patch and apply it. The rubber cement will help the tire patch adhesive and make the adhesion extra strong.
Make sure that the tire patch does not wrinkle when you are applying it. You should press on it or use a roller to make sure that it is perfectly flat and solidly adhered to the tube in all places.
Step 9 – Put the Tube Back in the Tire
Before you put the tube back in the tire, check the tire itself. Sometimes something sharp like a nail, a splinter, or some other piece of detritus will be embedded in the tire itself. This must be removed before you can put the tube back in, or else the tube will just be punctured again. If there are any holes or splits on the tire, install a boot to protect the tube from further damage as soon as you re-inflate the tire.
The next step is to put the tube back into the tire and the tire back on the rim. Start by aligning the valve stem with the valve stem hole in the rim, and secure it with the retaining nut. This will ensure that the tire is placed correctly on the rim. Then, use your pry bar or tire iron to pry the tire back onto the rim, starting near the valve and moving away from it just as you did when you took the tire off the rim.
Step 10 – Replace the Valve Stem
Then put the valve stem core back in and re-inflate the tire. As the tube inflates it will push the air out that is currently between the tube and the exterior of the tire. This is normal, so do not worry if you hear air escaping. Do keep an eye on the tire bead, though. Make sure that it is correctly aligned. It should move back into place on the wheel rim as the tube fills with air. If the bead is not fully in place, it can cause a blow-off, so to prevent this simply make sure it is in line with the rim.
Once the tire is fully inflated, it’s time to put it back on the tractor. This part is just like putting a wheel on a car. Roll the tire over to the backhoe, align it with the axle hub, and prop it up if necessary so that you can install the lug bolts onto the lug bolts holds. Just the same way you would with a car, tighten the lug nuts in a crossways pattern instead of in a circle. This will help to ensure a proper fit.
The last step is to let the backhoe lean on the tire again. Stop propping thee backhoe up with the bucket or the stabilizer. Check the air pressure in the newly repaired tire and adjust it if necessary.. You are ready to get back to work!
