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Inspecting Tires and Wheels

It’s important to consider the following when inspecting the tires of your Monarch Tractor.

Measure tread height. A tire with tread of less than 20% if its original depth needs to be replaced.

Look for signs of uneven tread wear. Tires with signs of odd or uneven tread wear patterns can be under-inflated or over-inflated. Uneven wear can also happen if there is an alignment problem.

Inspect tire sidewalls. Look for cuts, bulges, and tears in tire sidewalls. A bulging tire can’t be repaired and must be replaced. If you see fabric through a cut, or if the cut is close to the bead or shoulder of the tire, the tire must be replaced.

Inspect valve stems. If a tire constantly requires air, check the valve stem to make sure it’s tight and that the stems are loose or showing signs of dry rot. Also, be sure to cap the valve stems to keep them clean.

Tighten bolts properly. Bolts prevent a wheel from separating during operation and maintain the correct clamp load between the rim and hub to reduce wear.

IMPORTANT: Never use an impact driver to tighten bolts! There is a risk of over-tightening bolts, which can lead to structural issues with the wheel. Instead, use a nut torque wrench to achieve the correct tightness.

Consider the work conditions where you use the tractor. For example, old tires won’t grip in a wet field, causing slippage, but it’s safe to use tires with a smoother tread to drive the tractor on concrete. Depending on the deployment of the tractor, tires may need to be replaced less frequently or more frequently.

Replace both tires on an axle at the same time. If you need to replace one front tire, for example, it’s vital that you replace both front tires with new tires of the same size and brand.

Avoid dry rot. Overexposure to sunlight and dry air can create cracks and lower the elasticity of the tire’s material. Tires affected by dry rot look brittle, faded, and have cracks.

Inspect Tires, Wheels, and Bolts

Before you begin

You need the following to complete this task:

  • Flashlight
  • Torque wrench
  • Tire tread depth gauge

To inspect wheels, rims, and bolts:

  1. Power off the tractor after setting the parking brake and putting the tractor in Neutral.
  2. With a bright flashlight, inspect each tire for small cracks. Cracks can grow quickly, which can lead to catastrophic failure.
  3. Using a tire dread depth gauge, measure the depth of the tread ribs, making sure tread is acceptable.
  4. Check the rim, making sure the tire is completely surrounded by the metal rim.
  5. Inspect the wheel to make sure no modifications have been made (such as welding).
  6. Check the bead around the tire to make sure the tire is properly seated.
  7. Check the torque of each bolt:
  • Rear tires: 230Nm
  • Front tires: 135Nm