values

[jpmcleod 4]

Not being quite as smart about Wheel Horse tractors as I would like to be, I rely on those that know the answers. My question is simple. I purchased a Commando believed to be a 1968 according to the PO, and it has a full set of Wheel Horse font and rear tires on it. The tread is very good on all four, with just very little weather cracking. I would like to know the collector value if any and should I replace the tires and wheels with others I have and store the Wheel Horse tires on the rims. I know I have read posts in the past where collectors were excited about getting Wheel Horse tires.

Thanks for any suggestions regarding the value.

[Raider 2]

I don't know anything about cash value but I took the Wheelhorse tires and wheels off my Raider and stored them. I figured the tires weren't being made anymore and there's no sense tearing up a nice set that I might want later when my tractor ends up in the museum B)

[VinsRJ 721]

IMO out of production tires are worth saving, if they are good. One, if you plan on using them for that correct look or two, to help out a fellow WH collector. I just sold a really nice pair of BFG Ags for a RJ for a fair price. They're slated for a RJ35 restore.

[420lse 18]

I felt like asking the same question. Not to hijack this thread but would be the best storage options for a good set of original tires? Say 20,50,100 years?

[GlenPettit 1,716]

The Sun (UV) and the elements (ozone, drying, pollution in the air, temperature swings, pressure) are what's bad for tires. Spraying them with a Protectent like Armour-All, STP, or (the best is) MacGuires will help replace some of the natural oils lost over time & while in storage (in a black sealed plastic bag), a dark consistently cool place (like a basement), and stacked not more than 3-4 high if unmounted and horizontal, inflated tires should be stored vertically at 10psi. Ozone is the worst thing for tires, always store far away from sources (motors).

Once the cracks get deep, the damage has been done internally; but smaller surface cracks will swell closed with the use of protectents. There is a black tire paint available, but it is a surface paint and does not soak in.

An old Wheel Horse tire is probably best used if painted (black w/white letters) and just hung on a wall in the shop to just look at, at 30 years old it would not last much longer on the tractor in use (unless tubed). Auto tires are considered 'unsafe' and old at 5 years.

[rickv1957 72]

The old style tires would be nice for a restoration,Rick

[420lse 18]

Good stuff. Funny though, I'm sure many of us have ancient tires still in service. B)

[Audioshot 2]

I work in different tire plants for earth mover and commercial tires to analyze failures. After dealing with many compounds, the one thing about AG (and industrial) tires is they have the most percentage of natural organic rubber. This means they will decay and harden like a pencil eraser no matter what you do to prevent it. You can slow it down by keeping them out of the light and ozone like Glenjeri stated. Car tires have much higher petroleum, carbon and polymers to dissipate heat and resist abrasion so they age differently. I would definitely save the original tires if the tractor is going to used in shows.

After speaking with one of the compounding engineers at Goodyear in the Akron Tech center, the best thing to do is NOT add anything. Just soap and water to clean them. That's it. I have a meeting with Titan Ind Tire this week (Titan took over Goodyear's Ag tire plants) and I will see what they have to say and pass it along.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Audioshot,

also check to see if the "carbon black" in the tire compound dries out if the tires are not flexed and exercised. I can't remember where I read it, but one site stated the carbon black in the tire compound will dry out on the surface of the tire and the only way to keep more black coming to surface is to exercise (use) the tire :party:

[Audioshot 2]

The carbon black is used heavily in the production of passenger tires and medium commercial truck (19" - 24" rims). It helps with the heat and makes them more durable as these newer tires are thinner and lighter. That statement is true as far as the flexing (or exercising) of the tire casing, however, the factories use special proprietary emollients built into the casing to help prevent deterioration. This is with Passenger, LT truck and not with OTR (off the road) and IND tires like these we use. Tires are a chemical product and have a shelf life like a food item. Even if you don't wear the tread off them, you should replace them over time (IE: campers, fire trucks). But with these tractors it is a non-issue. Just run them out no matter what.

PS - when I'm back in the office next week I'll post a photo of Dunlop's ultra high pressure banbury rubber mixer.

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Very interesting info on tires.

Another great reason to be on this forum...so many people in different walks of life sharing information.

I love this place!

[rustynut 4]

i got original tires on all my wheel horses and tehy say wheel horse on the tire so i figure there worht somethin but i dont feel like spendin alot of money to just save those cuz i figure that they will last a very long time still. well i gues my 1977 c-120 has carsile tires on it. B)

[Audioshot 2]

That's awesome! Hey, if the tires start to leak over time, then throw tubes in them or solid flex fill.