Bobcat and foam filled tires

[Stephen1]

gentlmen, thought I would start here, I have an 1992 742B Bobcat, propane. It has split rim foam filled tires, 2 are spinning on the rims. What can I do with them? Should I just go buy new tires and rims, not much info around me on them except they are expensive,like $7-800 per wheel. I believe this unit came out of a mine, being propane.
cheers,
Stephen

[shinnlinger]

I might try bead locking the tires.   4x4 folks do this with weld on kits for the rims and since bobcat rim size isn't so exotic, you might find a kit that fits.   But since you aren't  taking it to tractor shows I bet you could fab up some with plate and a torch

[pineywoods]

Drill some small (like 1/8 inch) holes in the rim and right into the tire bead. Screw stainless sheet metal screws into the holes and into the tire bead. If it still slips, you didn't use enough screws.  ;D Works good on monster tractors, should last forever on a skid steer

[thecfarm]

I've heard of that on weekend drag cars too.

[shinnlinger]

http://www.atozfabrication.com/store/product.php?productid=16169
this is what I was thinking but if you can make it work with just screws even better. I also think you could fab something up for alot less if you need more rim material or if the bead is worn from continual slipping.

[Stephen1]

Well it worked, I bought some 1.5" #12 self tapping screws,. I bought 100 and put in 25 per side on 2 wheels. It was a lot of work, but the tires do not spin any more. I then took a set of chains I had on my old Mobility Dipper loader, and placed them on the bobcat , back tires. I placed the screwed tires and rims on the front.  8)This bobcat is unstopable now, plowed the driveway like there a dream.
My next repair is the radiator. It seems I now have an over heatiing problem.  will I be able to pull the rad and take it to a rad shop? Is it generic enough for them to rebuild or will I have to get an OEM?

[Weezer]

We just did one in a New Holland. Doubt it's the same as the Bob, but it was about the easiest thing to do on the machine. It's made to tip out a bit to clean, pretty much the hoses hold it in place when the rear hatch is open. It had broken the outer frame from the upper tank, radiator shop cleaned and resoldered, I think the boss said $60.......It's thick and all brass, so a recore is probably $$$$$.