What kind of tires do you use?

[Budman]

I have an older 36" Bunton Hydro with a set of 13X5-6 tires on the back with a pretty aggressive chevron (like on heavy equipment) tread. I had a flat last week, and they are getting pretty worn, so it looks like the time for new ones. The previous owner of the mower had an extremely steep site that he mowed - hence the stout tread pattern on the back tires. The lot that I mow is fairly level, but there is one area that gets pretty soft and muddy, especially after a heavy rain. What kind of replacement tire would you all recommend? Would a standard turf-saver tire work OK, or would I be better off with a stud pattern or another chevron pattern?

Your input is appreciated!

Thanks!

[rvsuper]

I would go with the turf-saver if its a flat area like you said.

[MikeLT1Z28]

here's a site i saw in the back of Pro or Turf. seem to have the best prices i've seen.

http://shop.cedarrapidstire.com/results.asp?tcat=LG&beadsize=13-5.0-6

http://shop.cedarrapidstire.com/tires/lgcarlturfsaver.gif

[Got Grass?]

WOW thoes are some exelent prices.
the Turf Saver II I've seen going for $30 Altho I'm sure size DOES matter.
How are thoes TURF TRAC tires? Thay look like thay would dig up alot. The CARLISLE SUPER LUG's look quite agressive. I imagine thay would be good for plowing.

Thoes smooth Slick ones have no tread? whats up with that?:blush:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I found this style of tread to have better traction. I used to use the one posted above.

DICO/TITAN TURF TRAC R/S

http://shop.cedarrapidstire.com/tires/lgdicotitanturftracrs.gif

Same link

[MikeLT1Z28]

you can go to their main site and select various different kinds of tires (atv, lawn, etc) then select your sizes.

www.cedarrapidstire.com

[Shady Brook]

I'm with LG on the Titan Turf Trac's, good tire. Cedar rapids is a great place to deal with too!

Jay

[Budman]

I think that is what is currently on the mower. I noticed that Cedar Rapids has them pretty cheap. I might stay with this tire because it does pretty well in the muddy area that I described earlier. Besides, I have a spare rim/tire that already has this tread - would keep the set matching.

LG - how does it compare to the Dico Turf Tracs that you run?

What is a reasonable amount to pay to have these mounted, or is it possible to do it myself? One place wanted $12.00/ea just to mount them!

Thanks for the help!

[Shady Brook]

I can't compare the two tires, they seem radically different. Both have been used on quality mowers, but I have never had the lug type to differenciate.

As far as installing tires on the rim.... Well from my experience I have learned there is a reason for them tire machines! I have only had consternation installing tires without the proper tools.

Go to a local tire store, or better yet the local service station that may do work for you and have them install them. Bet you can get both installed for about 10 bucks.

Have fun
Jay

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Actually I have the carlisle turf master series. They look identical to the dico turf trac.

I still have ones like the turf saver and these seem to do a lot of slidding on hills and in turns if you come in to one too fast.

The other type have more space between the lugs to grab better.

I have found with one really strong screw driver you can install these tires pretty easily. Breaking the bead is the hardest part.

Northern Tool has a tire changer that is pretty cheap. I think right near $30-$40.

[Doogiegh]

I see that you used to use Titan Turf Trac r/s and now use Carlise Turf Masters that are pretty much the same exact tire.

I am using a Woods 44" front mount mower, with a tire size of 18*8.5-8. I see Cedar rapids has both of the tire types you mentioned.

The tires on my machine now are *shot*. Do you reccomend any difference between the Titan's or the Carlises? What PSI do you run yours at?

I'm sliding ALOT on all kinds of hills, and doing alot of sliding just to get going..

Probably 50% no traction on the tires, 50% virgin ZTR operator.

Thanks,
Gary

[Columbia Turf]

Carlisle TURFMASTER is the only way to go. J-Thomas has a decent price on them. I get mine locally, Good friend works at a commercial tire dealer! Seems I get some pretty good prices!!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Doogiegh
I see that you used to use Titan Turf Trac r/s and now use Carlise Turf Masters that are pretty much the same exact tire.

I am using a Woods 44" front mount mower, with a tire size of 18*8.5-8. I see Cedar rapids has both of the tire types you mentioned.

The tires on my machine now are *shot*. Do you reccomend any difference between the Titan's or the Carlises? What PSI do you run yours at?

I'm sliding ALOT on all kinds of hills, and doing alot of sliding just to get going..

Probably 50% no traction on the tires, 50% virgin ZTR operator.

Thanks,
Gary

Just that tread pattern. I don't even check the psi, I fill them so they look full, and both look about the same.

[digger1]

Use the turfmasters on your Woods. We use these on our Grasshoppers. They are good all around tires and are easy on the turf and do not tear up the ground. The only time I would recommend the cleated or chevron tires is if you mow alot of slopes and are running parallel with the slope since these help to keep from sliding. If the ground is extremely soggy and soft, the chevron tires have the same effect as a roto tiller and will tear up the grass.
On the Hoppers and Woods, if you have to mow a bank or hill and use the "turf" tire, do not mow parallel. Back up the hill in reverse. I know this sounds weird but once you try it, you will see what I mean. This method is very effective when "backing" up the hill since the weight of the tractor is transferred to the drive wheels giving more traction. If you attempt to drive up the hill forwards, the weight of the tractor is towards the back wheels and offers little traction to the drive wheels.

[captdevo]

Shop Cedar Rapids tire!!!

they are great to deal with!!!

[Doogiegh]

I did a search and the carlises turfmaster came up time and time again in the overall survey as to what to use. I appreciate the advice and I'll go to cedar rapids to order a set asap.

How hard is it to change a tire with the northern tool tire changer equipment? Is it worth it to just let a dealer do, or is relatively simple with the right tire changing tool?

Thanks!

Gary

[LAWNGODFATHER]

The Northern $40 tire changer I have will not change the tire easily, but it will do it.