coast40
Silver Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2021
- Messages
- 122
- Location
- Oregon Coast
- Tractor
- Massive Ferguson GC2300, Bobcat 331, Mitsubishi BD2J, Case 580B
I had not heard of BKT tires until seeing they provided monster truck tires.
Where do you buy tires? What brands to avoid.
sixdogs
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2007
- Messages
- 13,770
- Location
- Ohio
- Tractor
- Kubota M7040, Kubota MX5100, Deere 790 TLB, Farmall Super C
Michelins are as good as it gets. Firestone also desirable because of tread patterns that Michelin doesn't offer but both are great.
I think Firestone is owned by Bridgestone while Michelin is stand alone.
dieselscout80
Veteran Member
I have a set of BKT R4 747 tires, but they have a R1 tread design that I like. I found them online in Texas and they shipped them to me for less than local.
OP
N80
Super Member
I wanted to get the Carlisle tires as they do seem to be made in the U.S. but I searched high and low on Amazon and they did not have 8-16s on Amazon. I ordered the BKTs. Two tires plus tubes $335 delivered.
WinterDeere
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2011
- Messages
- 5,949
- Location
- Philadelphia
- Tractor
- John Deere 3033R, 855 MFWD, 757 ZTrak; IH Cub Cadet 123
That's good! I did the online tire shopping thing for a brief spell, always for on-road vehicles. But I usually found my savings were slim to nil, after paying someone local to mount, balance, dispose, etc. My local dealership runs enough regular sales (eg. buy 3 get 4th free), and includes free mounting, balancing and disposal... their out-the-door pricing usually ended up nearly the same as my online efforts, with less time invested.
This comparison was made probably 15 years ago, so maybe doesn't hold up today. But I'm due for 8 new tires next month, four of them somewhat expensive P-Zero Nero's, so I'd be interested to hear. If the online savings isn't pretty substantial, I'm inclined to just keep letting the local dealer do their thing.
OP
N80
Super Member
For car, truck and track tires I usually buy from a local tire place. I did buy a set of track tires once with wheels (so they came mounted and balanced) and that was cheaper than local. But, this is the first time I've ever bought tractor tires. I suspect if I can get the old ones off and new ones on by myself then I'll save a few bucks. If I have the local tire place do it I might break even.
aircommuter
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2012
- Messages
- 629
- Location
- coulterville,ca
- Tractor
- case 570lxt, JCB 1550B, Gradall 534c, Hyster C612B,Ford 445A
Ascenso.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,984
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
Whatever you buy, if your tractor is front wheel assist, keep in mind that the 'Lead-Lag ratio is of utmost importance whether you are in (4 wheel drive) (front wheel assist) or not is irrevelant because if the lead-lag ratio isn't correct (will state what the recommended tire sizes (outside diameter) is in your owners manual, if it is not correct, even in 2 wheel drive you will be putting a strain on the front wheel drive components and shortening their life. Not like say a truck with freewheeling hubs, the front end components are always turning, in 2 wd or FWA.
Of course with a rear wheel drive tractor, that don't apply.
Of course with a rear wheel drive tractor, that don't apply.
OP
N80
Super Member
As discussed earlier in the thread it is important but it probably isn't critical down to the fraction of an inch. I'd guess my tires are close to an inch shorter than when they were new and there have been no problems and no binding. But, I did make sure that the tires I ordered where the same diameter. Won't know for sure if the specs are right until I get them, and won't know for absolute sure until they are mounted and aired up.
I don't see how an out-of-spec front to rear ratio would have an effect when in two wheel drive. On my tractor the front is mechanically and completely uncoupled from the rear when in 2wd. Yes, everything forward of that spins but there is no tension from the rears to push or pull on the front system and the front diff is open as well.
Anyway, I went at the tire with a crowbar and a cat's claw. No go. And too dang hot outside for me to be persistent. 95 right now. So I gave up and either I'll take it to the local shop (most likely) or to my brother-in-law's shop and get him to help me with his tire tools.