Grass Master 26x12-12 tire sidewall failure

[IH3444]

Hello All,
Purchased a Kioti CS size tractor just for mowing in 2022. The right-hand side (mower discharge side) rear turf tire has developed a pin hole leak just right in the middle of the side wall. It took a bit of time to discover it, due to it being so tiny. But by spraying soapy water on the tread for about 10 revolutions, then spraying the valve stem, and finally removing wheel and laying on its side to check if it was leaking at the bead/rim by accident discovered the sidewall leak. Since installed a plug, which seems to be holding for now.
Having read on two lawn care forums now that some individuals' state that these Grass Master turf tires have weak sidewalls. Both people stated that they are "junk" in their opinions. The tires are 2 months out of warranty and only have 92 hours on them. They are also used by Kubota on their BX size machines as OE. So, I felt I was safe. Wrong again!
Considering another brand of turf tires. Some say that Carlisle tires aren't what they used to be, but Carlisle does offer both front and rear tires with a 6ply rating. Pricy, but are available. The present Grass Master tires have a 4ply rating.
Other Brands being considered are Kenda, and BTK, although they only have a 4ply rating if I want to stay with basically turf tires.
Appreciate any insight, wisdom, experience with turf tires.

 

[RjCorazza]

I get between 500-600 hours on each set of 26x12-12 Grassmaster tires on my mowers, with zero failures. I run the tread off of them going from lawn to lawn on pavement, maybe 2 or 3 miles per week.

 

[IH3444]

Thanks Rj. Maybe I just got the one out of 10,000 with a weak sidewall. Others have stated the same as you on lawncare forums.

 

[Brown Dog]

Cheesy 4ply on ZD1511 won’t hold up on a big heavy Zero mowing steep banks horizontally

I havent found a 6or8ply tho in a 26x12-16

 

[IH3444]

BD, thanks for the pictures. I think that's what happened with my so labeled 4 ply tires. Cut the same horizontal slope with the Gilson tractor, vintage 1971, 2 ply chevron tires for over 25 years. The Scotts 2554, vintage 1999, 2 ply tires for over 10 years. never a problem with both doing the same mowing. Lighter tractors of course. The Kioti Cs series 4 ply tires failed 2 months out of warranty. yea, I' lucky like that, one of my superpowers. So, I replaced all of the with Kenda 502 4 ply Terra Trac tires. I'm hoping that the Terra Trac 4 ply have stronger side walls that the turfs. Turfs are made for ride comfort, and the Terra Trac are a ATV? tire. Thanks again for your pictures.

 

[IH3444]

BD, is it possible to find a new set of 12" rims/wheels with the same bolt pattern and offset, then get 6 or 8 ply tires for your ZD1511?

On a zero-turn lawn site, a Matt147 said he changes turf tires for a living, and he said that the OTR Chinese Grass Master tire have weak sidewalls. I at first though the tires were good, seeming that Kubota used Grass Master tires.

 

[Brown Dog]

BD, is it possible to find a new set of 12" rims/wheels with the same bolt pattern and offset, then get 6 or 8 ply tires for your ZD1511? …

The offset is different on 12” rim diameter but a 2” wheel spacer will make them exactly the same width I’ve read.

I’ve got two new 16” takeoffs I bought cheap for my 1511 & 1611 so I’m ok for now.
I like the short sidewalls not giving as much as 12” rims causing scalping although I mow @ 3.75” blade height off concrete floor