Foam filled drive tires on a zero turn?

Buxus · Aug 22, 2017

I have Grasshopper 930D2 zero turn. Generally happy with the mower. I have a fair number of hills and use a chevron/bar tread tire. Tire is 22x11x10. I have lots of trees, hence the reason for a front mount. I have had three flats this year on the drive tires, (plus two not the tail wheels), all mowing under Eastern Red Cedars. In a perfect world, I would police under the trees and get every small branch prior to mowing, but I don't live in that perfect world.

Can someone educate me about the pros and cons of foam filled tires? Can it even be done on such big tires?

I've thought about using a Slime type product, but then I've read that it is not recommended, although I can't remember why.

Not sure if tubes are available or if they would help.

I don't think solid tires of this size exist, but if they did, I might pony up for them.

Thanks!

bilrus61 · Aug 22, 2017

There is the "tweel" a wheel that has no air. I think only John Deere has them but they are just now released for sale to replace tires. Gives a smoother ride with no flats. Search the internet for TWEEL ZTR

Henro · Aug 22, 2017

The rear tires on my Kubota BX2200 are foam filled. They are 26x12x12. Very heavy compared to air filled tires. I am happy with the foam filled tires. I have my fronts foam filled as well.

If additional weight is not an issue with a zero turn, and you don't mind the cost, foam will certainly solve you flatting issue. On my tractor increased side slope stability was an added advantage. Not sure if side slope stability is a concern with a zero turn.

Bill

big bubba · Aug 22, 2017

on the several zt i've owned, gone with front tires foam filled. puncture free, weight up front for stability esp on slopes. on my larger machines, stayed w/pneumatic on the rears. lots of weight added on larger sizes w/rear ballast......probably should inquire your manu for your machine if hyd & drive train can handle rears being filled

overall, i like the benefits of traction & lower center of gravity by adding ballast.

CincyFlyer · Aug 23, 2017

bilrus61 said:
There is the "tweel" a wheel that has no air. I think only John Deere has them but they are just now released for sale to replace tires. Gives a smoother ride with no flats. Search the internet for TWEEL ZTR

Michelin X TWEEL TURF, For Zero Turn Mowers

Texasmark · Aug 23, 2017

Buxus said:
I have Grasshopper 930D2 zero turn. Generally happy with the mower. I have a fair number of hills and use a chevron/bar tread tire. Tire is 22x11x10. I have lots of trees, hence the reason for a front mount. I have had three flats this year on the drive tires, (plus two not the tail wheels), all mowing under Eastern Red Cedars. In a perfect world, I would police under the trees and get every small branch prior to mowing, but I don't live in that perfect world.

Can someone educate me about the pros and cons of foam filled tires? Can it even be done on such big tires?

I've thought about using a Slime type product, but then I've read that it is not recommended, although I can't remember why.

Not sure if tubes are available or if they would help.

I don't think solid tires of this size exist, but if they did, I might pony up for them.

Thanks!

I have a "quality of ride" problem with my stuff so I seek the soft ride. Not too long ago I bought a set of "no flat" front tires for a ZT because I usually ran less than 10 psig of air and they were always leaking down. The replacement tires/wheels lasted part of the first cutting and off they came. Like running on a steel wheel. If you can stand the ride then.....

Have read a post or two around the www that dinged Slime. Don't know about the sources/reasons for the comments but they don't apply to me. I have several tires on half a dozen machines that have very slow leaks that I can't find Slime gets used. I can't go into an auto parts or tractor store without finding it on the shelf. Pretty much speaks for itself as an answer to the question: To use or not!

MORRISONSTEEL · Aug 23, 2017

Foam filling is great for flat's and just about any size desired can be filled, we have a local mine that foam fills the tires on the handfull of utility tractors they have for pulling cable. As others mentioned they make a machine very heavy and will effect the ride quality as well as the potential damage that could be done to your hydro. Another downside can be when the tread wears out and you need new tires, getting the old product out w/out wrecking the wheel is a bit of a chore. I myself see nothing wrong with the various slime products on the market but I have heard rumors that many tire shops don't care for it but then again isn't that the idea, to not have to visit the tire shop?

hosspuller · Aug 23, 2017

I have foamed steer tires on a Deere F915. The tires have been worn OFF yet the foam still rides on. I have a New set of wheels for the eventual replacement. Getting the foam off is more trouble than a new wheel is worth.

Buxus · Aug 23, 2017

Thanks for all the info. Very informative. I had not thought about many of these issues. The potential stress on the hydros seems like a possible deal-breaker. I will dw the service shop.