Tires Makin' a rice tire user friendly

[64f100]

Am I the only one to ever take a "saws-all" and remove about 2 thirds of each lug (I call 'em paddles) from my rear (rice) tires? About a month ago I had some time one Sat. afternoon and went to work on them. I wish I had done it 4 or 5 years ago. It really makes a difference in the condition of my driveway and the rest of my property, after the tractor passes. I still have plenty of traction. I have 2wd so front to rear ratio is not involved. I think the tractor looks better too.

 

[mark777]

I've thought of doing that...but just not brave enough. Do you have a picture?

Mark

 

[HoyeTractor]

We have been taking some of those tires to a local place that does recaps for big truck tires. They can cut them down to just about any depth you want. Looks really nice. I think, if I remember right, it cost around $10 per tire to get it done.

Aaron
Parts@HoyeTractor.com
(940)592-0181

 

[silverdollar6]

I was wondering if that was possible, I have 4wheel drive so it will take me all day. how much do you take off?

 

[roxynoodle]

Might be a good idea for me too since I put the R1s on the front. We have had amazing amounts of rain since summer and the stuff we got this week just isn't soaking in anymore. My tractor is making holes and ruts all over my yard and driveway. In fact, someone today asked me what all the rectangular holes were in the driveway and I had to say, "Charlie did it." Yeah, I named it Charlie.

 

[Gizmo36]

You talking about me again roxynoodle.LOL

 

[64f100]

I took a couple of pics. Yes, if your up close and looking you can tell it's a less than factory job. However I am so glad I did it. Way less marks on the driveway. Looking at the tires again I would say I removed about an inch. I tried to approximate the amount with my finger in one shot. I did not use a jig or even a ruler. I only eyeballed it. No 2 cuts are the exact same, but it works for me. Three feet away and it looks fine.

 

[silverdollar6]

Do you have a picture of a rear tire side view?

 

[YanmarFever]

Looks great !
what kind of saw did you use ? I had once had a customer that did the same as you , he used a sawsall and he would dip the blade in oil in between cuts.

 

[roxynoodle]

Might be a good idea for me too since I put the R1s on the front. We have had amazing amounts of rain since summer and the stuff we got this week just isn't soaking in anymore. My tractor is making holes and ruts all over my yard and driveway. In fact, someone today asked me what all the rectangular holes were in the driveway and I had to say, "Charlie did it." Yeah, I named it Charlie.

Guess I need to clarify that it wasn't our fellow poster Gizmo (whose name is Charlie) who made holes in my driveway, but rather a certain Yanmar tractor. Sorry, Charlie!

 

[64f100]

The side pic is a little dark, but I think you get the idea. I used a general purpose blade with a milwaukee 18v saws all. I cut about 3-4 lugs and I put a farm jack under one axel and raised the wheel enough to spin by hand. I turned the wheel until 4 more lugs were in a good cutting position and lowered the jack a couple of notches to steady the wheel and so on and so on. It sounds like a lot of trouble but it really went quick. I actually made 2 cuts per lug.

 

[phatgemi]

Looks like you did a real nice job on those. One question? How come you haven't reversed your wheels for a bit wider stance.

 

[64f100]

Looks like you did a real nice job on those. One question? How come you haven't reversed your wheels for a bit wider stance.

When I bought the tractor the wheels were set to the wider stance and I used them that way for about 2 years. As I began clearing the wooded areas and was required to move around through the trees, I turned the wheels around and made a more narrow stance. I prefer the wide stance, but for now I like the clearance in the trees. No hills here so thats not even a worry.

 

[BTDT]

That's a pretty neat solution there. Aside from it tearing up your yard before the "plastic surgery", did it ride funny on pavement. Seems like with all that lug sticking up it would ride like tire was low on air, but maybe not.

 

[roxynoodle]

My experience has been that rice tires drive better anywhere but pavement.

 

[64f100]

That's a pretty neat solution there. Aside from it tearing up your yard before the "plastic surgery", did it ride funny on pavement. Seems like with all that lug sticking up it would ride like tire was low on air, but maybe not.

I cannot feel any difference in the ride. I did take it on pavement to see what the real "ride" was like and it was as smooth as it was before. Normally, I never use it on pavement. For me it has been one of the best things I have done with/to the tractor.... I do think that if someone is going to cut the lugs they must commit to cutting all lugs before riding. If someone cut about a third of one tire or only one tire and not the other there would probably be a bump in the ride.

 

[gt14]

Does anyone know of a cheap source for Turf tractor tires? My brother gets racing car tires for free to make his go cart track barrier.

 

[Eddie]

Does anyone know of a cheap source for Turf tractor tires?

Didn't know there was any such thing as cheap Turf Tires

 

[Michealfj]

gt14,

I won a set of 9.5 X 24 turf tires on ebay. They came from VN Tractors in Texas. They were $273.00, shipping included. If you would like more info. you can pm me.