Tires Milestone 5-14 Tires?

[BatesBunch]

I am looking for two 5-14 tires for my YM1500D (Green). Several dealers have the tires in stock in various brands, but they have to be shipped and that definitely runs up the total price.

I just came across a set at a somewhat local dealer (about 40 miles away) that were 'Milestone' brand. Does anybody know anything about this brand name? I assume that they are Chinese. Are they what is also referred to as MIT?

Thanks.

Harley

 

[HoyeTractor]

We have had really good luck with the Milestones. I think they are pretty decent tires. They are a couple notches above some of the MIT tires. I think MIT just has a quality control problem - out of the same batch you will get 50 good tires and a few that are really bad.

Aaron
Hoye Tractor Parts
Contact Us
(940)592-0181

 

[BatesBunch]

Thanks Aaron.

Where do Deestone's fit into the mix? I assume that they are right there with the Milestone because the price is about the same.

So far, the list looks like this based on best quality at the top (and it seems that price mirrors the quality in ranking):

Bridgestone (Japan) @ $115-$120 (and are supposed to go up again)
Milestone (China) @ $86
Deestone (China) @ $85
MIT (China) @ $50

I believe that the weight ratings are different as well with lighter weights on the cheaper tires, correct?

Harley

 

[BatesBunch]

Are there any other size options that would not throw the 4WD ratio off too much?

The closest tractor dealer (about 5 miles away) can get the Superstrong brand 6-14 six-ply tires for about $65 each. I'm not sure that the 1" wider tire would mount correctly on the rim, but the dealer threw it out as an option.

From my research, the 5-14 has a rolling circumference (RC) of 72" while the 6-14 has a RC of 75". The 8.3-22 rear tires have a RC of 113". The math works out as follows:

5-14, 113/72 = 1.569 or front to rear ratio of 63.7%
6-14, 113/75 = 1.507 or front to rear ratio of 66.4%

Is that close enough or is there very little margin for error with the tire ratios and the drivetrain? I run in 4WD most of the time and do not want to mess up any of the drive components.

Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks.

Harley

 

[HoyeTractor]

Where do Deestone's fit into the mix? I assume that they are right there with the Milestone because the price is about the same.

I think you are right. We have had really good luck with Deestone too.

I would probably just stick with the 5-14.


Aaron
Hoye Tractor Parts
Contact Us
(940)592-0181

 

[California]

Not really related but ...

Anybody know the difference in size between 5-12 and the clearly larger 5.00-12?

 

[HoyeTractor]

According to Firestone their 5-12 is 20.8". The 5.00-12s that I have found specs on were 22.4 to 23.2 depending on the manufacturer.

Hope that helps

Aaron
Hoye Tractor Parts
Contact Us
(940)592-0181

 

[California]

Thanks Aaron. 2 inches greater diameter would be 6+ inches greater circumference for the 5.00 - 12. That sounds like a substantial 4x4 mismatch.

 

[HoyeTractor]

That sounds like a quite a bit to me too. So would that mean that every rotation the front tires would be trying to go 6" farther than the rears?


Aaron
Hoye Tractor Parts
Contact Us
(940)592-0181

 

[California]

... and that's what it feels like, too. I don't engage the front axle until I need help turning sharp or pulling out of a hole. Or when I have something on the back so heavy that the front tires are dancing along with little steering control.

Now that I see those numbers, I understand why it feels bound up when I expect to coast down a gentle grade on firm ground. Until I eventually find some 5-12's this is going to be used as a 'only when needed' front axle assist.

Thanks for researching that. I had looked a little but hadn't found the details.