Tires Question about upgrading tires for 2500 series

[NEFirewood]

First off I know that the 2500 cub uses a not quite as popular tire size of 23x9.50-12, but I am wondering if anyone has tried upgrading to a slightly wider 10.5 inch tire? Do you think that the standard cub rims would or would not accomodate such a tire? If I were to try and mount a tire like that on the rim, would there be too much bowing in the tire, essentially giving up the extra width ?

I would like to replace the rear tires before mowing season begins with 10.5 wide turf tires as opposed to the 9.5 cub tires. I would like to do this for a bit better traction in the hilly areas of my property, and I really want to avoid AG (lug tires) or R4 tires. What I really would like to put on it are Carlisle turf chief 4 ply 23x10.50-12 tires and I am even willing to entertain the thought of using wheel weights for summer mowing. That would be my ideal setup.

Do you think I would be wasting my money doing this? I really don't like the way the cub tires fill in with dirt so easily in the treads during the summer season. Thanks for any help!!

 

[Rocko]

I changed my tires and had no problems, they are ag's...but they are the size you mentioned 23x10.5-12

 

[CCinCT]

With wider tires you end up reducing the loading on the contact patch, making it even easier to lose traction. So it would seem the solution would be to go with a more aggressive style of tire, like ag's. Rocko's had good luck with his 10.50's, and I switched to 8.50 ag's and have not had any issues with damaging my lawn.

In addition to being more functional, they look really good

 

[nbtvee6]

Yea, I went with the 8.5 as well. Wide tire float and narrow ones get traction, at least thats what I have experienced.

 

[Dave01]

I think the 10.5 turfs look a bit better than 9.5's, but I doubt you would see any big difference in traction. Since you don't want to use the ags, your idea of wheel weights should help quite a bit. Just leaning back to get your weight squarely over the tires can help keep traction on hills, especially if you lean your weight toward the uphill tire, so wheel weights should help.

As for your original question of whether the 10.5's will mount OK on the rims, I'm not sure. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Undercover]

I changed my tires and had no problems, they are ag's...but they are the size you mentioned 23x10.5-12

Hi rocko
Those ag's look awesome.
I'm planning or thinking of getting the 2544 in the next month or so.But i'm thinking of having the dealer swap the factory turfs for ags.I'm trying to get an idea on how much more this will cost me?I did stop buy my dealer today but they were so busy with people looking at snow blowers or trying to get them fixed.I would like to stay on their good side.
the one thing i do like better on by gt1554 over the 2500's is the wider tires.Just because i think it looks better.
thank you

 

[LBrown59]

With wider tires you end up reducing the loading on the contact patch, making it even easier to lose traction. So it would seem the solution would be to go with a more aggressive style of tire, like ag's. Rocko's had good luck with his 10.50's, and I switched to 8.50 ag's and have not had any issues with damaging my lawn.

In addition to being more functional, they look really good

I have 8.50 AGs on my CC GT2554.
The AG tires on my BX23 and BX1500 don't hurt my yard so I'm not the least bit concerned with the little old CC garden tractor doing any damage.
I will take the 8.50 over the 10.50 . Better traction / look meaner and cooler.
If I do happen to leave some lug ipressions Here is a quick easy way to take care of that.
I just drive my BX 1500 with the turf tires along the tracks a few times.
Irons em right out and when the grass grows a little you'd never know it.

 

[Undercover]

I stopped by the dealer again today and asked about the turf ag swap.The person i like to talk with was off today.she was not sure they could do it but i did say other dealers have.she looked up what the turfs cost from factory they were about $105 each for the 23x9.50.Then i asked about the 23x10.50 ags they were $120 or so.These tires were not mtd but i do not recall the name.she said the 23x10.50 would not fit.but i said something about this site and it has been done.She was nice about it but she is more of a parts person.Anyway she wrote down what i was asking about and they will call.

 

[LBrown59]

***********
1*My dealer did it for my GT2554/ Only cost me 100 dollars more for it with AGs than it did with turfs.
2*The Turfs shouldn't cost $210 extra as they come standard on the tractor.
3*$240 is to much for the AGs.
I Think she gave you the add to prices instead of the exchange prices on the tires. Better check this out a little closer.
== L B ==

1*she was not sure they could do it.
2*she looked up what the turfs cost from factory they were about $105 each for the 23x9.50.
3*Then i asked about the 23x10.50 ags they were $120 or so.
**********

 

[Undercover]

***********
1*My dealer did it for my GT2554/ Only cost me 100 dollars more for it with AGs than it did with turfs.
2*The Turfs shouldn't cost $210 extra as they come standard on the tractor.
3*$240 is to much for the AGs.
I Think she gave you the add to prices instead of the exchange prices on the tires. Better check this out a little closer.
== L B ==

Yes i know the tires are standard! I was just inquiring what the turfs were worth so i had an idea what the extra cost would be.So by my calculation that would be $30 more.