Tires Replacement Tires

[deepNdirt]

I have been doing some research on what tire to use to replace the 3 ribbed ag tires I have on the front, Now that I have the weight of a FEL these tires are not adequate, I've been told the wieght load rating is around 550lbs each, Plus they really trinch out the lawn if the least bit moist,
These tires being only 12" make it very hard to find replacement tractor tires,
so! I have found a very heavy duty trailer tire which are still available but have to be special order, size 145-R x12 D rated,6 ply and holds 1200 lbs each, only 2 tred designs and both are Hwy tread, but even though this would be better than the ribbed tire if need to use tractor on lawn, I cannot find a turf tire to fit a 4-5" wide rim, this size tire is approx 1.5 wider and 1.5 taller then what is currently on my tractor, the sidewall of this tire is extreamly strong, so far i have only found 1 company ( Carlisle) that build this size tire, do any of you know of another manufacture or distributor of a 12" tire?.

CARLISLE RADIAL ST

 

[Ron D.]

I looked also for something similar to what you want and had to settle with the Carlise. In my situation, I was replacing a 4wd ag tread on my fronts that were tearing my up yard when I turned. The Carlise are much easier on the lawn that the ones I replaced. For the 16" rears, I replaced the tractor tread with a SUV type Bridgestone all terrian radial. This is as close to turf tires as I could get all the way around without changing rims.

Let us know if you find any better solution.

 

[California]

FWIW - just opinion, no relevant experience: Higher rated tires are a good idea, but this isn't highway use where you might impact a pothole at 70mph with full rated load in your trailer. When the road surface is maybe 150 degrees and the tire tread is too hot to touch. I assume that's how trailer tires are rated.

I might buy a C range trailer tire if it's available locally at reasonable cost, but not an expensive D range tire mailorder.

Another alternative is farm implement tires, 'I-1', that are balloon tires with five grooves instead of raised ribs. They are designed for extreme weight and mount on narrow rims. I don't know how expensive they are in the small sizes. I have been considering these because my loader is so heavy that it's difficult to turn the steering wheel before getting rolling; impossible on wet ground where the ribs sunk in.

Despite abusing and grossly overloading front tires after adding loaders, I don't recall ever seeing a post here about burst front tires. I do recall Soundguy posting long ago that you never replace a tractor tire before at least two layers of cord are showing.

Anyone?

 

[deepNdirt]

I did start out looking at the lesser cost 12" trailer tire at northern tools it was size 5.30 x 12"
but had a very narrow tread and the tires sidewall was all collaps and goofy looking, i'm sure it would blow up to form a tire when put on a rim,
but IMO if the tire looks this way without being on the rim, I doubt it would make for a very strong tire for a tractor,
Load Range B High Speed Replacement Trailer Tire — 530 x 12 | 12in. High Speed Rims | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[MJPetersen]

Have you checked out Hoye's turf package? I know it is expensive but high rated tires in general are expensive. He does have new rims with the package, but he also has just the tires. His front rims are 7 inches wide for the YM 1700, vs the stock 5 inches (?). It makes a very nice looking package.

Mike

 

[clemsonfor]

Deep i would just save your money. I have a small fiberglass 15 ft 25 hp boat (want to buy it, jsut kidding, no i did not start this to sell you my boat, but it is for sale), my point is it has those 530 x 12 tires on it. When there is a soft spot or wet those tires on that trailer will crease the yard also. The motor weighs id say 120# and the boat probly weighs in at 400-500# plus trailer gear etc. It is heavy on the tounge say 200 lbs and if you say the whole thing weighs 900lbs thats 350 lbs per tire less than your tractor w/loader and they still crease the yard, it goes away after several rains and dry spells but you can still see them. My point is if you do it they might not bee as severe but they still will crease the yard in my opinion.

-nate

 

[bp fick]

Agree with Nate. Those 5.30 x 12 are pretty standard, got them on both my popup camper and my fishing boat. Under load, their skinny nature makes them cut a trench pretty quick.

To stop the lawn damage, you have to consider a wider tire than just 3-5 inches. The giant lawn tractors have 8 and 9 inch wide turf tires on their front ends. Considering new wheels isn't fun, but .....

 

[clemsonfor]

i spoke wrong mine are 480x 12 so a little narrower but not much, were talking a half inch.

 

[deepNdirt]

Yes I would really rather have the larger wider turf tires and will most likely go all 4 turf one day, but for now the most economical rout is with these 145-r x 12" trailer tire, I was mistaken on the Ply rating, it is a total of 8 ply D on this particular tire, here is one of them mounted along side of the old AG tire you can see the size differnce in both width and tall, after I had compare the standard 4.80-5.30 x 12's with this 145-r x 12 there was no doubt I'd rather have this tire, the 5.30 is about the same in hight as the 145 but 3/4 inch narrower,