Tire upgrade Timecutter Z5000

Brad_Blazer · Apr 6, 2010

I've had my Timecutter Z5000 for almost 2 years now. My only problem has been traction on my hills that are up to about 15 degrees. To start this season I decided to see if I could find some ATV tires to fit. The OEM tires are Kenda Turfmasters, 18x9.5 - 8. I checked online and didn't find a lot - TSC sells some lug tires in that size but I was afraid they might be a little too aggressive plus I am unsure how they would do sideways.

I went to Northern and they had Kenda Scorpion knobby tires in the right size (18x9.5 - 8) that were not listed online. The price was about $45 each (the total came to $98.98 with tax for 2 tires.) Most of the Scorpions have a rounded pofile but on these it was hard to tell unmounted because the tread was sunken on 3 sides making the tire roughly triangular.

I got them home and mounted them with my trusty manual tire changer - luckily the wheels are on a standard 4-bolt hub. The tire profile is pretty square i.e. flat across the top and bottom like a car tire - almost the same as the OEM tires.

Anyhow - They make a BIG DIFFERENCE! Much better traction on slopes and better control all-around! I went ahead and mowed the whole lawn last night just to try them out.

Here is a pic of the installed tires. I am running them at about 10psi. The sidewall says 2-ply rating (just like the OEMs) but the max load is listed at 5psi where the OEM tires list a max pressure of 12psi.

Brad

marks146 · May 18, 2010

I just bought a Toro Z500 and one of the issues with it is traction. I'll have to look into these tires. What kind if mark is left when you do a zero turn? I leave a scuff in the turf presently.

sld · May 18, 2010

I have a Z5000 too and the tires don't seem all that great.

I will leave scuffs only when turning really sharp and the ground is wet or soft. As I have gotten better I rarely leave marks anymore. It helps to slow down when doing sharp maneuvers too.

I am thinking that a slightly more aggressive tire might help too and they shouldn't be that expensive either. But when they slip, they will do more damage. That is why the fronts are smooth.

Gizmo2 · May 18, 2010

I agree with Brad_Blazer. I do not own a Timecutter but IMO stock tires on Zero Turn mowers leave a little to be desired. They seem to spin far to easily. I ended up with these about 6 years ago.

Brad_Blazer · Jun 20, 2010

Just noticed the replys.
The new tires scuff deeper when they scuff. On flat ground they don't scuff. There is some technique required to turn around without scuffing regardless of traction. My self-taught method is to make a smooth stop, pull both levers back to get my momentum going in the right direction, then start the spin.

kenmac · Jul 12, 2010

Just bought a timecutter 42'' with 22 hp kawasaki engine. I'll agree this mower needs larger tires . This engine will spin the tires with ease

ditzel · May 23, 2012

Brad_Blazer said:
Just noticed the replys.
The new tires scuff deeper when they scuff. On flat ground they don't scuff. There is some technique required to turn around without scuffing regardless of traction. My self-taught method is to make a smooth stop, pull both levers back to get my momentum going in the right direction, then start the spin.

How do you like those tires, seeing it has been about 2 years since the original posting. I have a toro 5035 and looking to get some better tires on the rear, they are always sliding or spinning on me.

Gary Fowler · May 24, 2012

I put tractor bar lug tires on mine that I had on a cross country golf cart. I got them from Buggiesunlimited.com for $50 each mounted on a rim that just fit my Craftsman 6000 zero turn. They dont mark when going straight but if I try a fast turn or sharp turn, they dont scuff, they dig. But for my yard which has hills that the OEM tire wouldnt pull, ditches that the OEM wouldnt cross and across hill mowing requirements that the OEM wouldnt allow straight line mowing, they are excellent. I can mow up 30 degree slopes, across slopes, across muddy ditches or spring fed areas, pond banks etc and havent been stuck since I put them on.
DID I MENTION THAT THEY WILL DIG TRENCHES IF PUT IN TIGHT TURNS?

Jack Vines · Jul 25, 2015

DID I MENTION THAT THEY WILL DIG TRENCHES IF PUT IN TIGHT TURNS?

Most things in life are trade-offs. The OEM tires are designed not to trench the lawn. The tradeoff is Toro says "YOU'LL DIE!" if trying to mow more than a 15-degree slope. Most would agree a mower which won't handle more than that is useless. Better tires, better traction, more scuffing, trenching.

jack vines

Hexa Fox · Jul 2, 2018

Gizmo2 said:
I agree with Brad_Blazer. I do not own a Timecutter but IMO stock tires on Zero Turn mowers leave a little to be desired. They seem to spin far to easily. I ended up with these about 6 years ago.
View attachment 165825

I know this thread is old, but would really like to know what types of tires these are? I have a Ferris that I love, but seriously need more traction. My machine is a Ferris IS 2100Z but is a 52" cut so it has awkward sized tires. They are 24 x 9.50 - 12 and cannot find many options for them. I know Gizmo has been around the forums for awhile, so hoping he might still be around.