tires

somerandomguy · Apr 2, 2011

I have a 1720 ford with a loader. My back land is soft and i was thinking of adding a second set if tires to the front to aid in flotation. I致e gotten stuck several times and it always the front sinking in the muck. any suggestions or concerns.

PILOON · Apr 2, 2011

I had similar problems with my MT180 and mainly due to a damaged rim (from CaCl) I needed to change rims.
Originals were very $$ so I hunted for alternatives.
Being 4WD I needed to respect outer diameter and ended up using rear tires/rims from some brand of garden tractor.
I lucked out getting correct center configuration and wider footprint so I no longer sink the fronts. Steering is however a little 'heavier' but the result is worth it.
If you do make for a change, respect the outer diameter or you risk front end damage.
Good luck!
Doubling would, I think add much stress and steering I suspect, close to impossible.

somerandomguy · Apr 3, 2011

Thanks for the reply. I think you are right wider tire not a second one. My rims are ok but I do not know if a wider tire could be mounted to them. How mutch do you think I need

PILOON · Apr 4, 2011

My sustitutes were about 50% wider, differance was night and day.
I actually can drive on compacted snow and not sink in which allows me to push into ditches and holes.
Downside is the subs are only 2 ply but (knock wood) never a flat in the 5 years of operating. While they were tubless I did use tubes due to slow leak issues and I would guess that added maybe another ply equivilant.
Most rims have a range of widths they can accomodate and I'd guess 50% more than what you now have installed.
I will shortly need to replace as they wear much faster than rears, in other words I have gone the life span of the fronts without a flat. Also my arm muscles are better developped due to my armstrong steering. LOL!