Tires Turf tires 33 x 12.5 - 15

MAMtractorguy · Mar 15, 2010

I bought a 60" mmm for my B2100 and I ordered new rims (currently my tractor has ag rims and tires) from my local Kubota dealer. I can't seem to find a reasonable price for the rear turf tires. The kubota dealer told me they could order them at $800 a piece! The other tires shops in my area can't find anything other than regular truck tires that would fit the rims.
Does anybody know of an online tire retailer that would have a 33 x 12.5 -15 turf tire? Do you think I could use a truck tire instead of a turf tire? The local tire shop told me that a 33 x 12.5 - 15 truck tire would be slightly different in size compared to a 33 x 12.5 -15 turf tire because of the ply. My tractor is 4wheel drive and I want to make sure my ratio is correct so I don't ruin my transmission. Thanks in Advance.

-Mickey

MAMtractorguy · Mar 16, 2010

So I did more research and I found one brand of turf tire in the size I need. It's a Goodyear softrac and the price seems to be around $400 a tire. I'm thinking about using an all terrain truck tire instead. Will it work?

-Mickey

B2400 · Mar 17, 2010

When my rears get to the point they need replaced, that's what I plan on trying. $400+ for a light duty tire? Pretty hard to justify! I like the looks of a super swamper ssr in 33-12.50x15!

MAMtractorguy · Mar 20, 2010

I guess I will be buying the truck tires for $160 a piece. Thanks.

radioman · Mar 20, 2010

Good luck, let us know how it works out for you.

Reg · Mar 20, 2010

EXACT sizing matters only for lead/lag.
The transmission SHOULD be able to take it even if it is wrong and/or you use it in 4WD on hard dry surfaces - beware fragile transmissions/transfer cases.
You SHOULDN'T be using 4WD on surfaces where the traction is too good for the transmission anyway (-:

I know, SHOULDs and SHOULDN'Ts

tiredguy · Mar 21, 2010

Better do some more research before you buy anything unless you're
prepared to spend twice at a minimum AND then buying the correct
tires to keep your gear ratio correct.This is very critical!

In order to change tires the first & foremost thing you have to know is what
the current rolling circunference of the tire now.Here's a link to the Goodyear
Softrac you got a price on:Titanｮ Tire catalog

Note the rolling circumference is 102 inches.That means that tire mounted on the tractor under a standard load will travel 102 inches to make a complete revolution.If the cheaper light truck tire ends up being 106 inches for instance,it will cause your gear ratio to be wrong and can bind up the front end and break the differential or the transfer case.

My suggestion is that you find a reputable tire dealer that specializes in farm tires and see what they can come up with that will fit your needs.You can go to these links to find an agricultural tire dealer:
Firestone Agricultural Tire Division : Dealer Locator
Dealer Locator

I've been in the tire business for well over 30 years and have worked on this
problem many times...and I've heard all the horror stories and the money it
cost to fix them too.Hope this helps!
Al
PS:even my own B3030 is causing me a dilema because to change it to turfs will make it to tall to clear my garage door unfortunately.

MAMtractorguy · Mar 22, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I will look into the rolling circumference of the $160 tire. Has anybody else put on truck tires instead of turfs? I don't want to ruin my transmission so I will do more research. I can't believe turf tires in my size are so rare and expensive.

KennyV · Mar 22, 2010

In 15" you should find a lot to choose from, also look at all season and snow tire tread... Just remember you will have to consider rolling circumference... KennyV

Reg · Mar 23, 2010

You will ONLY ruin the drive train IF;
a) you drive on very good dry surfaces with it locked in 4WD
AND
b) it is fragile
{Tires slip anyway, yes even straight ahead when not pulling a load.}

The only BIG issue should be if you install rear tires that have too large of a rolling circumference that results in lag and try to use 4WD straight ahead.
That would result in the rear "trying to pass the front", i.e. steering a straight line would become difficult.
{yeah, I know; inanimate objects don't have will and don't "try" to do things (-: }

Since we are talking about TURF tires here - - I don't see where/why/when you would be using it in 4WD on good traction surfaces anyway.
Do you intend to PLOW with these tires ?
If so, a bit of lag might not matter very much, right side tires in the furrow, etc.

Either I'm not seeing the issue, there isn't one, or I'm seeing past it (-: