Will narrower tires than stock flatten out?

[nate0918]

I've got a Bolens h16xt, a small 16hp 2wd garden tractor. It's time for new tires. I use this packing materials around the property. Atv tires have a much wider range of tread options but not in the stock size of 23x10.50-12. A popular size used around here seems to be 25x10x12. Looks like they'll clear height wise. If I go with the 10" width, will the top of the tire flatten out a bit for a flatter footprint? Conversely, if I find something in 11" width will the tires bulge at the top? I'm completely new to tractor tires! I've got clay soil that is really slimy 9 months out of the year and I'd like some more aggressive tires than turfs. I'm keeping the stock 7" rims.

 

[jeff9366]

How much shape your tires retain will be a factor of the ply-rating of the tire and its inflation factor.
Four plies compliant. Six+ plies stiff.

I doubt if you will notice any 'real world' difference.

I'd like more aggressive tires than turfs.
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[Texasmark]

I doubt if you will notice any 'real world' difference.

"I doubt if you will notice any 'real world' difference."
Well sir, for a guy that runs 5 PSIG in his ATV 2 ply tires to get a soft ride, stiff sidewalls makes for a rough ride....there IS a difference!

In answering the question, 2 ply bias bulge at the top and flatten on the bottom even at 5 PSIG. I run ATV tires on my half dozen garden variety tractors for a soft ride and in the "studded snow" variety. Great traction for my 30* slopes in the morning dew with minimal turf damage. I get close with the width spec.

 

[nate0918]

Thanks for the replies, I ordered some 25x10-12 kenda k299 tires 6 ply "rated". I'm hoping for a flatter contact patch but I'm not too picky as long as they have traction.

 

[Texasmark]

Thanks for the replies, I ordered some 25x10-12 kenda k299 tires 6 ply "rated". I'm hoping for a flatter contact patch but I'm not too picky as long as they have traction.

I like/run some Kendas. With 6 plies you will probably have good flat contact.....control your air pressure....pump up to max rated and then bleed off while watching the outer tips of the tread on a flat surface (concrete). When the outer edge of the lug just touches the ground, stop bleeding.

 

[jeff9366]

Thanks for the replies.
I ordered some 25x10-12 kenda k299 tires 6 ply "rated". I'm hoping for a flatter contact patch but I'm not too picky as long as they have traction.

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[nate0918]

Great, thanks for the tip on setting the air pressure! While I'm at it, is there any advantage to filling the tires if I don't have an FEL? I don't want to be slipping around at all. If there aren't any downsides I may go for it.

 

[jeff9366]

Filling your rear tires with liquid with increase traction........and tire ruts in soft ground.

 

[nate0918]

Got it. I'll skip the liquid fill and see how it goes. Tires show up in the next couple days.

 

[domains]

Place same tires or it will mow funny, you will have to adjust or mod back plates longer

Place chains, thats what I did, Could not climb ditch