Zero Turn 18x8.5-8 Rear Tire Recommendations for Hills

[Mike9166]

Looking for some assistance on rear tires for better grip on hills for my Ariens Ikon X 52 by replacing the stock super turf tires.

I've seen some past posts that recommend a chevron bar type lugs. Two tires mentioned where the Carlisle AT101 & Kenda KT472. Neither one of these tires come in a 18x8.5-8. I believe the Carlisle comes in a 18x9.5-8 but I'm concerned the extra 1" width may be an issue. In an earlier attempt to to eliminate tearing of the grass I took a recommendation of a YouTube video and mounted 20x10-8 tires/rims. After applying these 20x10-8 tires the mower then lacked the power to navigate the hills in my yard. They may have worked on a flat yard but not on my hills. So I removed them and put the stock 18x8.5-8 super turf tires back on which I'm now looking to replace more so now for hill traction than tearing of grass.

I found 2 tires in 18x8.5-8 that look similar to the AT101 & KT472 but might be slightly more aggressive. Here are the 2 tires:

OTR Lawn Trac: Amazon.com: OTR LAWN TRAC 18X8.50-8 18X850-8 Bar Lug Tires 4 ply Rated Heavy Duty: Automotive
Carlisle WT300: Amazon.com: Carlisle Paddles WT300 Industrial Tire -18/8.50-10: Automotive

Does anyone know if either one of the 2 tires would be acceptable or be the best option?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Richard001]

Welcome to TBN Mike.

Can't help you with the tire choices.

Richard

 

[MoKelly]

Welcome from Missouri. Be patient, you’ll get many recommendations.

MoKelly

 

[Mike9166]

Thanks guys!

 

[herm0016]

I really like the atv tires I put on my gt, and plan on them on my new to me time cutter, but can't find them in your size. They are off brand but similar to the field Trax.

 

[Mike9166]

Thanks Herm. Seems tires are limited in my size....

 

[Gem99ultra]

I doubt the extra 1" is going to make a bit of difference. I've seen more difference in that with different brand tires marked with the same dimensions.

 

[dusty3030]

I've got the AT101's on mine and I will say night and day difference on slopes. Stuff I couldn't mow before now I can.

Of the two you listed I'd opt towards the Carlisle one. The other certainly would be aggressive but I would suspect it would also ride rough as well as be pretty hard on the turf.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I also went with the AT101 for my Scag Turf Tiger

 

[Mike9166]

I doubt the extra 1" is going to make a bit of difference. I've seen more difference in that with different brand tires marked with the same dimensions.

Gem,

Do you think my past issue was due to the larger diameter and not the width?

Thanks, Mike