Zero Turn Tires: Kenda Terra Trac or Carlisle Versa Turf

[HomerGuy]

I am looking to upgrade the tires on my Toro Titan HD 1500 Zero Turn (uses the ZT3100 transaxles). My property has some significant slope in portions of the backyard, and I frequently find myself sliding down the incline. Thankfully I have a safe landing zone at the bottom of the slope, but it can be rather sketchy and no fun nonetheless. I’d like to find something with a better grip than the existing tires which are Kenda K500 Super Turf in 22x9.50-12. Existing rims are 8” wide.

The 22” size on a 12” diameter rim seems to be a rather unusual size with not many options available. So I’ve been looking at 23” tires which opens up some more possibilities. I know I will need to repitch the deck to accommodate the slightly taller tires. The deck does have enough adjustment to re-pitch it to accomodate a taller tire.

Here are the two options that I am considering

Option 1 - Kenda K502 Terra Trac in 23x10.50-12
I like the idea of a slightly wider tire (10.50 vs 9.50 existing) which I think will improve ride quality over bumps. I have clearance to accommodate a wider tire. This option is also reasonably priced at $190 for two. I see a handful of reviews online but not many. It looks like a good, aggressive tread pattern.

Option 2 - Carlisle (Calstar) Versa Turf in 23x8.50R12

These are radial tires instead of the traditional bias ply. Supposedly the radial construction improves ride quality significantly. This option does seem to get very positive reviews, and the tread pattern is very similar to the Goodyear R14 tires, which leads me to believe it is a good design if multiple tire manufacturers are using similar designs. My biggest worry is that this is narrower than my current tire (8.5" wide vs 9.5" existing), and that decrease in width will adversely affect ride quality. They are also pretty expensive at $315 for a pair.

Any feedback on these two options?

 

[big bubba]

so you want turf over bar type tires? overall, though, bigger or wider tires in general give a smoother ride as well. refining technique can reduce tearing up sod on the turns even with bar.

like yourself, i have slopes (3 pond dams). so for both safety & operation, i picked up this zero walk behind for the slopes. love it, realize it may not be an option for yourself. $3600 back when,
should have purchased bar over turf type tires tho, best regards

Hydro Drive Walk-Behind Mowers - Encore Power Equipment

encoreequipment.com

 

[HomerGuy]

I'm certainly open to other suggestions.

When you say "bar type" I assume that you mean something like the Carlisle AT101? I saw many good reviews on those, but they don't come in a size that I could make work. The only size with a 12" rim is also 12" wide, and I don't think my machine has enough clearance.

 

[big bubba]

yes, understand. i've not used the bar type, but would like on my walk behind. bet if you did the homework, you could find something to fit your wheel size in bar. best regards

 

[4570Man]

I'm certainly open to other suggestions.

When you say "bar type" I assume that you mean something like the Carlisle AT101? I saw many good reviews on those, but they don't come in a size that I could make work. The only size with a 12" rim is also 12" wide, and I don't think my machine has enough clearance.

I can’t help with the sizing issues but AT-101s are great.

 

[mikester]

These have been good for me

Carlisle WT300 Agriculture Tire

Carlisle WT300 tire for tractors with less than 30 horsepower. Its low ground pressure preserves turf while its tread provides aggressive traction.

www.carlstar.com

 

[Notforhire]

I think these were intended for a ditch witch and had pretty stiff sidewalls. My experiment didn't work out very well. The factory turfs out performed these except in really wet conditions. I would have been happier with something like post #3.

I have now changed to a 60 in. mower that has factory 12 inch wide turf tires. Big improvement in ride and traction.

 

[big bubba]

Mikester: real nice looking tire, seems a cross between overly aggressive bar and the std turf. wish i had a pair.

 

[Quaffer]

If you go Carlisle, good luck. I have not had good luck with them.

Also I think they are now Carlstar tires, new branding.

 

[Notforhire]

My expensive lesson was that the width of the tires and the track width of the drive wheels has more to do with performance on side slopes than tread design. It's in the leverage.
I'm not saying that tread design has no effect it just may not be enough. It wasn't in my case.