Tri rib tires
 

I am thinking of putting a set of tri rib front tires on the front of my 125. I was wondering if they provide a noticable reduction in steering effort over turf tires? These would be the 16x6.50-8 size.

YES--I think that you will notice a big reduction in the effort on steering. I had the wider front tires on my 123 and this past summer I put a set of narrower tri-ribs on and was very impressed!!! Not to mention, it looks cooler and if you are mowing, the narrower tri-ribs will not smash down the grass before your blades get to it, which was often a problem that I encountered--resulting in an uneven cut.

Cub Cadet 123

The steering is a lot better with tri ribs. I have the narrow ones, on my 100 and the steering is effortless. If you turn too sharp, they will leave tracks in your turf.

I can't say about the wide tri ribs, but I know my tractors steer a lot easier with narrow tires...

I know, not what you asked, but it's all I got!

I also can't comment on the 16.5" tri-ribs. Most people I know refuse to pay the $140 for them. The closest thing I've seen to 16.5" tri-ribs, are the vredestein v-61 in 16.5 size. I know they loved them, but I don't know if they steering any easier. I think I would first go and remove the spindles and give them a good cleaning. You would be suprised at what a difference that can make.

AJ

I also have the narrow tri-ribs on my 149. I can add that they provide MUCH more stability for the front-end when plowing snow vs. the turfs. Makes plowing snow even more fun!

I'm going to disagree. I'm not sure if it's just because I have to much weight on the rear of my 100 compared to the front, but on snow and ice, my tri ribs don't direct the tractor, AT ALL. If you hit a slick spot, you're going straight, no matter which way you steer.

On ice, it's not going to matter what tire you have...you won't be able to steer unless you have steering brakes. I have decent turf tires on the front of my 782 that usually work great, even in the snow, but when there's ice...I steer with the brakes.

Then you should be REALLY glad you don't have the old aviation style multi-ribbed balloon type tires on it then. You can barely steer those in the dry grass!

Sorry, just stating my experience for the op. I can't turn the tractor on slick spots with either. When plowing head on, the narrow tri ribs hold the tractor from moving side to side much better than the wide 16 x 6.5 x 8 (or whatever) turfs.... stability, as I originally stated it above. YMMV