Need advice on new tires for my M48 Tank
 

Hi everyone, I'm very excited to find this forum! I'm a new Cub Cadet owner, picked up a used M48 Tank a couple weeks ago. It's a 2008 with ~410 hours, model 53CB5DAV750.

I've used it to mow my two acres twice. Very little of my space is exactly flat, and my rear tires are both mis-matched and worn, so I slid around a bit. I've been reading about how to mow on slight slopes, what tires are best, etc.

Based on that research it sounds like I want to put some good ag tires on the back, and possibly even fill them with antifreeze depending on how things feel.

So here's my dilemna... My parts manual shows 23x9.50x12 tires, and that's what's on my Cub. I cannot find any place selling ag tires that size, only 8.5 or 10.5.

So my questions:

1. Anybody know where I can find a 23x9.50 ag tire?

2. Can I go to the 10.5" tires? I do not have 1/2" of clearance between the inside of the current tire and the lift assembly rod (? I think that's what it's called) going back on the left side. I'm afraid a wider tire would not fit and would rub on that rod or arm.

3. Can I go to the 8.5" tires? From my research it seems I would be at greater risk over losing my seal, plus I'm going the wrong direction to improve traction.

Thanks for any insight or advice. I can post a picture or two if that helps.

Kip

First, welcome to OCC......... :Welcome2:

Click on this link for Tire Sources.... Tires

How about some pictures of your present tires and the clearances you have..

:TTWWP:

I put 23x10.50's on my tank. There is no issue with clearance, you will be fine. Ags tend to want to slip sideways also. I think you will be better served with a tire that has more aggressive tread for an ATV. I'll see if I can find a pic of what I have in mind.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps3e16418e.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...psdc6c4ed1.jpg

My property is flat. My need was to be able to get thru mud in the rainy season. With hilly terrain I would use something like the link below.

http://www.everythingcarts.com/p-313...FQwvaQodwA8ALw

Attachment 65024

First, thank you for the replies. I'm going to attempt to add pictures. The first is of the back. Yes, it's a bit beat up. The previous owner clearly didn't have the pride in his Cub I have. I'll be welding a new bracket on the frame and painting.

The second is my right rear tire with a tape measure so the 9.5" tire is clearly measured and shown.

The last two are the right and left rear tires, respectively, from the top front. Again with a tape measure, showing very, very little clearance between the tire and what I believe to be the brake lines.

Again, I'm a new owner of both a Cub and a lawn machine of any kind. I aimed high :)

I'm grateful for any insight or advice on how 10.5" tire might or might not work on this model, and any treads for a hilly, sort of side sloping lot.

Thanks,
Kip

Maybe those turns in the brake lines give me enough clearance to add 1/2" on this inside without a problem? I'm reluctant to spend the money for 10.5" tires and mount them only to have them too wide.

What about using some spacers or wheels with a different offset? Can you post some pics from the side?

Here are some side pics. So you're saying I might be able to go to 10.5" with new tires *and* wheels? Have to admit, I'm in new territory here so will have to get educated.

Ran into another issue today, should probably post a separate thread, but I'll start here.

Was checking level on the deck. My front left was low by 1/2." I tightened it up all the way and it's still about 3/8" lower than the front right. Then in the pitch I tightened up the back right all the way but it's still 1/8" lower than the front right. I know the front right is fixed but I'm not having any success adjusting to it.

I see no problem on going wider as long as you move the wheel outboard. Worst case is that you'll need some custom spacers. I don't know of anyone doing wider wheels for the 4 bolt wheels. I will do some digging around and see what I can come up with.