Losing traction - do i need new tires?

[AlfaAndy]

Z Force LX60, D.O.M. 04/16 Carlisle Turf Master 22x9.50-12NHS
I have been using this mower since the spring of 17. I live on a somewhat hilly property that I can use the CC on some, but not all of the lawns. For the more hilly areas I use my Steiner 420. I noticed this year that I am having more and more traction issues turning, and staying straight when mowing on slopes, and starting out going up hill. I am cognizant of low traction conditions like wet or very dry lawns. I also recently changed the hydraulic fluid and that made no difference with traction. I don't believe that the fluid drive is causing these problems. The tires still have very good tread remaining and the rubber does NOT feel extra dry or hard; in fact, it seems rather soft and pliable with the finger nail test. I am still running the recommended 25 psi. Perhaps I should lower (or raise?) the pressure for more traction? Or, perhaps this is just typical of these tires as they approach 10 years old. If so, would I see improvement with new Carlisle Turf Masters, or are there better tires (better traction) to consider? I have looked online and there are a few different brand available. Does anyone here have experience with tires other than Carlisle on a Z Force LX mower? TIA.

[Billy-O]

Did you check the other tires and wheels for smooth operation and toe correct?

You could scuff the tires just on the surface and see it it improves traction but this would probably be short live after the dirt and grass skins the surface.

[AlfaAndy]

As this is a zero-turn mower, I don't believe that toe settings apply. I guess that I could "scuff" the tires by driving forward and then aggressively reversing.

[green407]

Being a zero turn, how well do the front castors spin?

If you jack up the front end and turn them does it require much effort, or just the pressure of a small finger?

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by AlfaAndy

As this is a zero-turn mower, I don't believe that toe settings apply. I guess that I could "scuff" the tires by driving forward and then aggressively reversing.

I would not "abuse" the hydros by trying to aggressively "spin the tires".
Just accept the fact that different conditions cause different traction circumstances.
You are operating on varying soft traction surfaces unlike conditions of paved surfaces.
Also, aged rubber does tend to harden and is less flexible possibly compromising your "grip" would be my experienced guess.

[Billy-O]

To scuff......Ride around in circles both ways on gravel or paved driveway for a few minutes. Or you can go to extreme measures and lightly skim the tire surface with sander or grinder. You'd probably see immediate results but probably won't last long very long.