3000 Series Tires

carhopper · #1 04-07-2013, 03:11 PM

Good afternoon gents,

It's summer again and I dragged the 3206 out of the garage to cut the lawn for the first time. I really missed driving this tractor, it's loads of fun. I also attempted to pull my 900lb dual jet ski trailer up out of the lake on a bit of a grade. This was my first attempt since I got the tractor at the end of last season, and was really the reason I got the 3206 with a locking diff. Well I was disappointed as the tires were spinning just like my older wheel horse. I was really hoping the locking diff and twice the weight would help a lot, but the turf tires just couldn't get a bite on the rocky terrain.

So, here is my question. I currently have 24x10.5-12 turf tires and I want to replace them with AG tires. There are 2 options that are only $10 difference in price. I know that the Carlisle 23x10.5-12 will fit, but what about the 26x12-12. I would love to have the extra clearance in the rocks and I have about 2" above my wheels right now and at least 1" between the sides of the tires and the gas tank. Has anybody put these tires on before. I think they would look bad ass, not to mention how well they would pull.

Sam Mac · #2 04-07-2013, 04:33 PM

Do you have the tires loaded or wheel weights? If not you may want to give that a shot first. That said I just put a set of 26X12X12 Carlisle AG's on my 2182 that I loaded with RV antifreeze and it made a world of difference in the tractor. It used to spin on damp grass.

Methos · #3 04-07-2013, 05:40 PM

Do not use the diff lock! If the pin doesn't go into the hole it will break off and get pulled under the ring gear and it will break your alum housing.

carhopper · #4 04-07-2013, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methos

Do not use the diff lock! If the pin doesn't go into the hole it will break off and get pulled under the ring gear and it will break your alum housing.

I only engage the lock when from a dead stop. The 3206 housing is heavy duty cast Iron, I bought it specifically for that.

carhopper · #5 04-07-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Do you have the tires loaded or wheel weights? If not you may want to give that a shot first. That said I just put a set of 26X12X12 Carlisle AG's on my 2182 that I loaded with RV antifreeze and it made a world of difference in the tractor. It used to spin on damp grass.

The tires are loaded with antifreeze, but no wheel weights. Do you have pictures of your 2182 with the 26" tires. How close is the clearance?

Sam Mac · #6 04-07-2013, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carhopper

The tires are loaded with antifreeze, but no wheel weights. Do you have pictures of your 2182 with the 26" tires. How close is the clearance?

The 2182 came with 26X12X12's so clearance is not an issue, but here is a pic.

carhopper · #7 04-07-2013, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

The 2182 came with 26X12X12's so clearance is not an issue, but here is a pic.

That looks great. I just measured again and my 24" turf tires only measure 22" fully inflated so 26" won't work. I guess I'll get some 24" tires and still realize a gain.

Methos · #8 04-07-2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carhopper

I only engage the lock when from a dead stop. The 3206 housing is heavy duty cast Iron, I bought it specifically for that.

Rich Patton sells a lot of replacement rears because of them breaking due to the pin rolling under the ring gear. It's a bad design. You might have bought it for that reason but just be aware that the pin can break.

carhopper · #9 04-07-2013, 10:18 PM

I appreciate the advice. The 3206 actually engages every time the brakes are pressed too, and I removed that linkage to help prevent damage. I rarely use the diff lock, but I'm very careful when I do.

carhopper · #10 04-10-2013, 08:23 AM

After much searching, measuring, tread examination, and reviews I finally settled on the Kenda K472 24x12-12 Grasshopper tires. These are specifically marketed toward zero turn, but I think they will work well for my hilly application. The reason I didn't go with Carlisle AT101s in the same size is because the mounted width is 12.2", which according to my measurements will put the right side up against the gas tank and possibly rub a hole. The Kenda tires are 11.89 and the rounded corners will work better for me as the tractor duty cycle is 95% lawn mowing, 2% yard work, and 3% pulling the jet ski trailer. I'll post some pictures when I get them filled and mounted.