Turf Tires VS Ag... anything in between? CC#129

ChristopherCT · #1 09-15-2020, 04:18 PM

I have been thinking a lot about the half worn turf tires on my 129 since I bought it. I get kinda stuck about once a week doing something productive or possibly foolish. We have some hills. So I am considering "agricultural" tires if I can afford them.

The ag tires look so aggressive, and I suppose that when I go to cut my rather rough grass, the ag tires might tear things up a bit. So...

Has anyone tried to find a tire that is kind of "hybrid"? Somewhere inbetween the ag and the turf style?

Money is tight lately, so I might simply find some chains. I am hoping that they might add some woodland and snow traction. Any advice is appreciated!

spndncash · #2 09-15-2020, 04:36 PM

The cheapest solution is chains with tensioning springs/bungy cords.
Industrial tires are probably 75-125 per tire in that size. They are less aggressive than an AG tire. ( think bobcat tire)
the Ag tire should not tear up your grass but they might make it rough from the ribs. The grass really should only get damaged or torn up when you spin the tires without moving forward on a tractor. Ztr is a different story but they are ok if you make three point turns.
You can also look at mud tires for golf carts or side by side 4 wheelers. I would avoid the ones for quads since they are designed for about 2-4 psi and are very soft
If you are getting stuck on a regular basis. It sounds like to have a drainage issue fixing that should fix the tire issue

ChristopherCT · #3 09-15-2020, 04:53 PM

This is helpful! Clearly, you have done some tire homework and I while I can fix many thing on my 129, I know very little about tires. I will look into an industrial style and I will also look into chains. Regarding drainage- yes there is a little mud around. But most of the time I get stuck I seem to be on general woods debris, loose dry gravel on a hilly drive, or even just the dry grass at maybe a 15 degree slope. I fitted two 50lbs wheel weights, and they probably help. But they do not fix the problem :

IHinIN · #4 09-15-2020, 04:58 PM

Look into HDAP tires like what comes on some of the newer JD garden tractors. They’re basically an aggressive turf tire.

Billy-O · #5 09-15-2020, 05:10 PM

Carlisle All-trails! Good on the soggy grounds. Didn't need chains when it snowed though chains ARE better.

IMG_20181229_163730112 (640x360).jpg

ol'George · #6 09-15-2020, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spndncash

The cheapest solution is chains with tensioning springs/bungy cords.
Industrial tires are probably 75-125 per tire in that size. They are less aggressive than an AG tire. ( think bobcat tire)
the Ag tire should not tear up your grass but they might make it rough from the ribs. The grass really should only get damaged or torn up when you spin the tires without moving forward on a tractor. Ztr is a different story but they are ok if you make three point turns.
You can also look at mud tires for golf carts or side by side 4 wheelers. I would avoid the ones for quads since they are designed for about 2-4 psi and are very soft
If you are getting stuck on a regular basis. It sounds like to have a drainage issue fixing that should fix the tire issue

If one is using springs, bungee cords or tensing devices, the chains are installed improperly and cause undue wear on the chains as well as the tires.
Take the time to install them tightly and properly, by shortening the side chains so they are tight without "band-aid" fixes.

Red Dave · #7 09-15-2020, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol'George

If one is using springs, bungee cords or tensing devices, the chains are installed improperly and cause undue wear on the chains as well as the tires.
Take the time to install them tightly and properly, by shortening the side chains so they are tight without "band-aid" fixes.

That's interesting. I've been using tire chains for 50+ years on cars, pickup trucks, heavy trucks and tractors. I've always used tighteners.
Never had undue wear on the chains or the tires.

To the original poster: I run ag tires on my 125. I've never noticed any damage to the yard due to the tires, but then I don't spin the tires when the ground is soft, and I'm not terribly fussy about my grass either.

If the ground is muddy and you spin ag tires, you will dig up your grass.
BTW, I put tire chains on those ag tires to plow snow in the winter.

Mike McKown · #8 09-15-2020, 08:50 PM

I don't use AG tires. Ride too rough.

I use turf tires on banks that are probably twice what Cub recommends you operate on. Maybe 30*? Steep enough to lift the front end.

Body english helps a lot. Not suggesting you do what I do. Just saying..........

chris hall · #9 09-15-2020, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy-O

Carlisle All-trails! Good on the soggy grounds. Didn't need chains when it snowed though chains ARE better.

Attachment 105738

Those are some good looking tires.

kalebevans · #10 09-16-2020, 05:01 PM

I've got Carlisle All-Trails on my 169. I like the look of the ag tire, but the All-Trails are great on the lawn on the hill and I don't bother putting my chains on to push snow. I found them online for about $75 each, and my local tire shop quoted me $342 for a pair. Ouch. I filled mine with RV antifreeze and have one set of Cub wheel weights.