[AT] [SEL] Aussie tractors across the USA

[H. L. Staples]

Hi Stephen.. I replaced the turf tires on my Grasshopper ZTR with regular R1
tractor tires.  Only time they cut the lawn is when it is to wet to be
mowing anyway. Call Tuckers tire 1-800-443-0802 they will fix you up at
minimum cost. 

H. L.  
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: Stephen Offiler
Date: 8/4/2009 9:39:00 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] [SEL] Aussie tractors across the USA
 
Hi Larry:
 
I'm listening.  Perhaps some ATIS folk remember my posts from a couple
months ago, where I was debating a new ZTR vs. rehab of my old Cub
Cadet 1812 (18HP Kohler, hydro, 44" deck, MTD-mfg; same machine as
IH-mfg 782).
 
Long story short, I got the CC back on its feet and started mowing
with it, dropping my 5 hour chore (with 42" walk-behind) down to 3.5
hours.  Happy camper, gonna keep the CC.
 
But I have some slopes on my land - one of the reasons I gave up the
idea of a ZTR - and I am having some wheel slippage issues with the
CC.  My question is, do you have any links to a source or even just a
picture of the "low lug high-flotation tires" you speak of?  My CC has
the OEM 23 x 10.5 -12 tires on it right now.
 
Thanks,
Steve O.
 
 
 
On Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 10:12 AM, Larry Goss<rlgoss at insightbb.com> wrote:
> That explanation is pretty good, Charlie.  There are certain applications
where the wheel treads need to be reversed so you get better traction or
less disturbance to the soil.  If you look at whether the traction needs to
roll the wheel vs. move the equipment, it will give you help in knowing
which way to have the tread face.  Un-powered front wheels work better with
the tread reversed.  Powered tiller tires work best with the tread reversed
(the tires are typically holding the tiller back, instead of powering it
forward), etc.  But if you are running a counter-rotating tiller, the tires
should face in the standard direction.  Often snowblowers work better with
the treads reversed.  Ground traction farm equipment runs with the treads
reversed (ground-powered manure spreaders, seeders.)
>
> IMHO, What doesn't make sense is ANY use of turf tires.  I know, I know---
I've heard all the arguments about ruts in the sod, damage to the thatch,
etc, etc, etc -- all BS.  When push comes to shove, turf tires have nearly
60% slippage.  That means they cause you to spend more time mowing your
grass, and you always use more gas when using turf tires.  You can save 25%
on mowing time and gasoline usage by changing out the OEM turf tires with
low lug high-flotation tires, and your grass will stop suffering from
friction burn caused by the tires.  In this day and age of ZTR mowers, that
s a significant change in operating cost and the health of your lawn.
>
> Please note that I'm not advocating using aggressive ag lugs on lawnmowers
 but even those tires are probably better than turf tires.
>
> Let the flames begin.  I have run the "experiment" to back up my claims. 
I ran a large L&G tractor with a 60-inch deck on it for 10 years before
exchanging the turf tires for low lug high-flotation ones.  It was the only
change made to the mowing equipment, and I got the changes I'm talking about

>
> Larry
>