New Lug Tires & Rims Deal?

[Carl_NH]

Hi All,

Found a set of 4 Carlisle Lug Tires & Rims for a CC3265 on Craigslist - Wanted $299 paid $225 and seller delivered today. Rears are 23x10.5x12 and fronts 16x6.5x8 as shown on rims - I think this is a good deal - what do you all think?

These are brand new - the fronts slid right on my 1811 but the rears need to be changed as I have 5 bolt and these are 4 Bolt rims. I plan to change out the rears this weekend.. Once I do will post some pics of the changeover.

Carl

[ACecil]

Nice tires Carl! They will look great on your 1811.

[Carl_NH]

Thanks ACecil,

This is sort of an experiment and I had two so-so bearings in the front wheels and a leaking tire after 20 yrs so I decided to get these. The other reason I got these is the turfs pushed the grass down expecially in the shaded damp areas of the lawn where as my Kubota with R4s seemed to do less of this.

Also reading here while the lugs imprint they dont compress the ground or grass as much as the turfs so that was part of the decision.

Any other suggestions/recommendations from you guys using lugs on lawns?

Thanks

Carl

[Diz Jr.]

Carl_NH,
Sounds like a good deal on you tires. I love ags. i have them on both mine that i mow with and love them.

[RPalmer]

Carl_NH,

I cut my yard with my 104 last week. It has lugs all the way around. No tire tracks in the lawn! IMHO turf tires are for people who don't know and want to feel good about what they are buying. I'm working on getting lugs for my other three Cubs. I cut the grass yesterday with a 100. Turf on the back and the front look like slicks with some straight lines in them. You can see everywhere I went.
One thing I want to do is to get my tires foamed filled. With 8.50's this adds 100 lbs to the rear. The same as two sets of wheel weights. Plus there are never any flat or low tires. On the front with 4.80s I get about an extra 50 lbs. It's not cheep. But less that $2.00/lb for wheel weights and you still have the room for wheel weights if you want.

[Carl_NH]

Thanks RPalmer,

I did the swap of the rear tires last night - worst part was breaking the new lug tires off the new rims - they were tight. Halfway through thought maybe should have a tire shop do it but I perservered and got the new lugs mounted on the rear with new stems and no LEAKS! . I used to do split rim truck tires, and large tractor tires they were easier I think due to size - the little tires are tough getting off - much easier going on.

First Impressions of Lugs Vs Turf - Lugs give a rougher ride (@8-10 PSI) but its a little easier to steer than turfs. Contact area - Turfs give a little more ground contact in the rear and are more forgiving FWD/REV as I found you can really make a nice divot if you are quick on the hydro.

Lawn cutting/appearance - much better with the lug tires - more uniform cleaner cut unless its a wet area then the lugs do leave an impression.

Overall I'm happy with the lugs especially the cut quality - I am going to experiment swapping the front with my turfs and see if that makes a dif in the ride. We have a 1.5 Ac under lawn with mixed bag of wet areas, roots rocks, planting beds, trees, so lots of turning and shifting the hydro..

Too tired (lazy)to post pics today time to have a - maybe tomorrow..

[RPalmer]

Carl_NH,
I think you'll be a convert once you drive the front ags. Mine are solid so I get the ride I get. But I would never trade them.

You might have a spot or two on your property that the turfs would spin or maybe you would wind up stuck? Go give those new tires a try in the same spot. I'm smiling cause I know you'll cruse right on through. And that Sir is what having a garden tractor is all about. Just plane old work and not stopping for anything. Well almost anything.:biggrin2.gif:

[Cub Cadet 123]

Carl,
Don't think that you have to worry about the price paid....you found a bargain!! I paid $50 for my rear rims, then I had to blast them and paint them...another $20 in paint. Then I put a pair of Super Tracs (heavy cleated ags) on for another $160. Keep in mind these were just for the rears....I'm still running the smooth turfs on the front, but hope to change before this winter when I'm hittin' the snow! So, I think that you got a great deal and I know that you'll get a lot of use out of them!!!

Cub Cadet 123

the little tires are tough getting off - much easier going on.

I use a 20 ton press to break bead, wonderful, the one tool I bought from HF and worth every penny in a shop.

Scott

[Carl_NH]

Gents,

Finally got around to getting some pics of my new tires and refurb on the 1811. Appreciate your patience and feedback.

Carl