Front Tires

[drglinski]

I have the carlisle 4 rib tires on my 147 and the only time I have an issue with the steering on it was when 1) pushing snow and it would fall off the concrete edge of the driveway it didn't want to steer back onto it and 2) plowing (dirt) and wanted to drive out of the furrow it had a tendency to roll along the edge of said furrow. It did eventually grab and pull itself out. Other than that I like them. I keep 25 LBS in them to help the balloon a bit so they steer easier.

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by Cub Cadet 123

I've had great luck with the skinnies tri-ribs on the front.
Cub Cadet 123

I'm going to have to try this on one of the cubs.

Skinny and tall is the secret to easy steering. I put a set of what looks to be small trailer tires on the front of my O and they've been fantastic (and cheap) for years now . Super easy to steer and they're fine on the lawn. I imagine the ribbed tires would be the same.


I had a 70 SS396 Chevelle with no power steering. With short fat , 60's series front tires, it was wrestling match to steer at low speeds. Fortunately I rarely drove it at low speeds....

[dbuck]

I have a set of firestone 3 ribs on the front of my 149, makes the tractor turn like power steering.

[ol'George]

We have gotten spoiled with power steering now a days.
In my day, most everything was Armstrong steering and one didn't try to turn the steering wheel unless the vehicle was moving a bit.
We learned it quickly and it really was not that bad, but to go back to it after having one finger power assist in todays world with vehicle at rest, is quite an undertaking and a wake up call to most young folks.
Just like there are folks that never drove a manual transmission let alone one you had to double clutch.
The "good old days" in some ways lacked some nice features we take for granted today,like electric windshield wipers, power windows and power brakes.
Hell, Radio and heater were optional, and turn signals didn't become standard till the middle 50's,--- about the time hydraulic lifters became standard equipment.
Try driving up a slight incline with Vacuum operated wipers on a rainy day or snow/icy conditions without heater/defroster, ya rolled the window down and stuck your head out to see or signaled for a turn with your hand/arm.
---enough rambling.

[drglinski]

Originally Posted by ol'George

We have gotten spoiled with power steering now a days.
In my day, most everything was Armstrong steering and one didn't try to turn the steering wheel unless the vehicle was moving a bit.
We learned it quickly and it really was not that bad, but to go back to it after having one finger power assist in todays world with vehicle at rest, is quite an undertaking and a wake up call to most young folks.
Just like there are folks that never drove a manual transmission let alone one you had to double clutch.
The "good old days" in some ways lacked some nice features we take for granted today,like electric windshield wipers, power windows and power brakes.
Hell, Radio and heater were optional, and turn signals didn't become standard till the middle 50's,--- about the time hydraulic lifters became standard equipment.
Try driving up a slight incline with Vacuum operated wipers on a rainy day or snow/icy conditions without heater/defroster, ya rolled the window down and stuck your head out to see or signaled for a turn with your hand/arm.
---enough rambling.

I'd love to have a vehicle that was simple, easy and cheap to repair, and just work. Too many regulations and electronics on today's vehicles.



I have a set of the narrow tri ribs on the front of my 73. They steer great when I don't have a snow blade on. With the blade they do fine. Looks good on the lower HP cubs but those that have the wide fenders (wide frames) it looks silly.

[SGragg]

Ok, ordered a set of Vredestein V61s from Miller Tire on Wednesday, the 28th. Had new tires and tubes sitting on my front door step on Friday, the 30th.

Tires were not compressed and looked to be fully expanded, ready to install. Got both of them on the rims in 20 minutes or less. I like how they look.

After installing them, I thought they looked a little too canted, but took a drive and WOW! they hold a line across the yard; even in bumpy places. Steer with one finger, just like power steering. I was originally searching for tires that held true to a line when moving. Think these will do fine. The grass was wet and there was not slippage from the new rear tires either.