Larger wheels on a Cub Cadet 100?

[Skyjeep50]

I'd like to increase my 100's ground speed for mowing somewhat - I think it has enough power to easily go faster and maintain cutting efficiency. I have the original 6-12 rears, 22" in diameter. Has anybody switched to a 24" tire for the same purpose - should give about a 10% increase in speed. What specific tire and wheel combo did you use? I've looked at some possibilities but not sure which way to go. Thanks!

[Red Dave]

Originally Posted by Skyjeep50

I'd like to increase my 100's ground speed for mowing somewhat - I think it has enough power to easily go faster and maintain cutting efficiency. I have the original 6-12 rears, 22" in diameter. Has anybody switched to a 24" tire for the same purpose - should give about a 10% increase in speed. What specific tire and wheel combo did you use? I've looked at some possibilities but not sure which way to go. Thanks!

Never tried what you asked about, but it occurs to me that a higher rear end would affect the height adjustment of the mower deck. Might need to fabricate some modifications to the deck mounts to keep it level.

If you try it, post back with your results. If you're considering it, probably somebody else is too.

[Billy-O]

Have you checked your engine rpm speed and determine that it's running the max rpm? My Kohler manual states 3600 rpm for K241.

On another hand, it has been said before OK to go 3700 RPMs but I heard that last quite a whiles ago on this forum. I'm not taking that chance.

I have 12 horse 124 with top rpm set @ 3600 and I find that my best mowing speed is at WOT in 2nd gear.... And sometimes it seems a bit fast especially turning the tight corners. I'm not sure the gear ratios are the same comparing 124 and the 100.

[darkminion_17]

Do you have fenders? If you go wider deck wheels will be hitting the tires, otherwise those bigger tires may close to your body parts, legs, arms, nose, ect...

[DSarow]

It will look like a Case garden tractor L.O.L Let us know how it works,I guess thats the advantage of having a Hydro

[Merk]

When was your 100 made?
The early 100-70s had a 16 tooth 2nd gear. Speed at 3600rpm (engine seed) was 2.8 mph.
The later 100-70s had an 19 tooth 2nd gear. Speed at 3600rpm (engine seed) was 3.4 mph.

Another option is to get 13 tooth reduction upper gear. That will give you roughly a 10% increase in speed. Midwest Super Cub sells them. They aslo sell several gear sets that can give you up to 20-30 percent overdtive.
I doubt you will have enough power to make a stock 10 horse Cub Cadet to do a decent job mowing. I have a later 100 ( 19 tooth second gear ) with a 42 inch deck. I usually use 1st gear in grass taller than 3 inches.

[Skyjeep50]

Yup, checked rpm's - they are at about 3,600/

[Skyjeep50]

Yes, I checked. The rpms are about 3,600.

[Skyjeep50]

My 100 is a 1964 model. Still almost all original.

[Skyjeep50]

Thanks, that's good info to know.