Tires TIRES FOR DAD

   / TIRES FOR DAD #1  

thcri

Elite Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2003
Messages
4,693
Location
Minnesota SE
Tractor
New Holland TC29D, 2001
I am sure if I dig deep enough I may find my answer in this forum someplace but will take the easier route.

My dad has a Ford 861 tractor that has Ag tires on it. He uses it mostly for moving docks and boats on a sand beach. The tractor over the years has become a pain for him because of the steering and the lack of traction.

He has found a used Ford 1720 that has AG tires on it. It is 4 wheel drive though. His concern is he wanted turf tires because they will work better on the sand. His old tractor was always stuck, but it was two wheel drive.

My assumption is the 4 wheel alone should make a major difference. This tractor has a really good price on it and I hate to see him let it go because of the AG tires. At the price I would think he could afford a set of turf's if so.

Has anyone had any experience with sand and AG tires?

Murph
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD #2  
Murph -
That is a tough call. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I don't have any direct experience with turfs and sand, but I use turfs in mud, snow and the woods. They generally provide a wider "footprint," and if they are not filled, you could lower the tire pressure to minimum, which is usually about 10-12 psi, which would help them to float on top of the sand and not dig in.

However, the "paddle" effect of Ag tires would sometimes be helpful, I would think. I know in mud and snow, I sometimes wish I had Ag tires instead of turf. Keeping the tire pressure at minimum would also help them to stay on top, rather than digging in. A lot of sand buggies use what they call Paddle tires, but they are usually wide, low pressure tires, with bars or paddles to aid in traction - similar to the "bar turf" tires offered on the BX series Kubotas.

The 1720 is a good tractor, and the 4WD will make a big difference. I would be inclined to try it with the Ag tires, and the tire pressure as low as you can go without danger of the tires slipping on the rims before putting out the money for turfs.

Good luck on your decision. Keep us posted on how it works.
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Casimir,

The big problem with the Ag is the fact that they do dig and dig down. I really think with the 4 wheel he would tend to keep himself up on top of the sand more. He actually is ok with the old heavy two wheel drive once he starts moving, it is just getting going. Lock the differential and have it in 4 wheel and I reallly think he would be ok.

Murph
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD #4  
Just a thought, could you change the direction of the tire so it would be more of a scoop than a self clean in the normal direction? I have no experience with tractors on sand but would be a cheap thing to try.
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD #5  
The ag tires will do him just fine. When he replaces the front if he has rims that are compatable, us a good traction pickup tire. It will give good traction in sand and better flotation. Wouldn't worry about the back at all.
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I do know that backing up he does have better traction. That is a thought, just turn the tires around.

Murph
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD #7  
Murph -
That is true. Once spinning, the Ag tires will dig faster than turfs would. One other point, though - if the 1720 has a hydrostatic transmission, he may find it easier to get moving without spinning the rear tires. The hydro allows you to ease the power into the wheels. With a gear transmission and clutch, you eventually reach a point where either the tires spin or you kill the engine. Shifting to a higher gear sometimes helps. Low gear, or Low Range in a Hydro sometimes puts too much power to the wheels too quickly, and once they start spinning, more power just makes them dig faster. Ideally, you want to stay just above the point where the tires spin for maximum traction in snow or sand.

As you said, if the price on the 1720 is good enough, perhaps changing to turfs would be an option, but you will probably have to buy wider rims, as well as the tires. I would still try the Ags (perhaps also try them reversed) before I put out the money for the turfs - but I was too cheap to buy a used set of ag tires and rims for $300 when I bought my 1520. Now I wish I had them, but I still don't have the ability to switch back and forth easily between the ags and turfs. My old back just won't take it any more /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Getting old is hell, but I don't like the alternative any better /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Casimir,

You are absolutely right!! Especially with that old tractor. My dad is just worried that it won't work and he is no further ahead than he was before. Even though he can buy another set of tires.

And when it comes right down to it I think he has more trouble with the steering on the old beast. It has a loader on it also and with the tires sunk in the sand you just can't turn the steering wheel.

Murph
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD #9  
He will absolutely love the power steering on the 1720 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif - Only problem is it is possible to turn so tight you have to straighten the front wheels out some to keep them from sliding sideways -- 'least I do in mud with my 1520 /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
   / TIRES FOR DAD
  • Thread Starter
#10  
That's where I just love my supersteer. You turn them wheels really tight and the outside wheel starts powering and the front axle even turns to the direction your turning. It is tough getting use to using your FEL but great for mowing.

Murph
 
 
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