Zero Turn 18x8.5-8 Rear Tire Recommendations for Hills

Gem99ultra · May 7, 2021

Mike9166 said:
Gem,

Do you think my past issue was due to the larger diameter and not the width?

Thanks, Mike

The AT101 is a very wide tire and 20's are a LOT larger diameter than the 18's. And the AT101's are a super aggressive beast! I use something more mild much like their Field Track tire. On the other hand, I just buried my Husqvarna GTH up to the frame yesterday. I was trying to 'mow' some 2' high wire grass on the low side of one of our dams. (I now know - that just aiin't gonna happen until about August, even if I had AT101's).

Sometimes the problem simply isn't the tire. Maybe more power is needed, or a little better clutch, or maybe a 4 wheel drive? But those bar type tires are going to tear up some grass and cut some ruts. But to answer your question, yes, I think the 20's greatly hurt your available torque.

Hay Dude · May 7, 2021

I use the Carlisles on the ZD331 and it will go anywhere, but I’m switching to an F as soon as the chance comes. The ZD climbs hills fine and decends hills fine, but the tires have caused some turf damage.

BoylermanCT · May 7, 2021

I have the AT101’s on my Hustler zero turn and they improved my traction 10 fold. And I do less damage to the grass turning too.

Your previous issue with larger tires was definitely because they were bigger diameter not wider. Takes more power the larger diameter you go.

The only time wider tires will be an issue is if the are rubbing the frame or some other part of the mower.

Mike9166 · May 7, 2021

Gem99ultra said:
The AT101 is a very wide tire and 20's are a LOT larger diameter than the 18's. And the AT101's are a super aggressive beast! I use something more mild much like their Field Track tire. On the other hand, I just buried my Husqvarna GTH up to the frame yesterday. I was trying to 'mow' some 2' high wire grass on the low side of one of our dams. (I now know - that just aiin't gonna happen until about August, even if I had AT101's).

Sometimes the problem simply isn't the tire. Maybe more power is needed, or a little better clutch, or maybe a 4 wheel drive? But those bar type tires are going to tear up some grass and cut some ruts. But to answer your question, yes, I think the 20's greatly hurt your available torque.

Gem,

Thanks, Mike