CK20 tires: tread choices

chelydra · Jan 31, 2005

I'm pretty close to buying a CK20HST. (Any thoughts on Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment in Harvard, MA?)

I finally had a chance to try one out. Not on dirt, unfortunately, but on snow. Ramming a bank in low range, I could slow the engine but not slip the tires. They were industrial tread, which the dealer recommended. I wanted turf, to save my lawn and gardens, but he says they won't work on snow, mud, or aggressive pushing. Any thoughts on how easily turf treads clog, and on how gentle industrial treads are on finished surfaces?

BTW, I know people here like the bigger machines. But I don't have the space or money, need a narrower bucket for plowing some paths, and don't want the extra weight. And from a half-hour's banging around, I think the CK20 will work fine if I'm not in a big hurry.

Thanks for all the good advice here.

Bob_Skurka · Jan 31, 2005

I'm one of those who likes small (but powerful) tractors. Like you I want to fit the tractors into small places but I want the tractor to be capable too. I'm sure you'll find that the CK20 will suit your needs as you describe them. As for tire choices, both of my CUTs have R4/Industrial treds. I use them for mowing and they are pretty gentle as long as the turf is not wet. Mowing or driving on your lawn in 4wd will cause problems when you turn tight corners, you will see some tearing of the turf, but you won't have those problems on your grass in 2wd.

I've never used turf tires but I've got experience with AG (R1) tires and you don't want those on your lawn!

DirtHauler · Jan 31, 2005

When I bought my CK20 ST, I got the filled R4's for the stablity and added weight and they are not as tall as the R1's which gives a little bit lower center of gravity, and are wider (more foot print area). "Turf" tires are more like a "flotation" tire which are nice for soft areas i.e. lawns, golf courses, etc. but not much good for FEL work, box bladeing and the like. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

tedmed0302 · Jan 31, 2005

Hi there,

Im with Bob on all tire info he posted. Its been the same for me. I am also in MA. Those guys at Harvard were good to me as well. The only problem is they didnt have a CK20HST TLB when I was looking this fall. Matter of fact they had 2 promised ahead of me to other buyers! I bought mine at Mitch's on RT1a. They are 100 yards down the road from a Kubota Dealer---which I refuse to ever buy anything from again. Another story for a different day, email offline if you want details. Mitch's is also very good. If you go talk to a guy named Dan. I have a few pics for you if you want to take a look at what Im doing with it. I really enjoy using this machine. Would I buy another? Without question.

lcisled · Feb 1, 2005

I had industrial on my 4400 deere and when making a sharp turn on grass it would tear up the lawn. I was concerned when I bought my Ck20 about doing the same; so much so that I ordered turf tires to switch to in the summertime. The tires weren't in yet when summer came so I had no choice but to mow with the industrials. They worked just fine, actually to the point that I never took delivery on the turfs. I would go with the industrials again. I think that compact tractors look the best with industrial tires. I do not think that you will be unhappy with the industrials on your tractor.

MajMac392 · Feb 1, 2005

I have the Goodyear turf tires, Tera Turf I believe, on my 7-8 year old Cub Cadet, 7234, (23HP, 4WD, Gear). I got the turfs because of my concern for the lawns, etc but I have found them to me very good plowing snow as well. I'm not sure how much better the R-4s would be on snow. My driveway is 200' long at one point and has an uphill grade the whole way. I end up plowing uphill, (it's easier than packing the snow down and then coming back down) and I think they are great "snow tires" as well. The tires aren't loaded and no chains, but the tractor w/FEL weights about 33 - 3400 pounds. That said, I think the turfs are a lot softer than the R-4s. I punched a hole in one of them probably from the remnants of a small tree/sapling and I don't think that would have happened to the R-4.

ccdck20hst · Feb 1, 2005

I have a CK20 HST TLB with industrial tires. In early fall I moved about 18 or so tons of gravel with the FEL over about 100 feet of my lawn. I probably made 20 to 25 trips over the same path varying my exact line of travel to not cause deep ruts in the grass. My lawn was not really soft but I found that after repeated trips over the same ground the lawn softened up a little. Only in a few small areas did the industrials leave any imprint. The tires did not cut through the turf to any degree. In recent snow storms, the industrials did pretty good in up to about a foot of fresh unmoved snow - the deepest storm yet. The front tires would slide a bit as I tried to turn before they grabbed. I am happy with the tire performance and note there is no significant damage at all to my lawn or gravel drive from the tread. Good luck in your shopping!!! Charlie

MajMac392 · Feb 2, 2005

One other thing on my last post. When you bought the R-4s on the Cubs back when I got mine, the rims had a piece of metal that I believe was welded around the outside of the valve stem to protect it in rough use. Not sure if Kioti or other manu. have the same mod to prevent ripping the valve stem or not.