Filled tires on a Cub Cadet M60 Tank ZTR

[WINSTONSM]

Has anyone had any experience on filling the tires on a ZTR mower for better traction?????? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Nasty135]

Winston, Well honestly I haven't , But it might not be a bad idea... I have the green twin to the M60 (Lesco)and I know where your coming from... Any slight slope and the high-side wheel is about useless. I think that is why some manufacture's have come up with the wide track models which sets the wheels out about 4" more for added stability and traction..

Another thought also is to exchange the turf tire for the narrow cleated tire ... I have a cousin in the Ohio hills that did change to the narrow cleated tire and he said it was better but by how much I'm not sure. I just know my tires are still new and I don't plan on changing them anytime soon...

So if you fill your tires let the rest of us know how it works out... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Spiffy]

Except what to do with the "old" ones if they're not wore out, I'd think changing to a bar tread would give the most traction and least turf damage of the two options.

Most (all?) Grasshopper frontmounts I've seen have bar tread, so they must be fairly available. For that matter maybe they're more effective on a frontmount than a mid too, but don't see where they wouldn't work on a midmount just as well.

Definitely let us know what approach/combination thereof works the best when you figure it out! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[gamble77]

Cub makes a traction tire for the Tanks, you ought to look into them...they really do make a difference.

 

[JohnSinVA]

I'd look into a better traction tire before opting to fill the stock tires. If you think you have a rough ride now wait until you have the rears filled. I think bone-jarring would be an apt description.

 

[WINSTONSM]

We have the coarse tread design tires on these M60 Tanks that were available but sometimes that just isn't enough! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif It just seems like we need something a little bit more and filling them was our next option. The slightest slip on a slope, sends us down to the bottom!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I'll keep everybody informed when we can slow down long enough to get one of the mowers filled and test it out!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jcmseven]

I think filling the tires would be a nice option. I think it would help turning when the terrain is hilly. I have a new 757 JD and it handles hills well, but last week when mowing for my neighbor, I hit a wet hill that sent me skating. I had no business on the grade I was on, but it came upon me before I fully knew. I started "skating" and that is scary. It seemed no matter what I did the mower went faster. I would have only hit an electric fence (ouch) but still it was not fun. I think having loaded tires would have allowed me to steer out of the problem a little easier than I did, but I still got out of it without dying. I would do it. Anti-freeze or methanol or an environmentally-friendly doggie friendly RimGuard would not cost that much and you could always take it out if you did not like it.

John M

 

[gamble77]

This is the biggest problem with the Tanks that I hear about. They are heavy heavy machines, which is good in some instances but they aren't the best on hills, tend to slide.

 

[WINSTONSM]

I talked to our Cub dealer today and he said that filling the tires would help alot and he has one for me to come and try out before I do ours! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif He said I would like it! I'll let everyone know how it goes!! BTW, How well do the Grasshoppers do on slopes?? Just curious?? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jcmseven]

I might end up doing the same thing on my 757. It is not often that I would need the extra weight, but once and a while I could. In theory, it sounds like a good idea.

John M