Filling Rear Tires

[Anonymous Poster]

I have 55 lb. weights on the rear wheels of my Craftsman 18 HP tractor. I am planning to add a set of chains. Has anyone filled the tires on their garden tractor with windshield fluid? Would this be overkill?

 

[gobbler]

Usually it's a one or the other proposition. Either fill the tires or get rear weights but not both.

Jim

 

[s1120]

My Ingersoll tires were filled. Now they are not becouse I just got a set of AG tires, and a set of wheel weights. I will play it by ear, and if I need more weight, I will fill them. Do you have the need fore more weight? Its only overkill if you don't need it.

 

[Argee]

Whatever you fill them with, be it CC or an antifreeze solution, install tubes so it doesn't affect your wheels. An ounce of prevention...................

 

[s1120]

Yes. Always use tubes if you fill. Tubes are cheaper then rims./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[JerryG]

We had a tractor like your with the 55 lbs. weights and chains. If you put the chains on, you won't need the fluid. It is amazing how much difference the chains make.

 

[Corm]

I filled the rear tires, and I use chains on my garden tractor. The filled rear tires really make the unit feel safer and more stable on side hills, while also aiding in traction. I still need the chains to mow some of the grades on my lawn. Without the chains, even with the differential locked, I couldn't make it up some of the grades. I ran a Toro 312H like this for 14 years, and just retired it when I bought a new Cub Cadet 3208 recently. For me, filling the tires and using tire chains is the only way to go.

Corm

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Since I have the wheel weights I will not fill the rear tires, but will probably buy a set of chains for additional traction. Appreciate all of the feadback.

 

[Steelfan]

Hey Oldud,

I think I've got the same 18hp Craftsman that you do. I have the 55 lb weights, and I got them mainly for mowing hills. My Craftsman is about 16 years old, and it does a great job of holding the turf. I recently bought a 16 hp Wheelhorse from the early 80's, and my new (used) NH TC21D , and my Craftsman is still around. I love the way it cuts, and it didn't ever cost me a dime other than belts. I don't have a front blade, but I'd imagine that the tractor would push a bunch of snow with the chain, weights, and blade. Good Luck, I think you should have a great time pushing snow.

Kent

 

[Anonymous Poster]

SteelFan - The Craftsman has been a good tractor. I bought a new Snapper riding lawnmower to replace the Craftsman. I have removed the mowing deck and have removed all of the parts to be used for future projects. I will use the Craftsman as a tractor with various sleeve hitch attachments. I just ordered a sleeve hitch from Sears. Once I get it and get it installed I am then going to buy a rear blade and probably a box scraper. Sears doesn't sell a snow blade to fit this tractor so I will have to try and locate one somewhere else. There may be other attachments that I will also purchase later after I see how the Craftsman does with the blade and box scraper. I have several ideas for modification to the tractor and may try and made some attachments. Will keep you posted.