Need new front tire(s)? (1700 2wd)

[JohnFourteenSix]

Hi folks

I have a Ford 1700 2wd with turf tires and FEL (which I'm pretty sure I use beyond its weight rating).

One of my front tires busted and I'm in need of a new one. It's a Carlisle 4 ply turf saver. I'm under the impression that it wore out because of weight but not sure. Should I get another turf saver, or can I find a better tire for a reasonable price? I don't mind getting ag front tires if that's an option (and would handle the weight better), and I'll eventually want to get ag tires (or chains) for the back as well.

 

[ruffdog]

Get 2 turf 6 ply tires.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

The best I could find is 2 - 2x8.-1 6 Ply BKT LG 36 Master Lawn Mower Tires 2x8-1 2x8.-1 | eBay these guys?

Can I get tires a size bigger (20.5 or 21) or smaller? might open up my horizons wrt finding something a bit cheaper (a new "turfsaver" is about $50.. though if the other one is gonna go soon, the savings might not be that much). There seem to be more options open for trailer tires; would trailer tires be a bad choice? are they less puncture resistant?

 

[ruffdog]

After looking around, that's not that bad of a price. If you want a 6 ply or better, the price jumps up.

 

[Wolfy]

The R1s are not going to handle the loader weight well.

 

[Texasmark]

You want a fat tire with a stiff sidewall. Additionally you want a ribbed tire as the rib digs into the soil and aids turning when on a 2wd machine, or 4wd without it engaged and operator doesn't use the brake. Turf tires just skid across the ground and narrow tires sink and soft sidewalls just break down the sidewall with a full load and hard turn. BTDT

You can't tell about a tire shopping online. You have to touch it to know what it's really like. I spent the last several years trying to get soft rides on my equipment and have a cellar full of tires I bought that don't do what I wanted done.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

What kind of stores would sell such tires for a reasonable price? Can I also consider things like trailer tires too? I realize the OEM tires were ribbed as well.

Could I go with 21 or 22 inch tires as well (so long as the rims and width match), can I even go for a wider width, or would that mean changing the rims as well. There's only so much I'm willing to invest for more capacity or a better ride (maybe ~$150ish)

 

[Wolfy]

My brother has a 2WD Ford 1700 with the R3s, I think his front tires are shallow ribbed. In your first post you mentioned R1s, that would require 4 new rims and rear centers.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

Yeah, I think i'll scratch the idea of getting rear ag tires off my list; at least for now. I'm inclined to go with the link from ebay, which would end up being $130 after shipping for a set. Though, some ribbed tires would be nice as well.

 

[ruffdog]

invest for more capacity or a better ride (maybe ~$150ish)

Just remember that capacity equals more plys and ride means less plys.