Wheels for an 1845

[marrt]

Ok guys…after a lot of research, I decided to just buy the wheels from PT. They are $75 a piece. I’m sure I could have gotten wheels cheaper with a little more work. However, I don’t mind letting PT make a little profit since they are great people to work with and have to keep all these parts in stock.

For the tires themselves, I want something more than 4 ply. I know the rolling radius goes up a bit with the increase in Ply rating, but I can’t believe this is a big deal. Here’s what I’ve found for pricing for the Tru Power R1 tread:

26x12.00-12 * 4-ply $69.79 (this is for the Tru Power AT, which is a slightly different design and I believe is the tire on sedgewood’s tractor)
26x12.00-12 6-ply $87.56
26x12.00-12 8-ply $99.49
26x12.00-12 10-ply $102.47

At these prices, I thinking about the 10-ply unless someone thinks this would be a mistake.

 

[KentT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
At these prices, I thinking about the 10-ply unless someone thinks this would be a mistake.
)</font>

Just be aware that the higher the number of plies the harsher the ride... you also risk losing a tiny bit of traction (less footprint on the ground) and tread cleaning action -- it is the minor flexing of the sidewall that clears mud from the lugs...

(a) I've known people who've put 6-ply R1s on 700-1000 lb machines then pulled them off because they ride so rough -- even with only 6-8 PSI...

(b) Pulling tractors use lower ply ratings so they'll put a larger footprint on the ground, similar to "wrinkle-wall racing slicks" for dragsters...
Some sidewall flex is good, in most circumstances.

Why are you looking for the 10-ply? Puncture resistance?

Another "spec" to consider in addition to ply rating is the max weight rating. For example, ATV tires have VERY low weight ratings because they're designed for lightweight machines. Garden tractor tires typically have much higher weight ratings, and skidsteer or "Ditch Witch" tires even more....

Personally, I think I'd stick to 6 or perhaps 8 ply unless I was really concerned about punctures... and perhaps add some type of good sealant instead. Your mileage may vary...

Here's a couple of very good eBay tire stores, but I'm not sure if they have the really high ply ratings:

Tucker Tire -- he has the original-style Power Trac tires

Rustybore's Tire Store -- has Carlisle Super Lug R1s

 

[tracdoc]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Personally, I think I'd stick to 6 or perhaps 8 ply unless I was really concerned about punctures... and perhaps add some type of good sealant instead. Your mileage may vary...)</font>

I agree with Kent. I'd go with the "Bulletproof" grade of Ultraseal. Best price overall I found (considering shipping, too) was at Gempler's. It's amazing stuff. Just be sure that you use the proper volume for your specific tire size. Gempler's has tables where you can look up what you will need per tire.