Zero Turn 18x8.5-8 Rear Tire Recommendations for Hills

[Mike9166]

Looking for some assistance on rear tires for better grip on hills for my Ariens Ikon X 52 by replacing the stock super turf tires.

I've seen some past posts that recommend a chevron bar type lugs. Two tires mentioned where the Carlisle AT101 & Kenda KT472. Neither one of these tires come in a 18x8.5-8. I believe the Carlisle comes in a 18x9.5-8 but I'm concerned the extra 1" width may be an issue. In an earlier attempt to to eliminate tearing of the grass I took a recommendation of a YouTube video and mounted 20x10-8 tires/rims. After applying these 20x10-8 tires the mower then lacked the power to navigate the hills in my yard. They may have worked on a flat yard but not on my hills. So I removed them and put the stock 18x8.5-8 super turf tires back on which I'm now looking to replace more so now for hill traction than tearing of grass.

I found 2 tires in 18x8.5-8 that look similar to the AT101 & KT472 but might be slightly more aggressive. Here are the 2 tires:

OTR Lawn Trac: Amazon.com: OTR LAWN TRAC 18X8.50-8 18X850-8 Bar Lug Tires 4 ply Rated Heavy Duty: Automotive
Carlisle WT300: Amazon.com: Carlisle Paddles WT300 Industrial Tire -18/8.50-10: Automotive

Does anyone know if either one of the 2 tires would be acceptable or be the best option?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Richard001]

Welcome to TBN Mike.

Can't help you with the tire choices.

Richard

 

[MoKelly]

Welcome from Missouri. Be patient, you’ll get many recommendations.

MoKelly

 

[Mike9166]

Thanks guys!

 

[herm0016]

I really like the atv tires I put on my gt, and plan on them on my new to me time cutter, but can't find them in your size. They are off brand but similar to the field Trax.

 

[Mike9166]

Thanks Herm. Seems tires are limited in my size....

 

[Gem99ultra]

I doubt the extra 1" is going to make a bit of difference. I've seen more difference in that with different brand tires marked with the same dimensions.

 

[dusty3030]

I've got the AT101's on mine and I will say night and day difference on slopes. Stuff I couldn't mow before now I can.

Of the two you listed I'd opt towards the Carlisle one. The other certainly would be aggressive but I would suspect it would also ride rough as well as be pretty hard on the turf.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I also went with the AT101 for my Scag Turf Tiger

 

[Mike9166]

I doubt the extra 1" is going to make a bit of difference. I've seen more difference in that with different brand tires marked with the same dimensions.

Gem,

Do you think my past issue was due to the larger diameter and not the width?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Gem99ultra]

Gem,

Do you think my past issue was due to the larger diameter and not the width?

Thanks, Mike

The AT101 is a very wide tire and 20's are a LOT larger diameter than the 18's. And the AT101's are a super aggressive beast! I use something more mild much like their Field Track tire. On the other hand, I just buried my Husqvarna GTH up to the frame yesterday. I was trying to 'mow' some 2' high wire grass on the low side of one of our dams. (I now know - that just aiin't gonna happen until about August, even if I had AT101's).

Sometimes the problem simply isn't the tire. Maybe more power is needed, or a little better clutch, or maybe a 4 wheel drive? But those bar type tires are going to tear up some grass and cut some ruts. But to answer your question, yes, I think the 20's greatly hurt your available torque.

 

[Hay Dude]

I use the Carlisles on the ZD331 and it will go anywhere, but I’m switching to an F as soon as the chance comes. The ZD climbs hills fine and decends hills fine, but the tires have caused some turf damage.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have the AT101’s on my Hustler zero turn and they improved my traction 10 fold. And I do less damage to the grass turning too.

Your previous issue with larger tires was definitely because they were bigger diameter not wider. Takes more power the larger diameter you go.

The only time wider tires will be an issue is if the are rubbing the frame or some other part of the mower.

 

[Mike9166]

The AT101 is a very wide tire and 20's are a LOT larger diameter than the 18's. And the AT101's are a super aggressive beast! I use something more mild much like their Field Track tire. On the other hand, I just buried my Husqvarna GTH up to the frame yesterday. I was trying to 'mow' some 2' high wire grass on the low side of one of our dams. (I now know - that just aiin't gonna happen until about August, even if I had AT101's).

Sometimes the problem simply isn't the tire. Maybe more power is needed, or a little better clutch, or maybe a 4 wheel drive? But those bar type tires are going to tear up some grass and cut some ruts. But to answer your question, yes, I think the 20's greatly hurt your available torque.

Gem,

Thanks, Mike

 

[Mike9166]

Thanks for all the replies. I went with the AT101's. Mike