[Jim_ed]

Need some tire advice from you all.
I am setting up two 140’s one for mowing and one to work in the dirt. I am going to put bar tires on the one that will be used in the dirt.
I have two different size wheels on set is 8.5 inches wide and the other is 10.5 inches wide.
Up to now I have been mowing with the 8.5 inch wheels – I live on a hill and some times they will spin more then I would like. So I was thinking about putting the 10.5 inch ones on it.
Both sets of wheels have turf type tires on them and both are in about the same condition.
So I guess what I am asking is am I doing the right thing? Or should I just put up with the wheel spin when mowing and get the bigger bar tires for working in the dirt?
O-by-the-way this will be my first set of “bar tires” where and what kind should I get?
Eddie

 

[jdjake49]

Eddie,

I would definitely put the lug tires on the larger rims. Get 23 X 10.5 X 12 lug tires. I bought some Carlise Super Lug tires which are 4 ply and am satisfied with their performance. I added fluid to the tires and have 200# of suitcase weights on the back of my 322. I put on a front blade and will run out of traction not power.

Your mowing tractor might just need a little more weight. I would put fluid in the tires and / or add wheel weights. I had the same problem with my 345 until I added fluid to the tires.

Just my opinion,

George of Buford

 

[novajon]

Eddie:

I believe the 10.5's are what came originally on the 140's. I also purchased a set of Carlisle lugs this year. They are the 4 ply 23x10.5x12. I got them from Fleet Farm for $62 each. I haven't had a chance to fully experience them as I purchased them for snow plowing. I was told that you have to be careful in grass because the bar lugs can have a tendency to tear it up, especially if it is a little wet and when turning. I love the look of the bar lug though.

 

[Tpwoodchuck]

I also have a pair of Carlisle 23x10.5 12's bar tires on one of my 140's. I filled mine, about 5.5 gallons each, with used antifreeze from a local salvage yard. They came from the local tire shop that supplies my car and truck tires. Cost was about $90/pair. I love the traction I get and have no problems pulling my Brinly attachments. For what it's worth I also have Carlisle bar tires on one of my 70's that mows lawn. They are not loaded and offer good traction without tearing up the grass, but then the tractor is a lot lighter.

 

[Jim_ed]

OK sounds like what I need to do is put the bar tires on te 10.5 rims.
Timothy, did you put the antifreeze in your self? Did you use a tube? How did you put it in?
I will call around tomorrow and see if I can find some here in town.
I may have the rims powder coated.
Not much else to do with the tractors in Oklahoma in the winter - not enough snow to get them out.
eddie

 

[Willin_in_nd]

Can anyone tell me if you can mix RV anti-freeze and windshield washer solution for loading up rear tires on my 200 series tractor? I just happen to have a case of RV anti-freeze. Thought I would put half in each tire and top it of with windshield washer solution. Does anyone know if this would be a problem? Let me know, okay? Til later, WILL

 

[jim_s]

o.k. boys here we go ..... i purchased firestone 23x8.5x12 bar floatation tires and let me tell ya if they perform as good as they look ...watch out

 

[Tpwoodchuck]

Eddie,
Yes. I filled the tires myself. First I mounted the tires and inflated them to seat the bead. Next the valve stem should be removed to relieve the air pressure so you can break the bead, just enough to pour in your fluid weight of choice. Make sure your rim & tire are at least level and reinstall the valve stem to get the most fluid in possible. Finally use air pressure to reseat the bead and fill the tire. Be careful here, too much pressure and the only way to relieve it will be to loose some fluid.

Hope this helps. I learned this from a friend whose father used to own a John Deere dealership.

 

[ajcan]

Eddie
I would use the 10.5 inch rims on the dirt mover and put on Firestone 23 degree bar tires 26x12x12.They will fit under the 140.Word of caution antifreeze is toxic and can kill animals if ingested If it ever leaks out.

AJ

 

[jim_s]

when filling tires with fluid i have been told to use tubes in the tires so the rims wont get rusty

 

[tbjd140]

Hi Everyone,

Eddie B.
I realize everyone is always strapped for cash, but if it were me. I would try to save up and put bar tires on both tractors. We mow around are pond bank that is fairly steep with bar tires with very little slippage. To work in the dirt the bar tires are really nice. I have a set of Firestone 23 x 8.5 x 12 and a set of Carlisle Titans 23 x 10.5 x 12s and really like them both.
I personally am not a big fan of putting fluid in the tires. just a pain if you have a leak or something.
Good Luck with your choice.
Tom B.

 

[george_bock]

Tom, Have you used the Firestones in snow yet? I've been wanting to get a pair, but kinda choked on the price. Didn't know if they're worth the extra money.

George

 

[tbjd140]

Hi Everyone,
George B.
I have not used my Firestones in the snow other than to just drive through it to feed the cattle. But even then they seem to bite really well, and are a whole lot better than turf tires. I know the the prices of them are a little scary but they will last a long time. I have a neighbor who put a set on his tractor in 1970 and they are still in very good shape. So if you look at it that way it does not look so pricey. They really bite good in the dirt, but I am not real sure about snow.
Take care Tom B.

 

[george_bock]

Tom, Thanks for the info. I have 2 sets of Carlisle Tru-power lugs. 10.50 & 8.50. The 8.50's seem to do much better in the snow. I've heard great things about the Firestone 23degree lugs. I'm needing another set & wanted some opinions. Since most of my lug tire work has been in snow, was curious about your experience. Hope to get to a plow day sometime.
Thanks again, George

 

[tbjd140]

Hi Everyone,

George Bock.
I would definitely agree with you that the 8.50's would be much better in snow than the 10.50's. You are cutting a smaller path. As far as the Firestones being better than the Carlisle in the snow I am not sure of that, But they seem to have a lot more bite in the grass when mowing or in the dirt when playing. thats the best I can tell you for now. It would be great to meet you at a plow day sometime.

Take care Tom B.

 

[jdsteve]

Just purchased a 1996 425 with around 800 hrs with engine tore down. Prior owner took engine apart due to as he stated water in oil. He purchased new head gaskets and 2 used heads but never installed them . Is there anything else I should look for that would cause this problem before I reassemble the engine. Thanks in advance for your time.
Steve

 

[jdmaninlouky]

Water pump and related gaskets / seals are known to allow water to get in oil also on that particular Kawasaki engine .

Dave

 

[jdsteve]

Thank you so much David, I will check on the gaskets,seals and water pump ASAP. I will let you know if I find that to be the problem.
Steve

 

[jdmaninlouky]

Steve -

The water pump plate to engine cover seal has been a known problem spot ; with corrosion eating through , and needs to be surfaced back flat - smooth - and cleaned , before attaching the new water pump , or even the old water pump , if still good . I've put mine off on the 445 for when I install the new steel cam , then I'll do it all at the same time .

If you still have the plastic cam in the motor (1996 had them) , now is the perfect time to change it out .

Dave

 

[jdsteve]

David,
I was wondering if mine had the new cam installed or not. If not I was thinking about changing it out while fixing my water and oil problem. I will check when I remove the pump. I hope it has been installed and I get by with only a resurfacing of the plate and new gaskets and seals. I'm planning to tear into Saturday morning.
Thanks for all your help.
Steve