tire size & chain question

[erik 0]

I have a 1990 312-8 with 23x9.5x12 tires on the back. I have no idea if this is the original size. I also don't know if I have the original wheels. (bought it used)

I just got a blower attachment and some wheel weights. I'm thinking I should get some chains as well. I could also use some new tires but don't know what size to get.

Could any tell me how much clearance I should have between the tire and the gas tank shield?

Anyone have any luck using a spacer between the wheel and the hub? or maybe that isn't worth it? (just use a skinnier tire)

Also, any tread recommendations? I use it to mow in the summer but my lawn is really not manicured. I tend to loose traction on even slight grades with my current turf tires that still have decent tread but are kind of beat. I was thinking of getting lug tires but don't know if thet will destroy my yard.

Thanks a bunch!!! I'm new to the wheel horse thing but am loving it so far!

[wh500special 2,160]

Although many guys report good results with cleat/ag/lug tires, I much prefer chains for winter use. They work well too for gardening, but probably aren't the best for your mowing task and can mark up concrete and asphalt.

www.tirechains.com is a good source of reasonably priced chains. They are imported (Chinese) chains for the most part, but are readily available, fast to ship, and reasonably priced. When you get the proper size for a given set of tires, chains are actually quite easy to put on and take off. When they don't fit, then it takes a LOT of cussing.

Your tire size is very common and you can find chains at Lowes, Depot, and Sears for that tire.

Steve

[erik 0]

Sounds good, thanks for the info. I will most likely pick up a set a chains for this winter. I haven't tried mowing yet with the wheel weights on so that may help my lawn traction. If not I'll look into new tires.

Nice profile picture

[can whlvr 993]

depends on your budget,i would put chains on your tires now and see the difference,its not even the same machine with chains regardless of existing tires,bald or not,i leave chains on year round,then when i need her to pull or go through mud or mow in the rain,a little damage here and there but im not that fussy,jmo

[GlenPettit 1,716]

Be sure to get "2-link" chains, not 4-link, twice as many cross links on the 2-link gives a much smoother and less bumpy ride, plus more traction when you need it. Weight in the Winter really helps a lot, will almost eliminate your chains slipping and damaging pavement in snow/ice.

[erik 0]

Will do, thanks for the info. I checked out Lowes and found that the chains they carry are significantly more money than tirechains.com and they only have the "4-link" chains.

[can whlvr 993]

if possible get the 2 link v bar,i have most styles of chain and these get the best traction,then the 4 link with v bars,but they are bumpy,but do work very well as compared to no chains

[GlenPettit 1,716]

I have a set of 2-link V-bar that I do leave on the tractor all year. You must be very careful on pavement (cement - asphalt), if the tires spin the V-bars will quickly chew into the pavement, they are fantastic on snow/ice, gravel and dirt, great traction. Since they have been on some 10 years now, the v-bars are worn down a lot, but still great traction and bite, they are much safer on pavement now and the heavy filled tires and wheel weights almost eliminate any slipping. This tractors is used for snow in the Winter and dirt moving & towing in the Summer, the front blade is left on all year also. The actual chains themselves, holding the V-bars, still look almost new, with very little wear because the V-bars take it all. On Snow & Ice, the 2-link "hardened" V-bars are the very best, well worth the extra cost, but be very cautious if used on pavement.

[erik 0]

Thanks for all the advice. I wound up with a set of generic wheel weights on the back and picked up some 2-link chains. It's a tight fit between the tank and the tire with the 23x950x12 tires I have but it works.

I live in CT and we just got a big storm, I had about 15". The wheel horse with the snow thrower handled it with ease.

Thanks again for the help.

Attached Image

[erik 0]

another pic

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[GlenPettit 1,716]

Eric:

Your work looks great, when the City & Neighbors sees that work, they'll want to sub-contract you. Great Job!

.

Pump up your rear tires to 20# psi, makes a slightly larger diameter tire, firmer traction and much tighter chains. Have you followed "the Dukes" posts on what he's done with his snowthrower. We're all waiting eagerly here in Michigan for our heavy snow in a few days, really, really.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,300]

I live in CT and we just got a big storm, I had about 15".

Where in Ct.? I'm in Andover.

Mike.........

[can whlvr 993]

good job and thats a s!!!load of snow,bet you were glad too be ready for it :notworthy:

[Curmudgeon 28]

In reply to your question of using ags for mowing, I highly recommend them. I have found they do LESS damage to the yard. Instead of all that tire slip and such on the hills, tearing up the grass, there is usually sufficient traction to keep going, especially if you have wheel weights.

If you go with something such as Carlisle Chevron AT101's, you'll get a nice compromise between a slippery turf tread, and a more aggressive lug tire. The lugs are about half as large, but twice as many of them, as compared to the typical lug tire.

As the others said, chains are the way to go in winter. I grew up on the farm, and lug tires and a 10,000 pound tractor still spun on ice. No matter how much weight you add, ice is ice, and rubber on ice slips just fine.

[erik 0]

thirdroc17

Thanks for the follow up. Great point on the ags for mowing. I rip up my lawn pretty good with the turf tires from slipping all over.

can whlvr

very happy. I got the chains on and everything set up the night before. I just bought the blower used and it's a little beat up and whoever repaired it did a poor job. I figured I'd just use it and see what breaks. The tensioner spring broke but I was able to rig it with a large zip tie until I finished... with my driveway and both my neighbors!!

I never had so much fun clearing snow.

Sparky

Mike-

I'm in Haddam, not too far from you.

GlenJeri

I'll up the pressure in my tires for next storm. I think I have some leaks and maybe some punctures, have you ever used that "slime" seal or should I just go with tubes?

Thanks

Thanks all for your help. This was my first post and you are all very helpful. Very cool. Hopefully someday I'll be able to help some of you out.

[Kelly 1,029]

TUBES don't slime the tires what a mess if you have to change the tires later

[rickv1957 72]

Looks like your tractor is doing a great job! Rick

[Curmudgeon 28]

TUBES don't slime the tires what a mess if you have to change the tires later

AGREED!!!!!!

One of my pet peeves. Pneumatic tires should NEVER have ANYTHING in them but AIR like they were designed for.

Not everyone agrees with that, but then, it's their mess when they get a puncture. :notworthy:

[erik 0]

Tubes it is!!