New Tires ...

[Al C. 1,428]

I'm thinking about new rear tires for my SK-486 (replace 1982 originals).   I'd like to go up a size from 22x7.5x12 to 23x8.5x12 on the rear.   I've never changed tires before.  Will the larger size tires fit the current wheels?  Will the larger diameter tire put unreasonable stress on the 1" axle and four pinion differential?  Do I need any special tools?   I'm trying to avoid surprises.  

[Bert 760]

20 minutes ago, Al C. said:

   I'd like to go up a size from 22x7.5x12 to 23x8.5x12 on the rear.  Will the larger size tires fit the current wheels?  Will the larger diameter tire put unreasonable stress on the 1" axle and four pinion differential? 

 

The 23 inch tire will fit your rim and the lighter trans will hold up fine

[oldredrider 2,553]

Don't underestimate the strength of the 4 pinion tranny. It's a tough animal. Never heard of one being pushed too far doing garden tractor work.

[scotty 252]

I agree i put the 23x8.50-12 ag tires on my b-80 with the 4 pinion there's nothing that it cant do compared to an 8 pinion.

[Don1977 604]

I have 23x10.5x12 on a C-120 and 25x9x12 on a 312-8 had to raise the fender and bend the foot pad little on the 312-8.

 

 

 

 

[Al C. 1,428]

Any special tools or unusual effort required to mount new tires?

[doc724 925]

Check your local walmart.  I have heard some of them will do it for $5 plus the cost of the valves and disposal cost of the old tire.  One close to me is $7.50 per tire labor plus valve and disposal.  Cheaper than the local gas station.  Getting these tires on/off is a bear even if you have one of the cheapie Harbor Freight tire mounting machines.  The harbor freight machine (the smaller one) is perfect for the front tires since few places can handle them.  Big tires can be mounted using an automotive tire assembly machine

[SylvanLakeWH 26,135]

Discount Tire does them around here - $12 / tire and worth every penny...

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@Al C.

 

[Dan Hankins 80]

23x10.5x12 on my sk486

 

[TDF5G 2,069]

On 9/7/2016 at 0:49 PM, scotty said:

I agree i put the 23x8.50-12 ag tires on my b-80 with the 4 pinion there's nothing that it cant do compared to an 8 pinion.

I did the exact same thing.  I have much better traction when mowing on the hills in my yard.  These are 23x8.50 Carlisles.

As far as changing tires, it's a chore and will require some effort without a tire changer.  You can do it yourself with a couple of tire tools.  If the beads are rusty and stuck you'll be cussing it before your done.  I've broken down beads with a bottle jack under the bumper of my pickup truck.  There are other methods also.

 

I would recommend watching some videos on youtube to see how it's done, then decide if you want to tackle it yourself.  

 

 

Edited September 8, 2016 by TDF5G

[Dan Hankins 80]

AL C do you know off hand what size belt these take from the engine to the deck?

 

[Al C. 1,428]

Dan, I replaced that belt last year. Let me get you the info.   I'll get back to you later today.   

[Rob.A.700 306]

I can cheat i have access to an automotive tire changer but thats only good for the rears. I still fight with the fronts If you do want to do it yourself lots of lube will make your life easy and to seat the beads a ratchet strap around the middle of the tire will help the bead seat

[Al C. 1,428]

4 hours ago, Al C. said:

Dan, I replaced that belt last year. Let me get you the info.   I'll get back to you later today.   

Dan,

 

So here is what I found.  The Wheel Horse part number for the SK-486 mower PTO belt is #102742 with specified dimensions 1/2"x103".  The belt that I put on last year is a 4L-1020 with specifications of 1/2"x102".  My guess is the difference in the specifications may be associated with the inside length versus the outside length.  In any case, the mule likely compensates for small variances and the 4L-1020 works great!  Hope this is helpful.

 

Al.

[Dan Hankins 80]

Thanks AL C helped out a ton.