Rear tire size question for a 312-A

[davem1111 2,030]

I looked around before posting this and found some hints to the answer but wanted to be specific and see what all your thoughts are.

 

I had swapped a pair of 23 x 8.5-12 Ag lug tires and wheels off the 416-8 that was in dire shape, that @Snoopy11 has now made a working machine out of, with the idea that I'd put them on my 312-A since I need to get back in the muddy fields at times and am tired of sliding around and getting stuck.  Unfortunately, the valve stem broke on one of them, and the other one's valve stem blew apart when I put air in it. I knew these tires were a bit cracked but thought they might still have some life in them, so I put new valve stems in them. However, they both still leak, one rather badly, air coming out of multiple cracks.

 

Considering the option of putting tubes in some old badly cracked tires or buying new tires, I'm leaning strongly toward the latter option. Didn't want to spend the money now but tubes aren't exactly cheap either, and to me that seems like a not-so-great idea.  

 

So, I'd like to buy some new tires. I think I'd like to upsize to 23 x 9.5 or 10.5.  My GT-1848 has 9.5's on it and there is still about 2" clearance on the inside, so I don't think I'd need spacers with the 10.5's unless the hub spacing is different on the 312-A's rear.  But I'm also seeing some 25 x 10-12 ATV tires that look pretty cool, and I was wondering if the taller tires would be an issue. If anything, my cut is a bit low even with the deck wheels on the highest setting, but I'd probably need to re-level the deck.  

 

Anyone think the 10.5's would be too wide?  I think I'd like the wider look, if it's feasible.

 

Is it a bad idea to go with a taller tire? If I'm figuring it right, going from a 23" to a 25" would raise the rear by 1" which doesn't seem like a lot.

 

Brand-wise, the old ones were Carlisle's and that seems to be the most popular brand. Any experiences with Deestone or MaxAuto?

 

Thanks!

Edited July 26, 2022 by davem1111

[Pullstart 62,905]

I have Deestone tires.  They run small.  10.5 will be closer to 8.5 wide all day long.  I’d try tubing the old ones… they are generally harder rubber…

[ebinmaine 67,570]

6 hours ago, davem1111 said:

Is it a bad idea to go with a taller tire? If I'm figuring it right, going from a 23" to a 25" would raise the rear by 1" which doesn't seem like a lot

 

In actual math you're correct. 

Tire actual sizes however vary. A LOT. 

 

IMHO... Stick to the Carlisle. 

 

I have a set of Trupower with a wheel edge bead protector. Those are commercial grade and rugged. 

They make other AG tires as well. 

Avoid Deestones because of the sizing issues. 

Some of the tires on Simpletire.com have actual sizes listed. 

I'm not a fan of the look of round edge ATV tires on a tractor and I do believe they lack stability. 

 

I can't speak for a 10.5 being able to fit in your later model. 

 

 

5 hours ago, Pullstart said:

I’d try tubing the old ones

I agree with that except for this:

 

6 hours ago, davem1111 said:

they both still leak, one rather badly, AIR COMING OUT OF MULTIPLE CRACKS

 

Multiple places of air already escaping means the entire structure of the tire is at its failure point. 

I can see saving a set of original WH tires for a show cruiser that way but NOT on a worker.  

[Lee1977 6,663]

A full height 25" tire gets tighton a 312. I had to bend the outside of the foot board on my 312-8. I also raised the fender 1 3/4" by putting a spacer under the seat bracket, that also requires spacers under the gas tank mounts.

These are Carlisle All Trail II. The front still has the 6" spindles with 8" wheels and tires.

 

 

[davem1111 2,030]

I've decided to go with the Carlisle Tru Power 23x10.50-12's. I'll have them before the weekend and can get them mounted up. Need to clean up the bead groove on the rims before mounting. 

 

Has anyone used Bead Buster mounting paste?  I'm planning to just use silicone unless this stuff makes an amazing difference. 

[Pullstart 62,905]

Nice choice!

 

I use this bead sealer from the local parts store.  It has worked on numerous old mud tires, all worn, swapped many times, tire spooned and stretched around without fail.  I imagine a smaller quantity is available too.  I’ve even heard of rubber cement being used!

[davem1111 2,030]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

Nice choice!

 

I use this bead sealer from the local parts store.  It has worked on numerous old mud tires, all worn, swapped many times, tire spooned and stretched around without fail.  I imagine a smaller quantity is available too.  I’ve even heard of rubber cement being used!

 

Ordering a can of this stuff too.  Not sure when you bought that but it's $30.62 on Amazon....   But it will be handy to have around...

 

Couldn't find a smaller quantity. 

 

Edited July 26, 2022 by davem1111

[Pullstart 62,905]

It’s been a few years…. But it seems (or seams ) to last forever!

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

14 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

last forever!

 

I bought a can about a decade ago  and have used it exactly twice.  Still liquid though.

 

It's this one, and cheaper than the blue can:

 

This one is flammable, I think the blue can said NOT flammable, if that matters to you.  I think flammable stuff always works better!  Fire is cool...

Gimmee FUEL, gimmee FIRE, gimmee that which I desire!

 

 

Edited July 26, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[Pullstart 62,905]

6 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said:

Gimmee FUEL, gimmee FIRE, gimmee that which I desire!

 

ooooh!

[Mike in NC 341]

I put a set of Deestone Ag's on my 312-Hydro. I bought the 10.5 and they are closer to the original 9.50's that I took off. I did put tubes in them as I plan to fill with fluid. I like the look and it does not interfere with fenders or the mowing deck.