Mounting directional front tires

[Dgilmored 6]

I'm in the process of swapping out my front turf tires with some directional snowblower tires, with the hopes of gaining a little more traction, and I think it will look cool matching the ags in the back. 

     I'm getting a little old to wrestle with the process so I thought I would try Pittsburgh's mini tire changer. While researching U tube for reviews I came across a tech that was very informative with  how he uses the tool and the tire types as well. He spoke briefly about mounting directional tires on the front.  He said he heard from some people that mounting the tires backwards improved with the steering. Does anyone have any experience with this or any thoughts. 

[ebinmaine 76,080]

28 minutes ago, Dgilmored said:

mounting directional tires on the front.  He said he heard from some people that mounting the tires backwards improved with the steering. Does anyone have any experience with this or any thoughts. 

 

We've experimented with this a few times here at T & E Wheelhorse Stables. 

 

To define standard rotation of the front tire, match the tread direction of the rear. 

 

The following applies only to 2WD machines. 

 

Our findings: 

 

On light weight tractors such as a stock mid 60s small block with little to no additional weight  -  no difference seen in snow or deep leaves. Dirt, maybe a bit better with the treads pointing  "backwards."

 

On a heavier machine such as my C160s with a front implement or added weight I found a very noticeable difference with the front AG tires "backwards/ reversed."

With the front tires mounted to match the rears I had less steering and more slippage. 

 

 

IMHO and experience  - mount them pointing opposite of the rears. 

[ri702bill 10,778]

And if not happy with the reversed mounting - swap them side to side.

Just don't mount them both the same direction!! 

[Dgilmored 6]

Thank you for the info. Their going on my B80. I keep the dozer blade on full time and use the tractor primarily for pulling and grooming my gravel drive. I have a plow truck for the  snow, but it's always fun to play in the snow on B80.  I'm looking forward to see if the tires make a difference. Thanks again. 

[sqrlgtr 1,551]

I run loaded tri ribs and really haven't had any trouble steering but will be interested in your results.

[SylvanLakeWH 29,995]

32 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

loaded tri ribs

I thought you were going to say you run those backwards... 

 

But seriously, I have heard those are very good for ease of turning. Have you run them in snow at all?

[c-series don 10,851]

If you’re going for the cool factor, they have to face forward 😂

[Raider69 85]

I put these on the front of my B-100 Auto a couple years ago and so far they have not disappointed. They have handled 9" of heavy wet snow and dry fluffy stuff equally well. No additional weight, just the weight of the blade and frame.

 

 

[ebinmaine 76,080]

20 minutes ago, Raider69 said:

these

 

Very similar to a set on one of Trina's tractors. She's been pleased as well. 

 

I've considered getting them for my snow pusher.  

[Lagersolut 777]

8 hours ago, Raider69 said:

I put these on the front of my B-100 Auto a couple years ago and so far they have not disappointed. They have handled 9" of heavy wet snow and dry fluffy stuff equally well. No additional weight, just the weight of the blade and frame.

 

 

 

Put a set of these on the 416 - liked them so much the 315 got a set too - put a stop to the front slipping on those turf treads even in the summer wet grass - just as good in the ground as snow .