AG tires on the front: My reasoning......

[Polaris2007 4]

Hi all. I'm nearing completion of my '77 C-120 8-speed restoration, and I plan to plow with it this winter. I have a 54" (I think) plow from an old Bolens that I am going to graft onto the C-120. I have already bought a set of brand new Carlisle 23-8.50-12 AG tread tires for the rear. I still need to buy a new set of tires for the front. I am seriously thinking of puting matching AG treads on the front to help keep the front from sliding sideways when angle plowing. This tractor will be used for everything BUT mowing, so I will not be making a bunch of tight radius turns on the lawn, ripping it up with AG tires on the front. Gonna twitch a few small logs out of my woodlot also. So is there any reason at all that I should NOT put AG treads on the front? Anyone have any opinions/experiences they would share? thanks guys. :scratchead:

[Sarge 3,470]

Go for it ! Both 1277's, as well as my C-160 all have ags on the front with no ill effects. The 12's both run liquid-filled Carlisle Tru Power 16x6.50x8's on the front and still steer just fine. It really does help tracking with plow duty and all 3 see duty mowing-doesn't hurt the yard at all . The big C-160 even runs chains year 'round , unless you really get silly with the hydro they don't even leave a mark in the grass.

Look around a bit, someone usually has a good blade for sale, the original WH blades are so easy to work with and very tough!

Sarge

[sorekiwi 761]

I havent done it (yet!!), but 3 rib front tires are supposed to be the best set up for the front for sideways bite.

AND they look awesome! :scratchead:

[Kelly 1,035]

I have the 16x6.50 x8 ags on the front of my C-120 that see's mainly plow duty, I like them but I'm going to try chains on the front this year, Polaris where are you from?? I have a few plows for sale, I'm in MI.

[beeman 0]

i put 3 rib narrow tires on all my tractors they steer easyer and track better. on my 1650 cub cadet i put 16.50 x 8. 3 rib with 26 x 12 x12 ag tires on back. i snow plow with in winter and go to the plow days in summer it's great. i will put same set up on my d-200. 3 rib look cool too.

[can whlvr 994]

i think that ags on the front are just plain cool,they realy make the machine look tough,dont forget about the roller chain trick on the front,i have it on 2 of my tractors and it really helps.

[gregg.d250 0]

I've tried Carlisle Tru-Power ags on the front of tractors using a front blade and have found when turning, the ag 'ribs' are in-line with the intended turning direction and have caused increased slip.

If you want to run ags up front, try reversing their pattern direction (i.e. swap front right and left wheels) for snow plowing.

I've never had a better front tire than the Vredestein V61 5-rib in the 170/60-8 size (which equates to a 16x6.50-8). They're also available in the 18x8.50-8 size too. V61 tires are used in true agricultural applications and are stronger than any 'normal' tire available from Carlisle, et al.

You can find them at Miller Tire or the Tire Place of Queens, NY. Pricey, but I'll tell you they are worth the money and useful for mowing, pulling a plow, and snow work. They're easy on the lawn and shed mud and snow like no other tire.

[Crow Horse 8]

I "split the difference" between ribbed tires and AG's up front. I used Carlisle X-Tracs and will be using chains up front as well.....

Attached Image

[Polaris2007 4]

Thanks for the opinions guys....i think I'm gonna go with a set of AGs on the front. I'd like to see a picture of a C-series with AGs on the front first though. Sarge, do you have any you could post? Or anyone else for that matter?

Thanks again....

[Kelly 1,035]

This is the best pic I have right now I'll try to get a better one tomarrow after work.

[Sarge 3,470]

I'll try to get a pic of her tomorrow. The C has the cheapo Deestones or something, both 1277's use the Carlisle Tru Power fronts/rears. Definitely a difference in traction ...

Sarge

[Polaris2007 4]

Sarge, Are you saying there is a difference in traction between the Carlisle Tru-power AGs and the Deestone Ags? I have brand new Carlisle Tru-power AGs for the rear, but I figured I might save a buck or two by going with the Deestone(or whatever) AGs for the front. Should I shoot the lock off the wallet and get a set of Carlisle Tru-power AGs for the front, or will the Deestones do just as well?

[Polaris2007 4]

Oh yeah, Sarge what "liquid" do you run in the front tires? Do you run it in the rear too?

[Sarge 3,470]

The 1277's run RV antifreeze both front and rear as well as wheel weights. Sucks taking any tires off them . The big C just weights front/rear, no liquid.

At the right angle, you can squeeze 7.5 gallons into a 23x8.50x12 , but not much air , lol....

Sarge

[KC9KAS 4,745]

FYI, 7.5 gallons of water weighs 62.55 pounds, and I would expect the RV antifreeze to weigh about the same, so that is 120# plus on the rear.

How much fluid can you get in the front tires?

[Stigian 1,235]

Just bought a pair of these for the front of my 312-8.

I plan to fill em up to help with steering in the mud, oh and to help keep the front wheels down :scratchead:

[Sarge 3,470]

Steers in 16x6.50x8 will take almost 2 gallons.

Last I checked, rears weighed right at 150lbs with the cast iron weights added to them. Not much wheelspin now!

Sarge

[Duff 206]

Ian, who made those tires and are they 16x6.50x8's? They look great!

Duff :notworthy:

[Rideawaysenior 28]

Polaris,

Hello. I live in the North East and have a D160 that I plow with. It has a 54in blade as well. The year before last, I had a real rough time keeping the front on track so I decided to try chains on the front tires. They worked perfectly. I tend to like chains better for plowing because they can get somewhat of a grip even on ice. I've tried just AG tires alone and they do work until I get to that portion of snow that is either compacted or hiding a sheet of ice. Just my two cents worth of opinion. That C120 should handle that 54in blade with ease. Just load up that tractor with weight.

[Duff 206]

Jack - check your email in a few minutes - I'll be sending you a message!

Duff :notworthy:

[Sarge 3,470]

Here's the '74 C-160 -

The 1277 w/Carlisle's -

Sarge

[KC9KAS 4,745]

For weight in tractor tires, the local NEW HOLLAND ag dealer here in town uses calcium chloride in the tubed tires, and windsheild washer fluid in the tubeless tires. The calcium chloride will corrode metal really bad, so you wouldn't want that on your WH!

The fellow told me to take my WH tire & wheel off the tractor, break the bead on one side only and pour what-ever fluid you are using into the tire from the broken bead side, then air it up. He said this is what they do to small garden tractor/mower tires when the owner wants fluid in the tires.

Anyone ever use round weights from a "dumb-bell" set. I was thinking a round piece of steel the diameter of the hole in the weight welded to a flange that is the wheel bolt pattern. Bolt this along with the wheel onto the axle, add weights, then use a lynch pin or even thread the end and use a self locking nut. May have to counter sink the holes and get longer wheel bolts. Ideas anyone?

[Stigian 1,235]

Duff - Just been down the Shack to see what make the tires are..

Only fitted them yesterday and had forgot already

They are made by Kenda and yep they are 16x6.50x8's

Here they are fitted on the 312-8, not filled yet but boy do they grip!!

Full lock, full throttle on wet grass and no sign of them slipping

[Duff 206]

Anyone ever use round weights from a "dumb-bell" set. I was thinking a round piece of steel the diameter of the hole in the weight welded to a flange that is the wheel bolt pattern. Bolt this along with the wheel onto the axle, add weights, then use a lynch pin or even thread the end and use a self locking nut. May have to counter sink the holes and get longer wheel bolts. Ideas anyone?

Ken, I seem to recall someone here trying to use dumb bell [plate] weights as wheel weights and having some success. If I can find the thread I'll let you know.....

Another member made a custom weight holder thingy to attach to his rear hitch. It featured a vertical "pin" or rod and he loadedplate weights onto it to match the project he was working on.

Ian - thanks for the tire info - I LIKE those tires!

Duff :notworthy: