312-8 (#73429) tire question

[LeechburgCemeteryCo 0]

Hello all.  I've recently "inherited" a Toro Wheelhorse 312-8 model 73429, it belongs to an abandoned cemetery that a group of locals has volunteered to maintain.  It runs pretty well and is in pretty good shape overall for being over 20 years old, however the terrain at this location is pretty hilly and the old turf-saver tires (appear to be the originals) aren't cutting it.  The tires have very little tread, are somewhat glazed over and hardened and don't hold pressure very long.  Though I am mechanically inclined and enjoy working on the Wheelhorse very much I don't know a lot about tractors, some folks I've talked to advised that replacing the tires with a set of standard tractor tires (like a pair of Carlisle Tru Power Tire 23x8.50-12) would be a better option than using the turf-savers with chains or weights. In short I'm looking for opinions on what our best option would be, the tires definitely need replaced, I just want to get the tires best for our situation.  The ground at this location is pretty hard and the turf is thick, the tractor struggles on the smaller slopes when the grass is wet (somewhat expectedly).

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated, also I am wondering if there will be any clearance issues I should worry about or will we be ok so long as we go with the stock tire size?

 

Thanks for your time...

[boovuc 1,090]

On my C-175 when I lived on a side hill with loose shale below it and many wet grass days, I switched from turf tires to a wide stance ag tire similar to the Carlisle's.

I used wheel weights also and the tractor held solid. I would suggest you do the same. Ag tires with 30 to 50 lb each wheel weights and even small weights on the front wheels would make all the difference in the world and no difference in the cut quality of the grass. I had no clearance issue with my wide ag tires using a 42 inch side discharge. I am not sure about a 48" SD deck in clearance.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,170]

Go with 23x8.5x12 ags on the rear and use the rear rims on it now and you will have no clearance issues.  Going wider wont give you any extra traction, might actually lessen it. I would also get a set of wheel weights for it to increase the "bite".

   Mike..........

[leeave96 490]

Agree!  Ag tires all the way - with some wheel weights.

 

None of my business, I've never mowed a cemetery, but a nifty deck for mowing around stuff is the 36 or 42 inch rear discharge deck.  You can trim either side of the deck and wouldn't be blowing grass against anything either.

 

Good luck,

Bill

[LeechburgCemeteryCo 0]

Thanks all, that was the answer I was expecting and hoping for.  The tractor is actually doing pretty well considering the condition of the current turf tires but I need it to do better. 

 

Bill, you're spot on, it does have the 36" rear discharge deck on it and it works great for our situation. I can get close to the stones without damaging anything and its narrow enough to get through most of the cemetery.  I just put the deck back on this morning, had to take it off and weld it in multiple spots, the center pulley was starting to drop out of the deck and there were cracks around the other two.  I also sharpened up the blades on it.  In truth I'm really enjoying working on it, I can understand now why so many people out there are into restoring tractors and with all the info available online and from sites like this I can get the extra knowledge I need to keep the 312 going for another 20 years (I hope).  There's a Toro dealer about 20 miles north of me, I'll head up this week and see if they can get me some Ag tires and weights..

 

Thanks again for the help, keep up the good work...

[leeave96 490]

You'll probably pay through the nose at the Toro dealer. I would check some online prices and Tractor Supply if you have one nearby. Anywhere you can have a car tire mounted can put the tire on. Just remind them the tread direction - don't ask me how I know.

As far as weights, with the 36 inch deck, you probably don't want wheel weights that stick out past the wheel. Flush mount wheel weights can be found but in your case, I might be tempted just to add fluid to the wheels.

Good luck,

Bill

[boovuc 1,090]

You may also look at small garages and tire places. A Toro dealer may charge you extra bucks as opposed to a small dealer. If they sell tires and mount them, they can get garden tractor, trailer and utility tires just as cheap if not cheaper than a Toro dealer and you won't be paying the shop hours for mounting. On the other hand, any lawn & garden dealer can buy and mount tires so driving 20 miles just to a Toro dealer isn't necessary though I try to buy from Toro dealers when I can. Just a thought.

Your rear discharge deck is perfect for mowing a cemetery. You just don't want to use them on hydros as the grass clogs up the fan and cooling fins on the hydro unit. No problem at all on an 8 speed.

Pop back in when you get them and let us know how they work for you.

[qd-16 14]

Ditto on checking with your local tire dealer....Mine was far cheaper than anything I could find online plus they mounted them for free!!

[LeechburgCemeteryCo 0]

Thanks again, will do. There's a few local tire shops around....