6" to 8" front rim upgrade...w/pics

[Sparky-(Admin) 19,786]

  Yesterday I picked up a 1990 312 Hydro. I like everything about it EXCEPT the itty-bitty front rims and tires. So my first task was to do the 8" rim and spindle upgrade. I made a trade with my neighbor....he got the 6" rims/tires and the hubcaps (I also don't like hubcaps) and in return I got the 8" rims/tires that matched the rears and the correct spindles.

   Definitly looks better! Next will be cast wheel weights and a plow bracket.

  Pics of course.....

Mike......

Mike.....

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Were smaller wheels used because of mower deck clearance issues?

[Sparky-(Admin) 19,786]

I believe they were so the 37" SD deck would clear...but this one came to me with a 48" deck. The seller said it had a 42"RD when he first bought it.

  Mike.....

[evanloock 217]

Yes with the 37inch side discharge deck.

[pfrederi 17,209]

I think that 300s were an economy line and small tires/wheels are cheaper.  First thing i did to my 310-8 was 8" fronts...

[953 nut 52,584]

If you plan to put a blade on the front the extra inch of clearance will be helpful.   

[clueless 2,912]

1 hour ago, evanloock said:

Yes with the 37inch side discharge deck.

[Sparky-(Admin) 19,786]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

If you plan to put a blade on the front the extra inch of clearance will be helpful.   

 Actually there is no extra clearance if you install the spindles off the machine that the 8" rims came off. I did do the spindle swap so there is no clearance change. 

  Mike.....

[aHorseofCourse 261]

I just did this to my 308.  What's the difference in the spindles?

[Sparky-(Admin) 19,786]

14 minutes ago, aHorseofCourse said:

I just did this to my 308.  What's the difference in the spindles?

The spindles that came with tractors with 6" rims are taller. This was done to keep the tractor level. If you swap to 8" fronts and keep the original spindles your tractor is approximately 1" higher in the front. Not a big deal, but I wanted mine to be level.

  Mike....

[pfrederi 17,209]

8" ride better on rough ground

[aHorseofCourse 261]

1 hour ago, Sparky said:

The spindles that came with tractors with 6" rims are taller. This was done to keep the tractor level. If you swap to 8" fronts and keep the original spindles your tractor is approximately 1" higher in the front. Not a big deal, but I wanted mine to be level.

  Mike....

Ahh I see.  I did notice the front end looked high after I puts the 8's on.  I have a lot of hills at my place so the extra inch is welcomed.