Tires?

[Searcher60 209]

Getting ready to order 4 new tires for my 69’ Electro restoration. The cover on the operators manual picture clearly shows the 1969 Electro having Turf Master tires. However, mine had the original Wheel Horse tires, and they were Turf Saver. As you may know, the tread patterns are different, Both are 2 ply as they came 50 years ago. Any reason to use the slightly more expensive Turf Master shown in the manual pic from 1969 over what the Electro actually came with when new? Thanks in advance.

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[Pullstart 67,042]

40 minutes ago, Searcher60 said:

Getting ready to order 4 new tires for my 69’ Electro restoration. The cover on the operators manual picture clearly shows the 1969 Electro having Turf Master tires. However, mine had the original Wheel Horse tires, and they were Turf Saver. As you may know, the tread patterns are different, Both are 2 ply as they came 50 years ago. Any reason to use the slightly more expensive Turf Master shown in the manual pic from 1969 over what the Electro actually came with when new? Thanks in advance.

. 

 

 

There were many variations of what was “factory” and what was “factory spec”.  I doubt any person would ridicule you for your decision one way or the other.

[JoeM 8,429]

43 minutes ago, Searcher60 said:

Any reason to use

Hey, went golfing once with a Pro, i ask him what brand of club I should be using? Without hesitation, he said when you look down at the club you got to like what you see. They are all good. It is all about you.

 

Pick what you like!

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

2 ply are probably fine,but I prefer 4 ply.A little more resistant to sharp rocks and other sharp debris that may damage a tire.Just my opinion.

[pacer 3,177]

What others have said............

 

There are (probably) dozens of tires that will fit in your case, including some leeway in varying the size. I've taken to the look of some of the ATV tires, and have used them on the front of a couple tractors. You can find then for cheap or (unreasonably) expensive!!

[oliver2-44 10,779]

If your "Original" Wheel Horse tires are still usable I would use them. What could be correct than what came on it from the factory!

[Searcher60 209]

49 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

If your "Original" Wheel Horse tires are still usable I would use them. What could be correct than what came on it from the factory!

 

Original tires are totally, completely, rotten. Front tires are cracked, mismatched, trailer tires. Wheels have holes rusted clean thru from using liquid for weight, nothing but garbage. Musta been a gallon of leak stopper inside the tires and tubes mixed with water. Wheels  are bent from incompetent tire changer. 

 

I would be extremely reluctant to purchase any Wheel Horse now that needs both wheel and tires. It’s is very expensive and finding the right 50 year old wheels in decent condition is getting very difficult. I will have close to $600 in my wheels and tires alone. I also had to find  a hood, seat pan, seat box, electric PTO, cables, Kohler Piston and Rod, ACR spring, lights, hubs, parking brake pawl, battery box, steering wheel, frame, front crossmember, all steering components were worn slam out. Were it not for A-Z, could not have done this. These tractors do wear out. This one must have a million hours on it. Never seen one beat up this bad. 

 

I intend to work this tractor. My 520H is a big time gas hog to say the least. Even running perfect with a lean running california carb it drinks gas. But, the 520H is the best classic Wheel Horse ever made. I had a C160,  it was great. But, it ain’t even close to a 520. 312-8 is a good tractor also. I’ll likely  sell my 350 Hr. 97’ 520H. Not for no $1500. Nope. It will sit in the shed till I am gone for $1500. I’d trade it for the right vertical milling machine. 

 

Regards.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

3 hours ago, Searcher60 said:

Both are 2 ply as they came 50 years ago

 

I'll have to look again, but I just replaced my tires with Turf Master and they are 4 ply.  Perhaps 50 years ago they were 2 ply is what you meant?

 

Just checked Carlisle web site.  MOST Turf Master are 4 ply.  SOME sizes are available as 2 ply, and one as a 6 ply.

 

I think all Turf Savers are 2 ply, but going to check that now!

Nope... that's not true either!  MOST Turf Savers are 2 ply.  SOME are available in 4 ply and there's at least one 6 ply.

 

Then, there's Turf Saver II ... but I'm not going to check those.

Edited March 10, 2021 by Jeff-C175

[Searcher60 209]

8 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

I'll have to look again, but I just replaced my tires with Turf Master and they are 4 ply.  Perhaps 50 years ago they were 2 ply is what you meant?

 

Just checked Carlisle web site.  MOST Turf Master are 4 ply.  SOME sizes are available as 2 ply, and one as a 6 ply.

 

I think all Turf Savers are 2 ply, but going to check that now!

Nope... that's not true either!  MOST Turf Savers are 2 ply.  SOME are available in 4 ply and there's at least one 6 ply.

 

Then, there's Turf Saver II ... but I'm not going to check those.   

 

The original tires I removed are Turf Saver,  2 ply. Still have one old tire. The parts list calls for 23 x 8.50 x 12 Turf Saver. The picture on the front of the operators manual looks like maybe Turf Master. Definitely not Turf Saver in the picture. Yes, I believe Turf Master is 4 ply. 

[Lee1977 7,224]

Tires are not what they use to be with every thing being made cheaper. I put 4 ply Turf Masters on my C-120 they have a lot better grip and a lot deeper tread then the Turf Savers. 

As has already been said there are a lot more options now to chose from. I would suggest the you take a look at  All Trail 1 they have more grip and not to aggressive.

You can find similar tread patterns in cheaper tires, but I would go with 4 ply tires.