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traction issue

17 years ago

I'm having some traction problems with my JD 155C when I mow the ditch in front of our house. Am I better off adding wheel weights or should I look for a more aggressive rear tire? The tire size is 22 x 9.5 - 12 if that matters.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (10)

wolfe1
17 years ago
I would load the tires first. However with tires that small you won't get a lot in but sometimes a small amount does the trck. That is the cheapest solution. I would then try wheel weights and then go for different tires -
theodocius
17 years ago
Adding weight will make a huge difference. Loading your tires is cheapest, but with that size tire, loading may only add 30-40 lbs. per wheel (about 7.5 lbs./gal. wwf IIRC).

t
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keeferb, Well I just used your step-by-step process of filling tires with one execption: my method of breaking the top bead included two very carefully aimed swats with a sledgehamer--much easier logistically speaking. Just last year I tore the sidewall on one of my 23x10.50-12 turf savers. I wanted to replace both of the rears (even though the other was like new) with some HDAP (aka: HD Field Trax), but alas, they're not available in that size. I wasn't confident that the 24" would provide enough clearance, so I just replaced it with a like tire. But after slipping around for the rest of the season on my turf tires (and getting stuck while tilling), I decided to go all out and fix the traction problem once and for all. It would be nice to have a good all-around tire, but since I already had two like new (and expensive) turf tires, I decided to pick up a set of old rims on eBay and mount some serious traction tires. I found a set of rims off an old JD 200 series, which fit the GT225's bolt pattern but had about another inch of offset. They were a little rusty but straight. Then I found a pair of 4-ply Carlisle Tru Power lug tires (just a little heavier than the Super Lug) for $207 after shipping. I worked my way through college mounting tires, but after wrestling with a pair of crowbars for about 5 minutes, I figured I'd just run down to the local service station and pay them the $10 a tire fee to mount them (tires this size or bigger will fit on a standard automotive changer). I tried to get them to fill the tires for me but they were afraid of making a big mess, so declined. When I got home I removed the valve cores, gave them a whack with the sledge, jammed a paintbrush handle into the bead to keep it away from the rim and poured 5 gallons of cheap washer fluid into each tire (about 40 lbs per wheel). I probably could have squeezed 6 gallons into each wheel. I inflated the tires with the core out to seat the bead; then put the core in and reset the pressure. I did a little leaf bagging and was amazed at the difference in traction. The tires didn't tear up my lawn at all. All things considered (used rims, can of JD yellow, two tires, mounting, 10 gallons w/w fluid), it cost me well under $300 to turn my deere into a traction monster.
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keeferb
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. Any recommendations on after-market wheel weights? I see Sears sells a couple different sets. They don't list a size so I don't know how 'universal' they are. We don't have a JD dealer nearby and I'm guessing I'd be paying a premium there.
broncosfan
17 years ago
I too need wheel weights but sears does not list the wheel size. anyone know what wheel weight will fit my 18X 8.50-6 rear tires?
theodocius
17 years ago
Sears wheel weights are proprietary for their mowers, and may or may not fit other brands with the same size wheels. The exception is their WW for 12" garden tractor wheels, which they claim are generic for most std. 12" GT wheels. For other sizes, dealer or ebay. Typically, I don't think you'll find WW in stock at a Sears store. So if you wanted to order a set and try a test fit, you could be out shipping and restocking fees if you return them.

t
machiem
17 years ago
If you go with wheel weights, you'll have to drill holes through the wheel. I suggest making your own out of concrete/steel/lead and/or filling the tires.
broncosfan
17 years ago
I already have holes in my rims from the factory. 18X 8.50-6
IT's strange their website does not have specs for all the different wheel weights listed for sale. I would check with a local sears but it's an hour drive away.
lb59
16 years ago
I solved the weight problem by building a 16''x16''weight tray and laying a 12'' concrete block filled with cement on the tray .

Have never needed any more weight than that block even when pushing snow on an icy driveway.

A little weight makes a lot of difference.
kcook969
16 years ago
Eat McDonalds 4 times a week.

Seriously, check with your dealer on weights.

Keeferb, you want to use JD weights with the JD. they are designed to be used with the JD and no other. Plus they are nice and coated with plastic and can be removed fairly easily.
fordnie
16 years ago
should have bought a 4 wheel drive in the first place , problem solved , tire chains do a good job , use a lot of cross links and they don't tear up much

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