Tires for Craftsman LT1000

Hi all,

I have an LT1000 which I need to be able to pull a trailer which, when loaded with maple sap is 500 pounds, up a bit of an incline. Turf savers with chains are NOT cutting it. They just spin and dig holes. I live in the woods and only use the tractor for hauling so protecting grass is not an issue. The current tires are 18 x 8.5 x 8. Can someone recomend a tire which will fit these stock rims that would get me maximum traction but not break the bank? I going taller would be great as long as they fit under the fenders.

Any help would be appreciated,
Dave

you would get more out of locking the axle and keeping what you have, i know it is more work but I dont think tires are going to fix the problem...

Thanks for the reply. I had a reply to a previous post in a different thread that recommended against locking the axle since I have to do some fairly tight maneuvering in the woods. Here is that thread: https://www.atltf.com/t6035-need-some-help-with-craftsman-mods-new-to-this

That said, I am a complete rookie so if locking the axle would make sense then I am willing to give it a go. I would have to find another axle to try it on as I am hesitant to experiment on the original one.

Yeah if you have a lot of tight turns...

Locking would help, but like mentioned before may mess up your steering.  

I have had good luck with this style of tread in the past unlocked.
TIRE LINK




Is that the trailer you are pulling?  If so, what are the odds of getting a little taller and wider tire for it?  I see those wheelbarrow style tires digging in like anchors.

Also, slower is faster sometimes to keep traction, but i'm sure you know that.

That is one of two trailers. That one is for sap and can weigh 500lbs when full. I can probably get wider tires on it without too much trouble. I might have to change the axles. The other one I use is just a regular garden trailer for hauling firewood.

The tires on there now are 18x8.5 - 8.  Will the 18x9.5 -8 fit or will they be too wide for the rims? I am tempted to go with something like this but $70 each is pricey for me:

https://simpletire.com/otr-18-8.5r8-t10004188508-tires?stmodel=lawn-trac&stcategory=other&sttype=lawn-garden&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_Region_01&utm_content=Other_HighProfit_RAD&utm_term=&utm_creative=383435608973&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkePyBRCEARIsAMy5SctKqd9x9Nm9CxE6iLVeYjqoyMDezVwH_cDthwztb0ZwPTQLP64KycMaAvP-EALw_wcB

These are $50 apiece but, again, I am not sure about the 9.5 width:

https://www.zoro.com/hi-run-lawngarden-tire-18x95-8-2-ply-wd1059/i/G7065125/feature-product?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkePyBRCEARIsAMy5Sct76ReE8EVc0i0KUAsHZ8qYlRfoQcn-owtqxwEbPdffYChS6LWtz_4aAi0tEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

i have the same style of tires that mighty posted on my lt1000 with a locked diff, i was able to get the set off amazon for $50 but i cant find the link again. they work decently well except for when im in muddy clay. and as for the locked diff the difference in turning radius wasnt too bad at all except in snow

I don’t mean to resurrect an older thread, but about two weeks after I posted this originally COVID shut the world down and I haven’t had a time or funds to take on the tractor again till now.

So my current question is the tires on the rear now are 18 x 8.5 x 8, How wide can I go and get the tire to seal, and also not rub?

I would think 9.5 and 10 width would work.