Narrowing a Riding Mower Rim to Fit Awesome Tires

In this video, I will remove a section from the inside of the rim on this Cub Cadet 782 to properly fit narrow, 4.00-8 Deestone D401, 3 Rib Ag Tires, that you would usually find on something like a farm tractor. To do this I had to narrow the rim from 5 3/8" bead to bead to just under 4" bead to bead. After cutting a section from the inside of the rim, I had to align and weld the rim back together. These tires have tubes, but this process would work for tubeless tires as long as the weld was good. Some people will try to fit 3 rib tires on wide rims or wheels but it does not look quite right. You can also find 16x6.5-8 three rib tires from carlisle agstar and firestone, but they will look like balloons on the tractor. This lawn tractor is similar to a cub cadet 1810, 1811, 1812, and a cub cadet 582, 682, and 982. Many cub cadet, john deere, and simplicity lawn mowers will have very similar wheels to this 782. Next I will be putting a sleeve hitch on the tractor, paint it, and remove the slop in the steering.

[@mmal253625]

Perfect timing with your video. I have a newer Cub Cadet GT2148 with Ag tires on the back and front. The manual steering is hard and my wife hates it. She would occasionally mow if the steering was easier. I heard the 3 rib Firestones make a big difference? I was thinking about getting two of them from Miller Tire since that was their recommendation. I have three hilly acres to mow and a 300 ft. Drive to plow. I put 75 hrs / yr on my tractor so i need a good tire year round. Do you think the 3 rib tire is for me?

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

It should be a big improvement over the ag tires. I probably wouldn't if your yard has any soft spots though. My yard is very dry and the 3 rib tires don't tear it up, but they would dig in a bit on a soft ground. Turf tires may even be an improvement over the ag fronts. I'd also make sure the big adjustment Nut isn't over tightened on the steering box. If that were the case the steering would likely feel harder as you got closer to full turn, and easier in the center of the range where it is more worn in.

[@mmal253625]

Really appreciate the feedback. My property has excellent drainage, hilly and not wet or soft. This may be the ticket! Thanks again