Zero-Turn Tire PSI. should I fill to max PSI?
I have a john deere z515e zero-turn and I was told by a few people that I shouldn’t inflate my rear/front tires to the max psi as it gives a rougher ride. Is this true? and if so what should I set my tire rear/front tire PSI to? (My rear max PSI is 22 (22 inch tire) and front max psi is 28 (12 inch tire).
There’s typically a sticker under the seat on the rear fender. You’re likely way over. 10 to 14 psi off the top of my head. 14 front and 10 rear. Each model is different.
2020 JD 2032R. 220R Loader, 3rd Function Kit, Dual Rear Outlet Controls, Power Beyond, AP10F pallet forks, AV20F Grapple, BB5060 Box Blade, and less money in my bank account 2021 JD 930M
JDGreen-n-Yellow
That’s absolutely true. Several cases here where the dealer delivered equipment with the tires overinflated (for shipping purposes) and the equipment rides like a bucking bronco. The owner’s manual should give you a range. try setting it in the middle of that range and see how it feels and adjust accordingly.
That’s absolutely true. Several cases here where the dealer delivered equipment with the tires overinflated (for shipping purposes) and the equipment rides like a bucking bronco. The owner’s manual should give you a range. try setting it in the middle of that range and see how it feels and adjust accordingly.
Yup, found settings in my owners manual (not easy to find). Recommended Rear are 10 PSI and Front are 15 PSI. thanks all for the help.
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Buyer’s Guide | Tires vs. Tweels
If you’ve been mower shopping in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen the Michelin X Tweel airless tires. As an additional option on select machines, what makes them different than traditional tires? Here’s a few key points you should know as a buyer!
First, let’s start with the basics – what is a Tweel? Produced by Michelin, they’re an airless tire that never goes flat, even over rough terrain. The inner poly-resin spokes are strong yet flexible, absorbing impact while still maintaining their shape over time. Currently, Tweels are compatible with Z900 B, E, M, and R series gas-powered zero turn mowers.
Because the Tweel is an open-frame tire, there’s no more risk of flats – ever. If you’re mowing in an area that’s exposed to sharp objects – such as an area close to a worksite or shop – this could save lots of downtime when it comes to checking pressure or fixing flat tires. While flat tires may not be the #1 issue you face in lawn care, it’s nice to know that the problem has been completely eliminated.
The construction of the Tweel was based on an even hub height across the machine. This allows the deck to maintain a more level position during operation, meaning you get a more uniform cut across your lawn. Not only does this help cosmetically (yard of the month club, here we come), but also ensures that your grass is cut cleanly to maintain health and retain proper moisture.
Consistent hub height and spoke design doesn’t only lead to a more uniform cut – it also means you get a smoother, more comfortable ride. Because the spokes are able to flex when encountering bumps, the Tweels are able to absorb more of the shock and disturb the operator less. Sidehills are no match for the Tweel, as they even offer excellent lateral stability when compared to a traditional wheel.
Tweels aren’t just easier on the operator – they also wear better than regular tires, increase fuel economy with less rolling resistance, and are gentler on turf. With a wear life that is up to 3 times longer than a regular pneumatic tire, it’s budget friendly in both time cost savings down the road. The multi-directional tread offers superior traction control, and prevents turf damage as opposed to more traditional treads. Every type of mower – from residential to commercial care businesses – can benefit from all the Tweels have to offer.
Our Parts Sales Teams would love to help you decide if the Michelin X Tweel airless tires are right for you. Contact us today to learn more!
Комментарии и мнения владельцев
No. R series “Quicktrak” models can be spec’d Tweels. The 545R is not currently available with Tweels.
Hi Earl! Right now, the MICHELIN X TWEEL Turf Airless Radial Tires are only compatible with Z900 E, M, and R series ZTrak mowers, and select QuikTrak stand-on mowers.
Hey Michael! Yes, the MICHEL X TWEEL airless radial tires do typically perform better in soft/wet conditions when compared to a traditional pneumatic tire. They are also more gentle on sensitive grasses and turf material.
I was wondering. When mowing on the side of a hill. Will the tweet on the low side sag more causing it more likely to fill over than a pneumatic radial tire?
Hey Les! The MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF airless radial tires have full-width spokes that help provide excellent lateral and sidehill stability. We recommend consulting the operator’s manual to find the slope degree limit for your specific model.
Tubed Tires
You typically see tires that have tubes in them with bicycles. The difference between a pneumatic tire and a tubed tire is that the tubed tire has a tube of air beneath the rubber exterior instead of just a of air.
Unfortunately, tubed tires are terrible when dealing with punctures compared to pneumatic, tubeless tires. The reason is the tubeless pneumatic seals around the penetrating nail or object, retaining the inner air.
On the other hand, the tubed tire immediately deflates if the nail makes it deep enough through the exterior wall to puncture the tube. Once there is a hole in the tube, you will have a flat tire immediately or as fast as it can let the air out through the hole.
Pneumatic tires don’t have to deal with that, so you retain the same level of cushion and shock absorption over time.
Solid Rubber Tires
Solid rubber tires are great for a few reasons. First, they are puncture-proof, making them ideal for rough terrain and yard work. They are constructed of durable rubber that can take a beating and keep on going.
The downside is they won’t feel the same as a rubber tire. You will feel all the bumps in the yard, which will have a jarring effect on your tractor or lawnmower.
Here’s a table that shows the advantages and disadvantages of the three types of tires.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Rubber Tires | Rubber tires never go flat, and are highly resilient. | Absolutely zero shock absorption |
| Pneumatic Tires | Reduced weight, solid shock absorption, and the ability to withstand a puncture, so long as the object remains in the wall. | Possibly not as shock absorbent as the tubed tires. |
| Tubed Tires | Retains most of the properties of the standard pneumatic tire, with increased shock. | A nail in the wall of the tire is the death knell of a tube. |
Which Lawnmower Tires Does John Deere Sell?
John Deere sells all three variations of the above-mentioned tire types. If your tire type takes an inner tube, John Deere sells those alone as well, so long as you know how to replace the tube and remount the tire on your own.
If you’re interested, Johne Deere is attempting to take tires to the next level by eschewing tubed and pneumatic tires in favor of their new, Airless Radial tire.
If you are tired of dealing with tubes in your John Deere lawnmower tires, this might be worth keeping on your radar.
The Michelin Airless Radial Tire is also known as X Tweel. According to John Deere, the life on the X Tweel is three times that of pneumatic tires. It’s an undeniably bizarre-looking tire. It resembles a skinny tread with hundreds of little spokes radiating from the small rims.
The spokes are manufactured with a poly-resin and are incredibly flexible. As a result, the X Tweel has the most shock absorption capability out of the different tires that John Deere sells.
It also comes with a deep and multi-directional tread. So as far as choices are concerned, you will find the most at John Deere, whether you want a tubed tire or something entirely new and radical design.
With the addition of the Airless Radial Tire, John Deere now sells four different lawnmower tires. So, there is something here for everyone, regardless of the type of tire that you prefer on your lawnmower.
How to Know if Your John Deere Lawnmower Tires Have Tubes?
It may be that it was something you had never considered in the past. For example, when we shop John Deere tractors and lawnmowers, we don’t always stop to ask what is inside the tire. However, there is a way to check the tire and find out.
It’s a good idea to find out, even if you aren’t dealing with air loss and aren’t considering purchasing a new tire(s) anytime soon. On the other hand, if you know what you have, you can consider finding a tire that’s an upgrade.
For instance, if you’ve had several flat tires in the past and you discover that the John Deere tires that you have retained tubes, then you may want to try a pneumatic tire instead, or maybe even upgrade to the all-new Airless Radials.
- Start by checking the stamped information on the side of the tire
- Study the type of rim that you have
- Deflate the tire and watch the valve
You can check the side of the tire to see if there is any information on it that suggests you have a tube in the tire. It will often have “tubeless” stamped on the side of it if the tire doesn’t have a tube.
However, even if it says tubeless, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a tube.
The best way to tell one war or the other is to pay attention to the valve stem as you slowly deflate the tire. If it deflates, the valve stem stays right where it’s at. Then you have a tubeless tire.
If the valve stem pulls back into the rim, you have a tube in the tire. When you have a tube in the tire, the valve stem is attached directly to the tube.
When you deflate the tire, the stem drops into the rim along with the tube inside as it deflates.
Often, you can look at the rim and tell whether or not it is the type of rim that requires a tube. If it’s a two-piece rim that is clearly bolted together, then it’s not the kind of rim that requires a tube inside.
If you still can’t tell whether or not you have a tube in your tires, when you take the John Deere in for new tires, they will be able to tell you there, one way or another.
firefighter9208
Platinum Member
Ok, I wasn’t talking about foam. Wouldn’t even consider it. I was talking about Calcium Chloride and water. Not for stability, but for traction. The dealer that sold me my Grasshopper tried to get me to go with Tractor type tires on the back, but I didn’t want those for fear of tearing up the yard.
What I have now works fine for 95% of the cutting that I do. The other 5% I do could use more traction. If I make sure I don’t cut too late in the day (before the dew falls) I really don’t have any problems with these areas either.
BTW, I was not talking about filling the fronts, only the rears.
firefighter9208
Platinum Member
I used wheel weights on the rear tires of my ZTR and it improved traction. I would think that using calcium cloride (heavier) or antifreeze to fill the tires would provide similar weight and help.
Using fluid (or weights) allows control of tire firmness because the tire is not entirely filled so pressure is controlled with air.
I would be reluctant to try foam filled tires on a ZTR because the ride would likely be very harsh.
Where did you get the wheel weights. What brand of mower. I didn’t see them listed as an option on Grasshopper’s website.
The only issue that I was worried about with CaCl is that the tires are tubeless and I didn’t know if I would have a problem with leakage.
Bob999
Platinum Member
I used weights on the rear wheels on a Toro Z 62″ mower. I purchased them at a lawn and garden dealerthey were not a Toro brand item but fit the wheels on the Toro.
In my opinion you don’t want to use calcium cloride without a tubebut tubeless tires can be tubed and I strongly recommend installing tubes if you go with calcium cloride. Even with a tube corrosion from minor leakage at the valve stem is a problem over time.
AlanB
Elite Member
For me, and the situations we find ourselves in, I would not load it with anything. (and we don’t do ours) BUT
We are probably in a different situation than you in that we are always cutting someone else’s area, and doing it during normal work hours (lawncare / landscaping business)
The problems I would have with filled tires as you describe would be that I would have some liability issues if I spewed that material (beet juice, alcohol, nasty water whatever) on a customers yard.
Filled tires are a flat out bugger to repair (and we do it a lot) 5 plugs last week.
and I guess in the end, I just don’t see it being that much benefit.
Before I did it, I would try and guess at the weight that it would add. Lets guess and say 9 lbs per gallon, then guess at your tire volume, and how full you are going to fill them, lets say, 20 lbs per tire, for 40 lbs total.
If it was me, I would tie (as in with rope or something simple) 40 lbs of weight on the back of my machine and go mow in the situation where you feel you need the traction and see if it makes a difference.
I don’t see it, but, have not tried it so maybe it would be substantial and worth the problems / cost / issues. But it shoudl be easy to tie on a small bag of concrete, or a couple old weight set weights, or some cinder blocks etc. etc. to simulate and see if it makes that 5% easy.
John deere zero turn tires
Tires are unfortunately known to wear down over time after extensive use. This can be a pain, but you don’t have to rush to the tire shop every time your mower tires spring a leak. With the right tools and knowledge, you can patch up your tires at home like a pro.
Keep reading to learn what you’ll need to do for this simple DIY fix.
When choosing a sealant for your tire, our technicians recommend using iSeal Heavy Duty Tire Sealant. Inside this product, you can see black rubber particles that will fill any punctures or cracks that may be present on your tire. They will also act as a sealant for the rim and valve stem creating an airtight protective seal on the whole of your tire. This product is recommended for all smaller, low-speed machines such as lawnmowers, golf carts, bicycles, etc.
To treat all four tires on a tractor-style mower like the one shown here, you will need approximately three bottles of this sealant in total. Each of the rear tires will require an entire bottle, and the two front tires will each take half a bottle of the liquid.
Before you begin to apply the sealant, you’ll first need to raise your mower using an automotive jack, properly align your tire with the valve stem at the top left or right, as shown, and finally, remove the valve core.
T o remove the valve core, unscrew the valve stem camp and use the valve core removal tool to twist the core until it is loose enough to pull out by hand. This tool is included with your purchase of the sealant and will line up perfectly with the valve core when inserted inside the stem. You will also find a short, transparent tube included with the sealant.
Next, fit one end of the tube over the now completely open valve stem and the other end over the tip of the sealant bottle (Remember to cut the tip off first!), as shown. Then begin squeezing the bottle to send the sealant liquid down through the tube and into the valve stem and tire. Use the marks on the bottle label to monitor the amount of liquid being used as you squeeze. When treating front tires like the one shown here, you will want to stop once you reach the 16 oz line.
When finished, replace the valve core using the same tool you used to remove it and add air to the tire using an air compressor. You can monitor the internal pressure with an air pressure gauge as you go to ensure an appropriate PSI is reached (this is dependent on the specific tire itself). For a John Deere tractor-style mower, the front wheels usually take 14 PSI, so you’ll only need to add around 10 PSI for the test drive.
Once the tire is aired up, replace the valve stem cap and take your mower out for a drive so the sealant can coat the inside of the tire. We recommend setting a driving timer for around 10 minutes to allow the sealant plenty of time to coat the walls, treads, and beads of the tire so no cracks will be left behind anywhere like the valve stem or rim.
After 10 minutes is up, you’ll need to once again check the tire PSI to see how well it is holding air. The measurement should have remained at 10 PSI, but if not, add a bit more sealant and repeat the process outlined above until the tire is able to maintain consistent air pressure. Once it is, you can replace the valve stem cap to complete the job.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully patched up the tires on your John Deere tractor-style mower. If you have questions about any of the steps outlined above or are just more of a visual learner, head over and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch our step-by-step video (also attached below)! Be sure to leave a comment with your questions to receive a personal reply from Brent himself, our resident YouTube John Deere expert.
MICHELIN TO PROVIDE AIRLESS RADIAL TIRE FOR JOHN DEERE ZTRAK 900 SERIES LINE-UP
@MichelinTweel1 to provide airless radial tire for John Deere ZTrak 900 series line Tweet
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2014) / PR Newswire / — At this year’s Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE), MICHELIN Tweel Technologies announced it has partnered with John Deere to equip its ZTRAK 900 Series line-up of zero-turn commercial mowers with the ground-breaking MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF as original equipment to replace a standard 24x12x12 tire. Available on the 54-, 60- and 72-inch deck sizes, the MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF eliminates downtime and is maintenance free. Read
The newest version of this award-winning technology, MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF airless radial tire is available for landscape professionals who normally experience expensive and inconvenient downtime associated with flat tires. Using automotive rubber technology, the tread lasts up to three times longer than standard turf tires. Operators will experience greater performance than with a pneumatic tire, increased uptime, enhanced hillside stability, reduced operator fatigue, and improved productivity resulting in a lower cost of ownership.
“We have been working with the John Deere team for several years and the result is a partnership that has the potential to dramatically change the commercial mowing market,” said Ralph Dimenna, head of Michelin Tweel Technologies. “Our MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF provides the benefits associated with pneumatic tires, but it won’t go flat.”
“John Deere has consistently offered revolutionary technology to the professional landscape contractor and now, in partnership with Michelin, offers the MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF on our 900 Series ZTrak,” said Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere Commercial Mowing. “The MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF could very well be the last rear tire contractors will ever need for their zero-turn mowers.”
The new MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF offers high strength, poly-resin spokes to carry the load and absorb impacts while providing reduced machine bounce. This translates into excellent operator comfort and in turn, productivity. The proprietary design also resists damage. The multidirectional tread pattern is optimized for hillside stability and helps prevents turf damage. The proprietary Comp10 Cable technology allows the load to hang from the top, resulting in low contact pressure that mimics air filled tires. The MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF is the only 24x12N12 commercial product available to offer the advantages of no maintenance, no compromise and no downtime. The four bolt pattern, heavy steel gauge steel hub fits a variety of popular zero-turn commercial mowers.
The MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF can be viewed by those attending the GIEEXPO 2014 in Louisville, Ky. in booth #2036 along with the MICHELIN X TWEEL SSL. It can also be seen in the John Deere booth #1110.
To learn more about the MICHELIN Tweel airless radial tires, visit www.michelintweel.com.
John Deere has launched a Total Cost of Ownership model available at JohnDeere.com/Tweel