Firestone 3 rib 16x 6.50-8 tires

GLMPA

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Is it true that a 3 ribbed tire will permit a garden tractor without power steering, to steer like it has power steering? I wanted an honest opinion before I shell out $160.00 for a pair of Firestones for the front of my Kubota G2000S. I have no experience with this type of tire. Thanks
 
Not really. The tri-rib fronts will reduce the tendency of the tractor to slide sideways if you are pushing snow with an angled front blade. The tractor will not drive like it has power steering. The Vredestein V61 was supposedly an easier steering tire than the turf tires on most LGT's but is no longer available. The quickest way to easier steering is to over-inflate the front tires.
 
Over inflating your front tires will give you an idea of how much easier it will be to steer.
Especially on hard surfaces.

It is all about size of contact patch.
5.5+ inches x 2 inches per the wide tire you have now.

Versus tri rib will maybe be one rib wide by 2 inches.
 
wont steer like power steering, but ribs make it easier to turn. if you had flat car tires on it they would be sliding more due to not biting in the ground.
 
The guy that owns IHCubCadet.com had those 3-rib Firestones on a QuietLine CC he had a loader on. He said it steered easier. You do have to inflate them pretty hard to have them stand up on that big center rib.
 
quick way to help that is more air pressure,you are simply trying to make less ground contact. can you reduce front end weight without flip issues.
 
I have 18x8.50-8 v61s on one tractor. Great tires but I can't comment on the steering as it has power steering. they are still available I believe. Here is one source:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-16X6-50-8-170-60-8-6-Ply-5-Rib-Deep-Vredestein-V61-Hay-Tedder-Mower-Tractor-/332329422779.
One clarification though, the 16x650 size is listed on the Vredestein web site at a metric 170x9. Same thing.

Miller tire also still lists them, and by the metric sizing..
 

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