ariens zoom 1634 wheel question

[Luv2Trip]

Hello all.
So I found an Ariens zoom 1634 with the Kohler motor with about 160 hrs on it on c/l for 500 bucks. Seems to run great but needs new rear tires. The tires on it are 18x6.50-8 and I would like to go to the wider 18x8.50-8. I saw on the ariens site that it was available with the 8.50" wide tires so I know it will accommodate them. I have looked and looked and not found my answers.

1. What are the chances that I could fit the wider tires on the rims that I have? I have not taken the tires off to measure the rims so I'm not sure the width of them.

2. If I go ahead and get the 8x7 rims to go with the new tires should they be offset? Centered?


Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to LMF...
The tires will mount on your existing rims...
The wider tires Will need at least 1 inch of room on Both sides of your existing tires, so measure before you buy wider tires.
If you have the needed extra clearance, they will work.
I like wider tires, and mounting them on a narrow rim will roll the shoulders slightly in... That will be Perfect on any ZTR. A rounded shoulder 'helps' prevent turf damage. :smile:KennyV

 

[Luv2Trip]

Kenny,
Thanks so much. All reviews said that the 6.5" tire was just too narrow and caused lots of rutting so I was looking to widen out. Should have plenty of clearance since they offered the same mower with the 8.5" tires but I will measure to be sure. Just out of curiosity how will the rolled shoulder prevent lawn damage?

 

[KennyV]

A square shoulder is more likely than a rounded shoulder... You can damage turf with either... but it is easier to avoid damage with a rounded edge.... :smile:KennyV

 

[mbunch907]

A square shoulder is more likely than a rounded shoulder... You can damage turf with either... but it is easier to avoid damage with a rounded edge.... :smile:KennyV

How did this wheel swap work out for you? I am looking into making a change on my zoom 34. Thanks.