Cub Cadet 2135 Rear Tire replacement size change and Chains question

[greynold99]

Hi all,
I finally got around to ordering some new rear tires for my 17 yr. old Cub Cadet 2135 - original size 20 X 9 - 8.
On looking over various tire sites, I soon realized that the 9-8 size was no longer available and only 20 X 8 - 8 or 20 X 10 - 8 were available... So, I called Cub Cadet Support and they indicated the smaller 8-8 would not fit but the 10-8 would fit Ok.
I have chains on the original 9-8 tires and it looks like there should be enough additional length and width to fit the larger 10-8 tire... But before I actually need to change the tires, does anyone know if that is correct or will I need to get new chains specifically for the size of tire?
Alternatively, are there ways to expand the length of the original chains to accomodate the slightly larger width?
Thank you,
greynold99​

Read more: Cub Cadet 2135 Rear Tires size change-Will tire chains original size tires fit? - DoItYourself.com Community Forums​

 

[mechanic mark]

How did new tires and chains work out on your Cub 2135?

 

[greynold99]

Mechanic Mark,
I found a good set of 6-ply tires at TiresUSA.com at a reasonable price.
Seem to recall shipping was included in the price as well.

For the chains, I found a similar site using Google that specialized in lawn tractor chains and when I entered both the old and new tire sizes, the same chain set came up. So I didn't have to purchase new chains.

In fact, I'm still on the old tires since they're still good but I didn't want to be caught without replacements as the tire size for whatever reason, was not readily available at the different outlets I found on the web. I suspect they would even be less available from a local retail store unless more widely used by John Deere or other lawn tractor makers.
And what was available was generally only 2-ply, and not as good or thick a tread-pattern as OEM tires or the pair from TiresUSA.

Greynold99

 

[reynoldston]

Just why won't the 20x8-8 fit ? Maybe too hard for them to set the bead? I really don't see why the old tire chains wouldn't fit either size tires.

 

[greynold99]

Just why won't the 20x8-8 fit ? Maybe too hard for them to set the bead? I really don't see why the old tire chains wouldn't fit either size tires.

Reynoldston,
You're right on with setting the bead as the 20X8-8 won't fit because that's the the inner-bead width - from edge of bead on one side of the tire to the edge of the bead on the other side.
The 20X10-8 fits, but you have a 1" wider tire than the OEM 20X9-8 spec. In this case, 1" too wide is better than 1" too narrow.

You're also correct about the chains... the same chains will probably fit all 3 tire measurements.
Greynold99

 

[Carscw]

Reynoldston, You're right on with setting the bead as the 20X8-8 won't fit because that's the the inner-bead width - from edge of bead on one side of the tire to the edge of the bead on the other side. The 20X10-8 fits, but you have a 1" wider tire than the OEM 20X9-8 spec. In this case, 1" too wide is better than 1" too narrow. You're also correct about the chains... the same chains will probably fit all 3 tire measurements. Greynold99

I disagree the 20x8-8 will fit the 20x9-8 rim.

I do agree with going with the wider tire to have more rubber on the ground.

 

[reynoldston]

the reason I question this is I have gone down on sizes on cars, atv's and scooter tires and never really never had a problem except it some times will be a little harder to set the bead. I would really question it on the tractor tires. I also wouldn't want to go down in tire size if it was my tractor because of looks and why not find the right size tires if possible.