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Why Do People Have Ag Tires On The Front Wheels Of Their Tractors?

7.9K views 41 replies 32 participants last post by  powerstroker00  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Over the past few years it seems more and more people are putting AG style tires on the front of their tractors. The reason I'm starting this thread is just to get a couple opinions/reasons why people are doing this.

To me it just dosent make sense, The Garden Tractors aren't 4 wheel Drive and you would think steering would be harder with those big bulky tires on the fronts. IMO they actually look kind of silly on the front.

I'm assuming these cost alot more than just your regular turf tires, so I'm really at a loss as to the reasoning behind it.

I'm not knocking the people who do this Just curious as to what others have to say and get some different opinions on this topic.....

Here's a couple Examples:
 

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#2 ·
I've thought about doing that to one of my GTs, but haven't yet or maybe never will. The only reason I would put them on is to be a little different and to leave cool tracks in the snow and dirt :D
 
#3 ·
Doc., I have wondered the same thing and i figure it's a couple reasons. They like the looks of their Gt with the Ag's up front, gives it that 4X4 look. the other reason I think is because of the load ratings, the Ag's can be bought with a higher Ply rating then the regular front tires. Just my thoughts. :wave:
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have wondered the same. From what I have seen so far I guess they offer better steering in snow and muddy conditions? I was going to test them but decided to get Snow Hogs instead. I will probably test as set sooner or later.
I would have thought the three rib style would give better steering in snow & mud, and reduce drag.

 

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#7 ·
I think they look good on some tractors. I haven't used a set of ags on the front so I can't comment on how they actually affect driving and steering. But as far as looks go, I think they really give certain tractors a cool look...
 
#10 ·
I have not put a set of ags up front yet, but I like the look and probably will put them on one GT at some point. Like johonnyreliable post, I like the cool factor and it will make mine different looking that the others. Not a right or wrong issue for me, just being different
 
#11 ·
I agree with what you say here, Doc! I think the 3-rib look cool if you have narrow wheels. I'd like to have some 5-rib for my wider wheel fronts. Just don't see a reason for the AG's at all. I have no snow to push down here, so I don't have to worry about steering traction. I don't have a loader tractor, so don't worry about the weight on the front axle.
 
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#13 ·
Think those guys are "Wanna-be's" and have the 4x4 look w/out buying expensive tractors like new ones mostly are now days.

I like 3-ribs on my PK's, otherwise just turf treads are fine. those big 5" tri-ribs don't look quite right tho. If ags are on back, tri-ribs on front just look right and more like a bigger tractor would have. "wanna-be" again!

Second question: Why do some fellas put them on backwards on a 4x4?? Claim they give more traction for backing up is what I heard. They look funny though.
 
#14 ·
Even though it is not 4x4, it still does provide a tad more traction versus if you had ribbed tires up front. Others like it for looks. Maybe you want for a few upgrades and it does have all-wheel steer or 4x4, in that case go for it.
 
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#15 ·
I like the look of ag's on the rear and tri ribs on the front, I have 1 GT that way and just bought a used set of ag's for the second GT looking for front tires now.I am not impressed with ag's on the front, juct to make it look like a 4x4
 
#16 · (Edited by Moderator)
Getting ready to do that (bar tread all around) on my Snapper 1650 this spring. Two reasons, yes the cool factor that says I just like the looks and how it sets it apart and the second is for added traction when turning because of how I intend to use this tractor. I mow with my JD and like the smooth ride of the turf tires. I had bar tread on the backs of my previous mower and she was kinda bummy on the ride. I have the factory fronts on my JDx320 now and there have been a few times in slightly wet shady areas that it has pushed the fronts instead of turning. That a tiny bit more grip would have turned them. Not putting bar tread on the JD because the few times the slide happens isn't worth sacrificing the ride all the time. Thats my take on it but to each his own. :D
 
#17 ·
I would have thought the three rib style would give better steering in snow & mud, and reduce drag.

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three rib tire.jpeg
I would have thought the three rib style would give better steering in snow & mud, and reduce drag.

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three rib tire.jpeg
Generally I think your right.. However this week I was wishing for more. I have 4.00 x 12 on the front of my 1500.
There is about a foot of frost in the ground around here and it was 60 one day this week. The track in my lane is packed well but there were some ruts where people had got off the track. I wanted to blade down the ruts, but there was not enough floatation in the narrow fronts they droped down to the frost line. I was wishing for wider tires with more floatation.
 
#18 ·
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Why do people just collect Green GT's, or why do some people have shiny hubcaps, or why do some use their GT's while others are "Show Queens"?

Each one of us is different from the next guy, so each one of us do what we do because that is what we want!

I have seen GT's that I would give my left arm for, but I have also seen GT's that I wouldn't take if they were given to me....Just me, I guess.

I have the ags on the front because that was what I wanted to put on there, plain & simple!
 
#19 ·
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... I have the ags on the front because that was what I wanted to put on there, plain & simple!
I don't think anyone is saying it isn't right. The original question was more one about the functionality or purpose of Ags up front. Style is an individual preference, but if there is an advantage to be gained, inquiring minds want to know.

P.S. I see you have Ags up front & turfs on the rear.
 
#20 ·
P.S. I see you have Ags up front & turfs on the rear.

I bought ags for the front & rear, but the rears were still in usable shape, so they haven't been mounted....yet.

When I bought the ags for the front, I was told steering in the snow would be better...can't prove it one way or another though!
 
#25 ·


Doc,

I have ags on the front of mine, due to needing better traction while plowing snow. Due to living in town here in Lititz, I plow a lot of sidewalks, driveways and the street for parking, for most of my elderly neighbors when we get snows of 5" and more. I have used turfs and tri-ribs on the front, but I find that I just don't have the steering traction I do while using the ags. Our streets have a taper to them for water run-off, and basically turfs and tri-ribs just don't hold a straight line while plowing. I switched to ags more as an experimental idea, and since doing so, I won't go back to tri-ribs or turfs again.

As for wanting to make the tractor look cool, or trying to make the tractor look like a 4x4? Honestly, I hate the look of these tires. I, like you, think it looks silly, but if you also take note, it is not one of the tractors that I take to shows, or brag about either. I think it's safe to say, that you and I are a lot a like, as far as keeping the tractors as original as possible, so if or when this tractor is taken out of service and restored, it will have either the original turfs or new tri-ribs put back on it.

Troy
 

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#26 ·
From what I am reading here, some are getting better traction with the steering w/AG's, some aren't. I can see Daniels opinion knowing feed lot conditions. Troy, I can understand your use also. Guess it all depends on the situation.

As I stated, I don't have issues as yet, so will stay with the 'stock' tires.
 
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