Tractor Tire Ply question

[Bryan.Wyland]

I'm needing to replace my zero turn tires this spring. Calling my tractor dealer tires start at $110 each, ouch. So I started searching and found tires of the same size (23x10.5-12) from $50-70ea both localy from other dealers and from the 'net (plus shipping of course). A question that arose from this search is number of ply's. We have about 10 acres we mow, and it seems once a month or so we're needing to repair a flat tire, from an unseen piece of metal, sharp stick, etc. Is it worth the extra money (about $10 ea + shipping ~$20-30set) for a 6ply vs a 2 or 4ply found locally? Will an extra ply have much more puncture resistance? Obviously something like a nail is going in no matter what, but in general.

Thanks.

[Srgnt Billko]

The only time I've paid attention to "ply" was when I was going to use the equipment for very heavy loads. I can't picture you loading up a mower very heavy unless you are seriously overweight.

[Art]

No, the number of ply is not going to make a difference to punctures. Check the mower manual for the weight and if it does not exceed the 2ply rating then go with the 2ply, you won't notice any difference.

If you are having that many flats you should check into having the tires foam filled.

[Bryan.Wyland]

Thanks! That's a relief, now I know I can go with the best price around town!

[Srgnt Billko]

Art had a good point - why aren't you just putting foam in your existing tires ?

[Bryan.Wyland]

I think I will. After a quick google search, it seems this is something that has to be done at a shop, not a DIY project. Are there DIY options out there? If not, whats an aproximate price for a tire of this size? (23x10.5-12) Obviously easily worth $50-70/tire as thats the going rate for a replacement, and this would obviously last much longer. Currently both tires are flat, but have very good tread on them, would it be possible to fill these, or do I need to buy new ones to fill?

Thanks for the info! Bryan

[BT Humble]

If he's having that many flats, he should investigate getting some sheep!

BTH

[AlarmCoJoe]

are they good at fixing flats? :)

[Art]

Only a local lawn & garden or tire shop will be able to give you prices. Internet shopping is probably not gonna work because they are quite heavy when filled. Shipping would kill you. I have never seen any DIY kits. If your existing tires have good tread and the sidewalls are not cracked or dry-rotted then certainly you should have them filled instead of buying new.

[Tomes]

Fir the tires that I have had flats with, I just had them install a tube within it. Never got a flat again in that tire, and I have them in 3 out of the 4 tires so far (with a slow leak now in the 4th tire). Here we have these evil multiflora rose Devil's tentacles rising up out of the ground that get really piercing when they dry out. They are long enough to pierce a tire, but not long enough to pierce a tire and a tube. Tomes

[BT Humble]

Nah, but they're tasty. ;-)

Seriously though, why mow 10 acres? Unless you're making hay, it sounds like making work for yourself! ;-)

BTH (Family motto: "There has to be an easier way!")