Upgrading tire size on original wheel.

[ly134]

Will a 23 X 8.50 X 12 tire fit on the standard wheel that was equipped with a 6-12 tire? I want to put a lug tire on the rear of a Model 72 and find the 23X8.50X12 more readily available at a lower cost. I understand it is a little wider??

[Cub-Bud]

I have a '66 102 Cub Cadet that was fitted with 6-12 tires from the factory. When I bought it, the rear rims had the 23x8.50-12 R-1 tires on them...they seem to fit just fine. I think the rear rims are 7" wide which should accomodate a 8.5" wide tire.

[Paul B]

They will go on the wheel, but because the wheel is too narrow for the tire, it will cause the tread surface of the tire to be 'rounded' from side to side, rather than 'flat', across the ground contact area, and with a lug or ag tire that means only the center of the tire will contact the ground, even at low air pressure. Even with the tire on a correct size wheel, you have to get down to 2 - 6 psi or less (depending on the tire side wall stiffness) to get a full lug contact. I would either go with 6-12 ags (order them from Tucker Tire or Cedar Rapids Tire if not available locally, and even with shipping they still may be cheaper than buying locally), or put the 23-8.50's on the correct wheel (7" wide).