HandLogger
Well-Known Member
Okay, so I've been telling myself for years that we need to do something about our tires. We're still running the Goodyear 340/80 R18 IND (fronts) and the Goodyear 19.5 LR24 IT510 (rears) that came from the factory with our CAT420D and, quite frankly, they leave much to be desired in the winter months.
First thought: Chains. Well, come to find out that we've only got about 2" of clearance between our rear tires and the inner fenders - so I'm being told that chains are out (for the rears).
Next thought: Ice Studs. I've been told that the shortest stud we should use with our machine is 18mm and, according to the stud manufacturer, we must have at least 17mm of lug left on the tires - we don't.
Latest thought: New Tires (all round) and Ice Studs. Finding rear tires hasn't been a problem - the 19.5 L24 is readily available and relatively decent deals can found. The fronts, on the other hand, have been a problem. The (OEM) 340/80 R18s that CAT installed on our 420D are spec'd to run on an 11" wheel. The 12.5/80 x 18s that we're being told to convert to -- due to the exorbitant price of the OEM size -- are spec'd to run on a 9" wide wheel.
Is it possible to install a commonly found 12.5/80 x 18 on an 11" wide wheel or, worst case, is it time to buy 9" wide wheels for the front of our 420D?
Thanks for your time ...
First thought: Chains. Well, come to find out that we've only got about 2" of clearance between our rear tires and the inner fenders - so I'm being told that chains are out (for the rears).
Next thought: Ice Studs. I've been told that the shortest stud we should use with our machine is 18mm and, according to the stud manufacturer, we must have at least 17mm of lug left on the tires - we don't.
Latest thought: New Tires (all round) and Ice Studs. Finding rear tires hasn't been a problem - the 19.5 L24 is readily available and relatively decent deals can found. The fronts, on the other hand, have been a problem. The (OEM) 340/80 R18s that CAT installed on our 420D are spec'd to run on an 11" wheel. The 12.5/80 x 18s that we're being told to convert to -- due to the exorbitant price of the OEM size -- are spec'd to run on a 9" wide wheel.
Is it possible to install a commonly found 12.5/80 x 18 on an 11" wide wheel or, worst case, is it time to buy 9" wide wheels for the front of our 420D?
Thanks for your time ...