Correct width front rims for a 100?

[JamesObrien]

Did a 1964 Cub Cadet come equiped with narrow front rims,or were they available with either narrow or wide front rims? I have a 1964 100,and it has wide front rims.If it came out with narrow rims,I want to put narrow rims back on it. Thanks

[dale campbell]

i think they were available with either but they steer easier with narrow ones and seem to wear tierod ends less

[jpackard56]

My materials show "The front tires were 4.80/4.00-8. The rear tires were 6/12 with a 2 ply rating and provided by Goodyear. Oversized front tires of 16/6.50-8 and rear tires of 8/12 (two ply also) were available as optional equipment. These tires were factory mounted tubeless."

I completely stripped and redid my 100 rims and still mounted mine with tubes because I have better luck with tubes than without, even on newer equipment on the farm.
My 100 had the smaller sizes and I kept them that way. I have specific areas that I mow with that tractor and find it nice to handle with 6/12 ags on the back and tri- ribs on the front. Good luck whichever way you go

[Paul B]

The wider front and rear tires/wheels became an option on the 100 in 1964.

[JamesObrien]

Thanks,guys,for the info. I guess my 100 came with the wider wheels option.It has the 7" rims on the back. I have 3 sets of narrow front rims and a new set of 4.00x8 tri-ribs.I have been trying to decide which tractor to put them on.I believe I will put them on this my nicest refurbished 100.I will always keep the originals on hand,though,just in case. I think the narrow tri-ribs makes one look more like a "tractor",instead of a "lawnmower".

[Tim DeLooza]

[JamesObrien]

Thanks TIM DeLooza.That is good info. In that picture,the front tires still look like the narrow 4.80/4.00x8,,,,,they have the diamond studs on the outside and 4 ribs in the center just like the 4.80/4.00x8.Was the "wide traction tires" option just wider rears or were the front rims wider too?

[Tim DeLooza]

I’d say the smooth wide front tires like yours has on it are what it would have come with. The picture I posted was likely a stock IH picture that the art department modified to make them look a little wider. IH’s art department has modified several pictures in different literature to make it look more like the model that was in production at the time.

[Paul B]

James,
I may be wrong when I stated that the wide wheels and tires became an option in 1964. I have a copy of a "International Harvester Company Price List and Terms Schedule, PL-127, International Cub Cadets, Equipment and Attachments " PL-127 Rev No. 3 dated 8-26-63, and the wide wheels and tires are not listed. However, a copy of the same type document except numbered PL-34 Rev 1 and dated 1-15-65 does have them listed as High-flotation tires for Cub Cadet 100 only. The factory data number (order code or number?) T5612R1725 is for front -6.50 x 8, 2 ply and Rear 23 x 8.58 - 12, 2 ply. Factory data number T5611H825 is for Rear only, 23 x 8.50-12, 2 ply. The fronts would be the standard 4.00 x 8, 2 ply. The price was $23.00 for the former, $11.00 for the latter.

So, by Jan 65, they could be ordered for the front and rear, or rear only. I don't know if there was a later revision of the 1964 list that made them available in the 1964 model/calendar year, or if they only became during the 1965 model/calendar year.

[JamesObrien]

I put the narrow front rims with new Deestone 4.00x8 tri-ribs on my 100.I like the way it looks,and it steers unbelievably easy!!

[JamesObrien]

New tri-ribs

[JamesObrien]

close up Deestone 4.00x8 tri-ribs