OTR introduces 3 new tires for mowers

OTR Engineered Solutions revealed its TR-34, Reaper and Big Bite tires at Equip Expo this week in Louisville.

The TR-34 is designed for farm tractors and ride-on mowers. It performs on grass, mud and loose soil while reducing the risk of turf damage and soil compaction.

The TR-34 tire features a non-directional design that optimizes tread wear, ride comfort and traction in both directions. The tread pattern is a hybrid between turf and industrial styles.

The tread-to-void ratio on the TR-34 tire ensures even pressure distribution throughout the contact patch, which reduces the risk of turf damage and soil compaction. Siped R1-style shoulder lugs enhance traction in mud and loose soil. Also, strategically placed mud breakers and rock ejectors provide efficient clean-out.

Four tire sizes are available: 16 X 7.50-8; 18 X 8.50-10; 24 X 12.00-12; and 26 X 12.00-12.

“The TR-34 was developed with end customers and turf equipment manufacturers in mind. It features a unique non-directional tread design, so there are no left or right tires for easy installation," says Brian Walter, the vice president of sales. "It also delivers more function vis-à-vis its hybrid R3/R4 tread, with aggressive styling that our research confirms will enhance the appeal of the machine itself. This will make it a true win-win in the market.”

Meanwhile, the company also debuted its Reaper tire for multiple brands of zero-turn mowers and garden tractors. This tire combines a turf-specific design that yields traction, stability and control with aggressive styling.

The Reaper tire features a wider footprint to maintain surface contact that enhances stability and steering responsiveness as well. Additionally, a wrap-over grip edge enhances traction when driving on uneven terrain.

The proprietary all-season rubber compound used to make the Reaper tire optimizes performance in both wet and dry conditions. It also helps create softer sidewalls for a smooth ride.

The Reaper tire is sold as an assembly, including both the tire and wheel, for easy bolt-on installation. It is available in multiple sizes to fit a variety of vehicles.

“The REAPER is a tire OTR’s formerly named Hoosier Wheel unit originated as a highly engineered turf tire that delivers more value for the money," Walter says. "It not only performs exceptionally well in virtually any turf environment — smooth or rough — but it looks good, too. We’re confident this tire will make our OEM customers’ equipment more effective and appealing.”

There's also the Big Bite turf tire. Designed for zero-turn, ride-on and stand-on mowers, the new tire features a large footprint that maximizes traction and stability. It also offers aggressive styling with low rolling resistance to provide an attractive appearance while protecting delicate turf and grass against damage.

In addition to its large contact area, the Big Bite tire has a specialized tread angle to assist in damp conditions and a unique side corner lug design provides extra grip on slopes for improved stability. Open shoulders promote self-cleaning for consistent traction while helping prevent casing damage.

The Big Bite turf tire is made from an ATV rubber compound and features extra-deep lugs for enhanced wear life. As a result, it is an ideal solution for commercial mowers that are susceptible to wear when driven on asphalt driveways or concrete parking lots.

The Big Bite tire is sold as an assembly, including both the tire and wheel, for easy bolt-on installation. It is available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate many different mower models.

“The BIG BITE tire is a unique tire that not only delivers exceptional performance, but it looks great too,” Walter says. “It combines superior traction and stability with flotation characteristics that make it turf friendly with improved ride comfort, whether operating on smooth or rough terrain or on slopes, even if wet. We’ve gotten plenty of feedback from professional and residential users that they really like this tire, so we are making it available to everyone.”