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Review on ๐Ÿƒ Marathon Flat Free Lawnmower Tire 11x4.00-5" with 5" Centered Hub and 3/4" Bushings by Jim Shirodkar

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Good replacement for Craftsman z6000 reels but needs to be changed (2 year update)

I used these reels to replace a 42" Craftsman z6000 Cut Zero Turn driver. They work but need to be changed because. described in other reviews. If they would fit right out of the box without modification I would probably give them five stars. I have listed some comments and notes below that may help you decide whether or not they are a good choice for you: - The 1/4 inch (.250 inch) removed from both sides of the wheel hub worked well for mounting the wheel in a roll. I removed the excess length with an air cutting disc and then painted the cut edge to prevent rust - removing and replacing the bearings without damaging them was more difficult than I thought. I removed them with a 1/4" steel rod and a hammer, tapped the inside edge (on the back) being careful not to touch the inner ring. It was the reverse of tapping the outside edge with the hammer and again the inner ring (which sticks out).- The wheels are significantly larger than the original wheels, both wider and taller. They are suitable but there isn't much clearance to clear debris. They should be swapped out in pairs as they are much taller than the original wheels and tires. The wheels are noticeably stiffer than the original pneumatic tires. Not really noticeable in grass, but definitely harder on concrete or pavement (e.g. mowing on sidewalks or driveways) and you hit a bump. Overall think I think this is a good replacement option and should offer a long (if not permanent) lifespan Lifespan Updates in 1 year: Wheels show little to no wear and work or otherwise without problems. No issues with the bearings as others have reported. The ride is pretty harsh, but it's fine for my garden/living area. You will learn to slow down or avoid places that may bother you. All in all it works well but so far no air wheel and tire combo has been found at a reasonable price so this is still the best replacement for my scenario. 2 year update: Wheels still show no significant wear. There was a molding ridge along the centerline that became smooth, but other than that there were only minor scratches on the surface. There are no problems with bearings, the mower is stored outside (the wheels are not covered). Although the wheels are hard. Thanks to the even mowing lines, I can see where the ground is compacting. It could also be coming from the rear wheels. I'm starting to randomize my runs to try and reduce soil compaction. 3 year update - still good. and still on the original set of bearings so no problems even though the mower is stored outside under a cloth cover and the wheels are exposed to the elements.

Pros
  • Works great for me
Cons
  • No instructions