Can I use the larger S170 rear wheels on my S160?

[ImOkeeHowBoutU]

Hello,
First post.
I'm wondering if it's ok to use the larger wheels and tires that come on the S170, on my S160. I don't use the mower for any thing but mowing grass. No towing etc. Very flat yard. It should be ok right?

 

[ImOkeeHowBoutU]

Well, no reply from the forum but Google AI said this.....

While the
John Deere S170
rear wheels will physically fit onto the S160 axle, using them is not recommended because it may damage your tractor's transmission and affect the mower's performance.

Compatibility Overview

• Axle Fit: Both models typically use a standard 3/4-inch rear axle with a 3/16-inch keyway. This means the
  S170
  wheels will slide onto the S160 axle and lock into place.
• Tire Size Difference:
  • S160 Stock: 20x10-8 (20" tall tire on an 8" rim).
  • S170 Stock
    : 22x9.5-12 (22" tall tire on a 12" rim).

Why It Is Not Recommended

1. Transmission Strain: The S160 uses the Tuff Torq TLT200 transmission, whereas the S170 is equipped with the heavier-duty Tuff Torq K46. The S160's lighter transmission is not designed to handle the increased torque and load required to turn the larger 22-inch
   S170
   tires. This can lead to overheating and premature transmission failure, especially on hills.
2. Mower Deck Interference: Because the
   S170
   tires are 2 inches taller, the tire radius increases by 1 inch. This reduces the clearance between the tire and the mower deck, which can cause the tires to rub against the deck or frame when the deck is raised or when driving over uneven ground.
3. Speed and Leveling: The larger tires will increase your ground speed but will also tilt the tractor forward, throwing off the level of the mower deck. You would need to recalibrate the deck to ensure an even cut.

If you need better traction on your S160, consider adding tire chains or upgrading to a more aggressive all-terrain (ATV-style) tread in the original 20x10-8 size rather than increasing the overall wheel height.

Do you need help finding traction-enhanced tires that fit your S160 without changing the wheel size?

 

[Auto Doc's]

A bigger engine and tire option was an appeal of the S170. The front tires were bigger also if I recall correctly.

Make sure you change both sides if only doing the rear, so it does not cause excessive stress on the transmission differential.

They will fit, but the mower deck will need to be re-leveled from front to back. The transmission is the same, so there is no excess torque load.

 

[StarTech]

A bigger engine and tire option was an appeal of the S170. The front tires were bigger also if I recall correctly.

Make sure you change both sides if only doing the rear, so it does not cause excessive stress on the transmission differential.

They will fit, but the mower deck will need to be re-leveled from front to back. The transmission is the same, so there is no excess torque load.

You might need to look both the units IPLs. The S160 uses the TLT200 which has a drive torque of 130 ft-lbs max and S170 uses the K46 which has a drive torque of 171 ft-lbs max.

I just can't justify the expense of the tires and rims either. S160 has 20x10-8 [8" rims] and the S170 has 22x9.5-12 [12" rims]. Plus you are only gaining 1" in height through you gain a faster travel speed provide drive differential has the same gear ratio.

 

[ImOkeeHowBoutU]

You might need to look both the units IPLs. The S160 uses the TLT200 which has a drive torque of 130 ft-lbs max and S170 uses the K46 which has a drive torque of 171 ft-lbs max.

I just can't justify the expense of the tires and rims either. S160 has 20x10-8 [8" rims] and the S170 has 22x9.5-12 [12" rims]. Plus you are only gaining 1" in height through you gain a faster travel speed provide drive differential has the same gear ratio.

I wasn't aware of that difference in torque. Good point. The larger final diameter of the rear wheels definitely would require more torque to turn. I just have no clue if that difference would actually cause the transmission to run hotter or wear faster. My lawn is almost perfectly flat so no hills to climb. I know people sometimes pull trailers or other things behind their S160-S100's and use them on lawns with inclines so compared to that it seems it would actually be less stress than pulling a trailer etc. Not sure.

I guess the bottom line is that there is no "real" advantage to going with the larger wheels and tires, I just thought it looked better in addition to gaining a bit of travel speed. I have a good sized area to mow and there have been more than a few times that I've been at the far side of the property and got caught in a sudden downpour and it took "forever" to get back to the shed and out of the rain. But, replacing a transmission would not be worth the rare inconvenience.

I guess I'll just stay with the smaller, OEM sized wheels and tires.

Thanks for the helpful info.

 

[gasan1n201]

Hello,
First post.
I'm wondering if it's ok to use the larger wheels and tires that come on the S170, on my S160. I don't use the mower for any thing but mowing grass. No towing etc. Very flat yard. It should be ok right?



















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You might need to look both the units IPLs

I agree with you
Thanks for your help