Options for 8.25 x 10 Tires

horsa · #1 18-11-10, 22:26

Failing there being a source for useable original military tires in the 8.25 x 10 size, what are people using as a substitute for 6-pounder guns and towed 4.2-inch mortars? Figure there must be a compatible size ATV or forklift type tire with a decent tread out there.

I've currently got 8.50 x 10 aircraft tires which will need to be replaced one day in the future and I'd prefer to not put balloon tires on again.

Interested in hearing what others are using with their toys since I know people are always looking for replacement rubber.

rob love · #2 19-11-10, 00:58

Could you not use the American mule tires? They are 7.50 X 10. A bit smaller, but they are available new.

I did a mockup restoration of a 6 pounder a decade back. I ended up welding a set of 6 pounder rims into Iltis 16" rims and installation 7X16 non directionals on it. They are a bit big, but again, fresh and safe for city towing.

horsa · #3 21-11-10, 22:53

I guess Mule tires would fit the rims based on the measurements. Think they stand up slightly higher from checking specs on one of the mule sites. What I'm still searching around for is an ATV or small tractor type tire with the solid chevron lugs. Several look similar to the originals but the better looking patterns don't seem to be available in the 8" width with 10" rim.

Has anyone out there successfully used Mule tires or other agricultural patterns on a 6-pdr rim?

For the towed mortar, they first used the same wheel and 16" tire found on the airborne trailers. I've torn my wheel hubs down to see if it was adapted for the 6-prd rim but they apparently used a new hub when they switched the tire patterns out and adopted the 6-pdr rim sometime in 1945 so that kills the option of going back to an airborne rim and tire for lack of functional hubs that will interchange.

David DeWeese · #4 22-11-10, 01:44

Hi,
Don't know if this is any help, but Carlisle makes a 7.50-10 that is fairly rugged. Sidewall shows "Industrial All Purpose, tube type, load range E".
They are 8-ply tread and 4-ply sidewall and are highway rated for 1700 lbs each IIRC.
I use these on my ATV trailer....bought locally.
Thanks, David

horsa · #5 22-11-10, 16:46

Appreicate the lead and shots of what the Carlisle tires look like. I'm still holding out a bit for a wartime military or implement tread but I know they used a lot of civilian road tires as well. Not many options for the small and wide sizes.

Gunner · #6 25-11-10, 02:28

Hi Dave:

I have the same headache with my 6 Pr. Aircraft tyres are actually what the originals were based on! I have been using mule tyres for several years and have gotten a lot of milage out of them... I'm going to order two new ones in the spring to do a tyre swap... the old ones are starting to show canvas after 12 years!

I recently found a homemade trailer using a 6 Pr axle. It had a 6 Pr tyre on one side and an aircraft tyre on the other. The 6 Pr tyre popped when 30 PSI was added... too bad as it had lots of tread on it but clearly no sidewall strength left.

I may see if I can find used 8.50x10 aircraft tyres. I know that they have to replace them after so many cycles even if they still look good.

Cheers! Mike