850 x 6 tires

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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Mark A
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Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2019 5:44 pm

850 x 6 tires

Post by Mark A »

Can anyone tell me the effect of these tires on airspeed, handling etc compared to 600 x 6 tires? Aircraft is a C170A. Thanks Mark
counsellj
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Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:58 pm

Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by counsellj »

You probably won't see any difference between 6's and 8.5's on airspeed. Why are you looking to switch? Are you planning on operating off-airport?
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ghostflyer
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by ghostflyer »

I run only 8.00 by 6 tires but in the very early days I had a set of additional wheels and those were fitted with the 6.00 by 6 tires . As most of my landings are off road the 6,s were a handful. They bogged easily in sand . I often had to drop the pressures down to 17 psi to accomodate what I was taking off on or landing on. Then landing on a pavement runway the tire spun on the rim Tearing out the valve stem. Interesting landing . So the 8,s went on . The airspeed hasn’t dropped or really no extra power is need to maintain the normal cruising speed . I do love the 8,s but next time when new tires go on they will be 8.5,s .however saying this each brand of tire has a slightly different profile /tread pattern. My tire pressure is 25 psi unless it’s into soft sand [beach ]. I always run Michelin tires and found they provide a wider foot print than say the condor brand.

PS. Some exciting news, I have been told that a approval [STC] [australia] is in the wind for a poly urethane type rubber will be allowed to be pumped into the tail wheels of aircraft . It will depend on the pressures that are used in the tail wheels . So no air is needed . Wow. We have a thorn in this country called “3 corner jack” and they have a thorn about 1/2 ins long and they puncture our tail wheels very easily. Especially if landing on a paved runway .
Mark A
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Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2019 5:44 pm

Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by Mark A »

Hi y'all, thanks for the replies. I purchased a 170A last week which has 600-6 tires installed. I have a few off asphalt destinations in mind, one of which is a mix of grass and sand. The other reason is aesthetic. I think they look good on the 170.
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wabuchanan
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by wabuchanan »

The 8.50's will be more than adequate for grass strips and sand to small rocks. They are just about the perfect tire for 170's aesthetically as well. A good all around tire.

They won't diminish your speed much at all. You will be hard pressed to notice any real difference.

Your decision now is whether to get the treaded 8.50's or the smooth Desser 8.50's.
1950 170A N5776C SN:19730
counsellj
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by counsellj »

Bill,

He is actually looking at 8.0s, not 8.5's. Don't rush the disease. It will effect him soon enough.
Mark A
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2019 5:44 pm

Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by Mark A »

Thanks. I was recommended to the Air Trac 850 x 6 tires.
Mark A
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Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2019 5:44 pm

Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by Mark A »

BTW - this is the 170A
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alanbaker
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by alanbaker »

Minimal reduction in airspeed on my '48. As far as handling they feel great. Much better than the roller skate wheels on there before. Landings are much smoother both on grass and pavement. Lots of cushion, much harder to bounce. It's been a really great improvement both to the handling and looks. They are the largest tires my wallet and sensibilities can afford me.
20201016_004954.jpg
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GAHorn
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by GAHorn »

That pic gives quite a nice view of the different lower cowl lips.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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alanbaker
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by alanbaker »

GAHorn- did you look closely at the middle plane? Tricky eh?
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GAHorn
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by GAHorn »

alanbaker wrote:GAHorn- did you look closely at the middle plane? Tricky eh?
Yes, I noticed that immediately when I posted the comment. I’m guessing a repair to the lower cowl must have occurred at some point.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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johneeb
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by johneeb »

GAHorn wrote:
alanbaker wrote:GAHorn- did you look closely at the middle plane? Tricky eh?
Yes, I noticed that immediately when I posted the comment. I’m guessing a repair to the lower cowl must have occurred at some point.
That might be when it got the dorsal fin.
John E. Barrett
aka. Johneb

Sent from my "Cray Super Computer"
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DuaneShockey
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by DuaneShockey »

To you who have put on the 8.50s Do those go on the standard rims?? Duane Shockey
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DaveF
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Re: 850 x 6 tires

Post by DaveF »

8.50s with stock wheels and brakes can be a problem. I saw this at OSH last year. I sure wouldn’t fly with brakes chafing the tires like this.
3BB549BA-2C04-40D5-8A04-DB89E3CE5373.jpeg
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