What We Did

ITP 26 in. ATR Radial Tires
The stock OEM rubber by Maxxis did a fair job of plowing, however there were two problems. The first was these tires are now a few years old and are noticeably worn down. When the snow gets deep or the conditions get icy, sometimes you can barely do half a blade width without spinning uncontrollably. OK, so what is the premier snow plow tire available today? Here at the Connection, we think it is the fantastic ATR radials from ITP. So these were the logical choice for this machine. The next problem we hoped to cure was when driving off our trailer, the plow would catch into the ground. We needed to have more ground clearance. Luckily ITP is just finishing prototype testing on new 26in. tall ATR radials.


These prototype tire size designations are F - 205/85R-12 (26x8-12) and R - 255/70R-12 (26x10-12). The actual inflated measurement of the front tires is 25.5 in. tall x 8-1/8 in. wide and the actual inflated measurement of the rear tires is 25-1/4 in. tall x 10 in. wide. Since we had such a nice setup thus far we decided to fit the ATR radials to ITP's new "C - 5" series cast aluminum rims, resulting in a killer combination of looks and performance. The new "C - 5" series rims fit perfectly to the Yamaha hubs using ITP's special chrome lug nuts. With the front tire / rim combo only weighing 21 lbs. and the rear weighing in at only 26 lbs., we saved some unsprung weight while we were picking up at least a third more traction and immeasurable wow appeal. The difference in plowing with the  new ATR's and the OEM rubber, the front tires are weighted down by the plow filled with snow and the rear tires were unloaded, resulting in slippage. With the ATR's mounted, the rear tires just kept digging, resulting in either a faster forward speed or being able to push the bank a little further back. With the added traction we actually had the Moose Utilities plow trip on occasion. Also the side slippage encountered before was now eliminated. stock rubber was amazing. When diving into heavy snow with OEM rubber, the front tires are weighted down by the plow filled with snow and the rear tires were unloaded, resulting in slippage. With the ATR's mounted, the rear tires just kept digging, resulting in either a faster forward speed or being able to push the bank a little further back. With the added traction we actually had the Moose Utilities plow trip on occasion. Also the side slippage encountered before was now eliminated.

Dropping the plow frame, we headed out onto the trails for a little "testing". We call it that but in the winter it's just pure FUN! Traction on the trails was great. Making your own trails was no problem either. Even when dragging the plow attachment subframe there was no problem. Slides were controllable with no surprises, and steering was light and accurate. We just plain like these tires and think that if you intend to get serious about moving that white stuff, consider the ITP ATR radial tires 'cause you won't be disappointed.