Fatcats

[Don]

Here's a picture of some real flotation tires. Back in the 1970s B F Goodrich made some tires for amphibs that were a little wider than average. They had special hubs that extended past the end of the axle to support the extra width of the tire. I never did get to take this machine for a ride before I sold it, but from what I understand it was truly like riding on air.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Mike]

I always wondered how well they rode and performed. I don't like the looks of them just because you can't see a wheel but I would like to give them a try just out of curiosity. Maybe someone else who has used them can chime in.

[jpswift1]

Don, approximately how wide are those tires? That would be pretty cool if someone like Goodyear made some super wide tires such as those that would fit on an 8" wheel instead of the one peice wheel/tire set up. Althought if tires like that were on the market you would most likely have to run big solid axles, but you would be able to go through any kind of mud I'd imagine.

[tanker]

Those are the same tires that came on the spd wedge. The hole pattern is the old honda 3 lug. It had a very small mounting radius inside the tires but the rim was molded into the tire rubber.

[Don]

Jeff- They're probably 50% wider than the standard flotations. I don't have any of them any more, but Joe said they were a real experience to drive (and he put standard width tires back on the machine soon after it was done).

Tanker- As far as I know, these didn't come as equipment on anything. BF Goodrich, Firestone, Goodyear and Uniroyal all made the standard width flotations with the three-bolt hubs built in to the tire, but they were all quite a bit thinner than these. I'm not 100% sure on that, but I think these were strictly aftermarket.

Don

[tanker]

Im sure they didn't come stock on the wedge because they stuck out from the sides. I'll try to find an old picfrom before I through them away.

[Groundhog]

FATCATS

The FATCATS are quite a soft ride. The driving style has to be taylored to match the tires. You must really limit quick changes in acceleration and stopping. If you do those things too quick, you will have severe oscillations. It is easy to get off the ground on certain bumps, on the second bounce! Flotation is awesome, but 5 inches of flowing water will cary you downstream! The axels have to be very straight, and bearings tight to go to speed. A smooth field at speed is where they feel like a hovercraft. They are 15 inch wide, compared to ~10 inch std flotations.

[artist1018]

I remember my Dad putting a set of those on our Amphicat, back in the late 60's. We used it at Showboat Park in Chesaning, MI & the river current DID sweep us sideways!! Also, as stated, too much acceleration or braking & it was like riding 6 basketballs!! One of our friends, a Mr. Know-it-all, took it for a ride & lost control, due to bouncing, & flipped over, sideways, because his inexperience got the better of him!!

[riotwarrior]

Those look kewl. I would definitely run those if I had em....looks like they would be perfect for beach area, along with fire roads in the desert area.

[Jeff t-boss]

I think; many years ago, they used to call them 'TUNDRA TIRES" because of the weight distribution abilities. My question is, "Do they still make them, and what sizes are available?"

[SWAMP HAWG]

Man If the aftermarket would make a tire as wide as the fat cats, with the new argo deep tread across the face , and wrap the tread all the way down to the bead. . .