You're viewing new Carlisle Xtrac Tire | 4.80-8 | A | Manufacturer Part No 5170111.
Carlisle Xtrac Snowblower Tire
Clear winter driveways and paths with the Carlisle Xtrac, a purpose-built snow tire for snow blowers and small utility equipment. Its directional, chevron-style tread bites into packed snow, and wide voids sling away slush to keep you moving. A cold-weather compound stays pliable in freezing temps for dependable grip and braking. Built for off-road duty, the Xtrac prioritizes traction, durability, and easy handling so you get fewer spin-outs and more control.
Why Choose the Carlisle Xtrac
The Carlisle Xtrac is engineered for winter work where traction and control matter most. Directional, angled lugs deliver strong forward bite when climbing banks or pushing through drifts, while deep grooves clear loose snow and slush to prevent clogging. Its cold-weather compound maintains flexibility as temps drop, supporting confident braking and steering. A reinforced casing handles utility loads and the repeated starts and stops common to snow clearing.
Sizes, Fitment, and NHS Notes
The Xtrac comes in common snowblower and lawn tractor sizes that match popular OE fitments, including 13x4.00-6, 13x5.00-6, 15x5.00-6, 4.80-8, and 16x6.50-8. The size reads overall diameter x section width - rim diameter, in inches. Many sizes carry NHS, Not for Highway Service, and are for off-road equipment only. Match your current tire's size and ply rating, mount in the direction of the sidewall arrow, and confirm rim width before you buy.
Popular Xtrac Sizes and Fit Tips
Popular choices like 13x5.00-6, 13x4.00-6, 15x5.00-6, 4.80-8, and 16x6.50-8 fit many walk-behind and ride-on machines. When replacing, verify the full size, NHS marking, and load or ply rating on your original tire. Directional winter treads should be installed with the chevrons pointing forward at the top for maximum bite, and matching patterns across an axle helps maintain even traction and predictable handling.
Performance in Snow and Ice
In deep or packed snow, the Xtrac's chevron lugs act like paddles, helping your machine start cleanly and track straight under load. Siping along the lugs aids initial bite on hardpack, and open channels move loose snow out of the footprint to limit slip. On glare ice, any rubber tire has limits, so chains, where allowed, can further improve grip. Set pressure to the equipment spec and avoid over-inflation, which shrinks the contact patch and reduces traction.
Price, Value, and Buying Tips
Pricing for the Carlisle Xtrac varies by size, ply rating, and whether you purchase tire only or tire with tube. For the best value, match the OE size and load needs, confirm NHS or off-road requirements, and replace in axle pairs for consistent traction. Consider a spare if heavy snowfall is common in your area, since downtime during a storm is costly. Watch for seasonal promotions and check return policies, and plan on a new rim or tube if your current wheel is corroded or bent.
Installation, Tubes, and Maintenance
Many Xtrac sizes are offered in tubeless constructions, but an inner tube can help seal older or pitted rims. Check the sidewall for TL, tubeless, or TT, tube-type, and use the correct tube size if needed. Mount in the indicated direction, set pressure to your equipment manual when cold, then recheck after the first run. Store clean and out of sunlight, and on multi-wheel equipment rotate periodically to even wear and maintain traction.
Carlisle Xtrac vs Alternatives
Compared with block-style snow treads, such as the Carlisle Snow Hog, the Xtrac's directional chevron design emphasizes forward bite and self-cleaning in deep or packed snow. Blockier patterns can feel more neutral on mixed hardpack and soft ground, but they may pack up sooner in wet slush. Some aftermarket tires chase flotation with wider profiles, while the Xtrac focuses on digging traction for efficient clearing. Choose the Xtrac if you need to punch through drifts and maintain steady forward motion in sustained winter conditions.
