Mud Machine tires were produced by Sand Tires Unlimited. These Images were taken from their website for purposes of preservation only.

New Mud Tire Earns Rave Review

The NEWEST Mud Monster's Birth

Mark Harms, designer and manufacturer of the famous line of Mud Machine Bi-Claw and Tri-Claw tires, went to Louisiana to see what conditions his tires were used in. While there he found many loved his tires. But, rumor was his tire was being upstaged by TSL's Vampire. Many local swamp riders considered it the largest and most aggressive tire in the swamp.

Mark did not like another tire gathering those honors. Setting down at the drawing board he designed what would be the biggest and badest mud tire anywhere. The result is the 27" Tri-Claw Magnum.

The Test...

Dirt Wheels Magazine enlisted their Louisiana correspondent Mike Hutson and crew of swamp riders to try the tires in the bayous and mud holes of Louisiana

Mike reported... "I mounted up a set of the new 27" Tri-Claws to the front and rear of my Yamaha 350 Big Bear 4x4. I mounted the 27x12-12 tires on aluminum rims that weighted 7.9 lb. each."

While Sand Tires Unlimited (STU) says that you need a 450cc or larger quad to handle these huge meats, I found that my High Lifter-equipped Big Bear was up to the task, even with these monster tires. But you will probably need one of their lift kits to give you some added fender clearance," said Mike.

"Even with the massive rear tires mounted on the front of my Bear the steering wasn't all that difficult. I've used 27" Vampires and older 26" Mud Machines on my quad and the new Tri-Claws don't have as heavy a steering effect as those tires. They actually run smoother on the hard pack sections than the older 26" BI-Claw and 27" Vampires. I felt that there is definitely less vibration transferred to the rider with these new tires."

"We air our tires up to 10 lbs. ... even with the high tire pressure the ride isn't overly rough. The Tri-Claw Magnums work great in the swamp... ...traction you get with these new 27" tires is unbelievable!"

See the magazine for more comments... such as... tires work well in reverse... puncture resistance is very good... best self-cleaning... direct mud away from rider...

Conclusion

Dirt Wheel's conclusions, tire sizes, prices and a future tire shoot-out coming soon are in the May 1999 issue of Dirt Wheels.

Contact Information for

Dirt Wheels

Dirt Wheels

PO Box 958

Valencia, California 91380-9058

805-295-1910