Carlisle Turf Saver II Lawn & Garden Tire -20/800-8, Black

What It Is

The Carlisle Turf Saver II is a 20/800-8 pneumatic lawn and garden tire designed for zero-turn mowers, riding tractors, and larger lawn equipment requiring minimal turf damage. It’s built for traction and a smooth ride on turf, not heavy mud or rocky terrain.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Size check: The tire is 20/800-8, meaning 20-inch outer diameter, 8-inch width, and an 8-inch rim diameter. Measure your existing tire – if it’s 20x8x8, this fits. If not, it won’t.
• Rim requirements: You need an 8-inch rim with a 4/4 bolt pattern (4 bolts, 4-inch spacing). Verify your wheel hub pattern before buying – common on many older John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Toro zero-turns.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an aftermarket replacement, not OEM. It fits most mowers that originally used a 20x8x8 tire – check your owner’s manual or current tire sidewall for the exact model number.
• Load capacity: Rated for 545 lbs at 20 PSI per tire. If your mower’s rear axle weight exceeds that total, skip this tire. Most residential zero-turns are fine, but heavy commercial machines may need a higher load rating.

Key Things to Know

• Installation: Moderate difficulty. You’ll need a tire iron and bead sealer. The rim is steel, so rusted bolts are common – use penetrating oil. Consider replacing the valve stem while you’re at it.
• Turf damage: The “Turf Saver” tread pattern is shallow and widely spaced – great for lawns, but poor in wet grass or loose dirt. It’s not a mud tire.
• Quality notes: 3.9 stars from 94 reviews – generally reliable, but some users report uneven wear after 2-3 seasons, especially if run under-inflated. Keep PSI at 18-20 for best life.
• Gotcha: The 20/800-8 size may be listed as 20x8.00-8 on some mowers. They’re the same – don’t overthink it. But double-check the rim width (8 inches) – a narrow rim won’t seat the tire properly.

Should You Buy It

Buy it if you need a budget-friendly, turf-safe replacement for a 20x8x8 tire on a residential zero-turn or riding mower, and you don’t need heavy-duty traction. Skip it if you mow wet slopes, need a higher load capacity, or want a longer-lasting premium tire – look at Carlisle’s Turf Master or a Kenda instead.