Tires Stud the Tires?

jim_n_nh · Dec 9, 2008

Question for all? What do you think about me studding the rear tires of my LK3054? I need some traction to make it up my 200 foot/20 degree driveway after I plow down. I do not have enough clearence to put chains on the back if I have a rear blade or backhoe on. I do not intend to plow up the hill, just make it back up to plow down again. Once I plow it it quickly freezes and I have a hard time making it back up.

Thank you,

Jim

JDeerekid · Dec 9, 2008

What tires do you have on it now. I am assuming R1's. Can you get a wheel spacer kit for the tractor so you will have clearance for chains?

JoelD · Dec 9, 2008

Maybe chains on the front only would be enough?

jim_n_nh · Dec 9, 2008

There isn't alot of clearence on the back for chains. I am not sure of the spacer kit. I think I saw one available but not sure of the $$$. The kit for studs is $97 for a 100 of them. My tires are big r4's. I have thought about chains on the front but would prefer grip on the back as well.

Jim

PILOON · Dec 10, 2008

Many plowing contractors around here are using big studs with good success and they do make bigger studs for tractors.
One fellow is on his 3rd season (maintains 80 drives) and all hilly paved drives.
Sure he is missing a few here and there-but 3 seasons!
Oh, and he has 1200 hrs (all on paved surfaces) and some inclines require 4WD access.

For $100. I'd go for it!

Shucks, price out tractor chains and you won't hesitate!

As to front chains, personally (since I needed to replace my front ring and pinion) I don't think most of our CUT's are really made to work the front very hard.
In fact many manuals will state ; 'front assist' 4WD

A buddy on an older tractor simply screwed in hardened self tapping 1/4" screws (the kind that have 7/16" hex heads into his tire lugs. Works great! (but for $100., dealer installed I would not hesitate.)

bearhawk · Dec 10, 2008

PILOON said:
A buddy on an older tractor simply screwed in hardened self tapping 1/4" screws (the kind that have 7/16" hex heads into his tire lugs. Works great!

That sounds like a nice inexpensive way to get some needed traction. Just like the ice racers do!

I think 20 bucks worth of screws and an hour with the cordless drill will make a HUGE difference in the traction.

This place again proves it has a wealth of information...

jim_n_nh · Dec 10, 2008

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate all of them. If I do put chains on the front they will be light ones just because I do try to be gentle to the tractor.

My source for the studs is aerostitch.com. I know there must be other places to purchase the studs as well. I would estimate that my tractor spends less than 10 miles a year on the road and I average about 50 hours of total use a year.

Thanks again,

Jim

PILOON · Dec 10, 2008

bearhawk said:
That sounds like a nice inexpensive way to get some needed traction. Just like the ice racers do!

I think 20 bucks worth of screws and an hour with the cordless drill will make a HUGE difference in the traction.

This place again proves it has a wealth of information...

Agree, sure is a fun site!

I have made dozens of project gizmos that are results of browsing TBN and it is why I like to contribute whenever I think I'll be helpfull.

Re: the self tapping screws--The reason they work is that to be 'self tapping' they are hardened almost to the point of being a drill bit (self tapping) , maybe not carbide hard but at least 'drill bit' hard!

And since with a tractor you generally are moving about on 'non paved' territory the homebrew studs could last many a year.

rd_macgregor · Dec 11, 2008

Its probably best not to use the 3" screws, though!!!

PILOON · Dec 11, 2008

rd_macgregor said:
Its probably best not to use the 3" screws, though!!!

For sure.

I guess that the max would want to be about 50% of the tire lugs (or a bit less) but then tractor tires often have 2 1/2" lugs so I see no problems.

Fred Deere · Dec 22, 2008

rd_macgregor said:
Its probably best not to use the 3" screws, though!!!

THANKS, I just did the 3 inchers all in but the heads

Fred Deere · Dec 22, 2008

jim_n_nh said:
Question for all? What do you think about me studding the rear tires of my LK3054? I need some traction to make it up my 200 foot/20 degree driveway after I plow down. I do not have enough clearence to put chains on the back if I have a rear blade or backhoe on. I do not intend to plow up the hill, just make it back up to plow down again. Once I plow it it quickly freezes and I have a hard time making it back up.

Thank you,

Jim

Hey Jim, I am in the same boat was wondering about studding my tires on my 3005. I called a Ontario dealer today and the guy said he had never heard of people studding their tires

The guy works in parts??

Anyway, I plow down my hill as well, and sometimes depending upon the temperature I can not get back up. I back up the hill, I find that helps plus its safer to slide back down facing the right direction. Here is my hill/driveway

JoelD · Dec 22, 2008

Fred Deere said:
Hey Jim, I am in the same boat was wondering about studding my tires on my 3005. I called a Ontario dealer today and the guy said he had never heard of people studding their tires The guy works in parts??

Anyway, I plow down my hill as well, and sometimes depending upon the temperature I can not get back up. I back up the hill, I find that helps plus its safer to slide back down facing the right direction. Here is my hill/driveway

I'm thinking you have one super nice view from up where you are purched.

Joel

Fred Deere · Dec 23, 2008

Thanks Joel yes I do....Did not mean to hijack your thread Jim, I would like to hear more about studding the tires and how you go about it. I am thinking of the screws???

IXLR8 · Dec 23, 2008

Fred Deere said:
Thanks Joel yes I do....Did not mean to hijack your thread Jim, I would like to hear more about studding the tires and how you go about it. I am thinking of the screws???

I believe these are what Jim was going to use.
Self-Tapping Carbide Tire Studs :: Tire Studs :: A to B Utilities :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

Fred Deere · Dec 24, 2008

IXLR8 said:
I believe these are what Jim was going to use.
Self-Tapping Carbide Tire Studs :: Tire Studs :: A to B Utilities :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

Thank you

bearhawk · Dec 24, 2008

I was thinking WAY cheaper than that.. Like from McMaster Carr

90197A645
Self-Pierce Hex Washer Head Sheet Metal Screw Zinc-Plated Steel, Slotted, No. 10 Size, 3/4" L
In stock at $5.94 per Pack
This product is sold in Packs of 100

atgreene · Dec 25, 2008

I posted this advice in another thread, and I'll add it here. Self tapping screws will get ripped out from time to time. When they do, they will be left laying in your driveway. Just food for thought. Also, the heads wear out and the screw continues to work it's way into the tire.

Chains are much better option and give you much better traction. For a few hundred bucks they are well worth it. Also, chains on the front only are a bad idea. Cost me plenty once, won't do that again.

Are you sure it's 20% grade? Just curious.

IXLR8 · Dec 25, 2008

atgreene said:
Also, chains on the front only are a bad idea. Cost me plenty once, won't do that again.

Why is that? As it is much easier to put on fronts than rears... I was considering doing just that to help a bit without fighting the rears on.

jim_n_nh · Dec 26, 2008

Yep it is 20% grade, the contractor refused to build it to the 10% max as required by the town . I stopped payment, we went to court. He lost but I didn't get the driveway fixed by him after spending 15 thousand on it. Anyhow I had it surveyed by an engineer and I had over 200 feet at 20%.

On tuesday (30th) I am going to head over to Ken's Tractor and order some chains for the front. I have a gift certificate from Kioti to use at their business.