Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Cutting / Groving / Siping R-4 for snow

[dickfoster]

I finally replaced the original 29 year old Bridgestone turfs on my Kubota B9200 recently with these Firestone turfs. The local dealer had them as new old stock and let me have them for $100 ea. (13.6-16 size) My only concern is that the tread pitch is much coarser than the old tires. May "get" to run them in snow this week but wondering if they need to be grooved to get more bite.

Edit: The old Bridgestones had excellent traction in snow and ice.

I imagine those large voids would not pack with snow well.

 

[npalen]

I imagine those large voids would not pack with snow well.

They look more like R4 industrial tread than turf. Maybe I should just consider them industrial tread.

 

[Glrret]

I would be inclined to groove them with a 1/4 inch pattern like this:

 

[npalen]

Thanks for your feedback illustration. I wasn't sure about what kind of groove configuration to use. That looks very simple to do.
Anyone have a used grooving tool and willing to sell it?

 

[dickfoster]

Thanks for your feedback illustration. I wasn't sure about what kind of groove configuration to use. That looks very simple to do.
Anyone have a used grooving tool and willing to sell it?

They don't cost that much and the fewer heads you get the cheaper they are. I got a kit with three width options but you could probably get away with just the 1/4" or #4 head. Probably something like 70 bucks. Just search for "Ideal Tire Grooving Iron" on the web and you'll get lots of hits including eBay and Amazon.

 

[Bronco82]

For those who grooved their tires years ago, and still have the same tractor, do you still have those tires, and if so, how are they holding out? Browsing tire grooving irons now.

 

[kennyd]

For those who grooved their tires years ago, and still have the same tractor, do you still have those tires, and if so, how are they holding out? Browsing tire grooving irons now.

Yes, perfect! I would do it again if I got new tires.

 

[Deadman]

My grooved R4's wore down as usually and had zero tears, ripped lugs or anything negative.

 

[Drewmon]

Just did my tires too. It was pretty easy. If anyone need to use the tool, contact me, I'm sure we can work something out.

 

[dragoneggs]

I guess it is time to revive this thread. Nice job Drewmon.