Tires Ags Vs Industrials - SNOW

[newpaltznewholland]

I had wondered what mixing tires (just for the winter of course) would affect control, so thanks for the advice. I had planned on asking the NH dealer when I visited the shop to look at thier vast used inventory. I wanted to avoid chains on the rears just because they are such a pain to put on and given the quite limited clearance I have from the rears to the fender with the R4s. More to ponder indeed and thanks to all for the great advice that keeps pouring in!!!

 

[smp999]

I have a gravel drive with slight incline using 4WD AGs and front mount blower. Live 2hours north of Toronto = lots of snow. After a few tries, I went out and got a proper set of chains for the rears and that made all the difference. My old tractor had turf tires with chaiins and never had problems so I was wondering if AGs made a difference. Not much. Our lane way is a very nice toboggan run for the kids, so that gives you a bit of an idea. Good snows on the vehicles is all you need to get out.

Aside - This year will be slightly different. I will use a rear blade initially (turned backwards) to pack down and create a 'base' before using the blower. Before the ground is frozen you can't use the float feature on the front because the blower will dig in too much and it's tricky to get the proper height as your angle of attack changes. I also went through a ton of sheer pins as it picked up gravel and debris. Once the base was established, it was much easier.

 

[newpaltznewholland]

smp 999 - extrordinarily helpful as it appears we have very similar driveways. Mine is a snaking 3300 ft incline of crushed bluestone with 3 switchbacks, roughly 250 ft elevetion from road to home. Needsless to say if I slide off and most any point, the result could be disastrous. Given the dips and turns in the drive, a blade had been very useful in p[ast years; this would be the 1st year with the blower. Maybe I consider just selling the blower (I bought it with the tractor as it came with the deal) and maybe a crushed stone drive is a poor application of the blower? I could buy a lot of blades for the price of a brand bew blower? Again, thanks!!

 

[smp999]

I'm not saying get rid of blower, you just need to prepare the base so the blower can float or skid over the packed frozen driveway without digging in. Once the driveway is frozen, the blower is much easier.

 

[nybirdman]

Its not just control when mixing tires.....the tire difference in tire ratio (height and traction) may have adverse effects on your four wheel drive system.I.E. you may damage four wheel drive components (expensive) if you mix.IF you change ,change all four tires to the proper size for your tractor.

 

[newpaltznewholland]

Thanks. No, I certainly understand you were not suggesting I jettison the blower, but indeed I had great success with just the front blade (and rear box blade) and now that I have the Super Suite cab (whereas I did not with my old 3415) I can take all the time I need without freezing to death and while listening to sattelite radio. I'll defintely try what you suggested after I decide what best rubber/chain configuration to go with. Many thanks,

 

[newpaltznewholland]

Will do, indeed. My dealer has a huge stock of rims/R1s amassed over the years so I'll likely invest in the R1s all around for winter and then swap out for the industrials come spring. Great advice, thanks!

 

[WilliamBos]

Ags hands down!!