Anybody like their R4 tires in snow

[Mounted Madness]

Been clearing snow for the last 3 winters with my BX24 around town here.

Before my first winter with the machine, I bought a set of R4's with rims for winter use only. My summer turfs were put away. I need them for the type of work I do around town. My rears are loaded R4's, and I run in 4 wheel drive with no issues.

Last winter we had 2 weeks of ice rain before Christmas making it a real mess, with about 1-2inches of ice. It was a little slippery, but I ran in low range and never had a problem.

This winter we've had a bit more snow, but no ice. Chains look like a good idea but would doubtless chew up my shop floor.

Frankly, I think if you know your machine, figure out the terrain/conditions your working in, you can figure out the best compromise for the job at hand, because that's all it is, a compromise.

My biggest concern is being seen by the cage drivers at night...so I put a strobe and aux. lights on the ROPS. Looks like it's supposed to go up to +1C/34F tomorrow, then 4-5inches of snow on Thursday....Great...more work...:thumbsup::laughing:

 

[LHS Inc]

I used my 3520 300CX FEL and 72" Frontier HD blade with R4's for the first time yesterday pushing snow . My driveway closest to the house had 4 foot high drifts and I moved it all off without any problem from the R4's. I had to scoop and dump the snow off the driveway which packed down the snow and the R4's still had good traction. I don't have any slope to worry about as other TBN'ers have stated so the R4's are the right tire for me.

 

[check]

I was going up an small incline yesterday at the corner of my garage, and couldn't make it with my R4's - had to back up and take a run at it. And that was with no resistance - I wasn't pushing anything and in fact the FEL and rear blower were both off the ground.

So, I was undecided before but now for sure I want chains. Dear wife... I love you.....

 

[Gizmo2]

So, I was undecided before but now for sure I want chains. Dear wife... I love you.....

It works for me!

 

[TractorBob1529]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one with snow problem. Have not been up to my house since before Chirstmas. I have a 1/4 gravel driveway all up hill with about a 300ft change in elevation...and add a bunch of curves. My BB is horrible for pushing/scraping snow. Tried FEL, but ended up tearing up the road. Dreaming of a snowblower, scrape blade, and even chains for the R4. Money is tight. Question for anybody reading...what have been the best technique that you have used to move/push snow. You have to see my driveway to appreciate the trouble I've gone though.

 

[hawkeye08]

If money is tight, you might consider the v plow made out of some lumber that you tow behind. Others have posted theirs recently.

 

[magicheater]

Frankly, I think if you know your machine, figure out the terrain/conditions your working in, you can figure out the best compromise for the job at hand, because that's all it is, a compromise.

Truer words were never spoken and can be applied to almost every topic of tractor discussion here.

 

[lager1829]

3720 with large loaded R4s - unless the terrain is flat, chains are a must in snow. Last yr we had back to back 20+ inch snowfalls in PA and without chains on all 4s, my 3720 with R4s and ballast was totally useless on any hill - even the slightest grade. R4 capability in snow is a myth unless you have completely flat terrain.

 

[check]

I was going up an small incline yesterday at the corner of my garage, and couldn't make it with my R4's - had to back up and take a run at it. And that was with no resistance - I wasn't pushing anything and in fact the FEL and rear blower were both off the ground.

So, I was undecided before but now for sure I want chains. Dear wife... I love you.....

OK, wife says she loves me back...chains are on the way!:dance1: