Anybody like their R4 tires in snow

[OneMarineE5]

Never did understand this. That's why you can go in and out of 4wd. When I'm in 4wd, I'm on snow or ice so the wheels can slip. I'm also not giving the thing full throttle in a high gears trying to dig my way to china. Dealers are naturally going to be ultra conservative because, lets face it, there are people with little mechanical understanding that would put it in 4wd on dry pavement while making sharp, "lock to lock" turns. If I had a tractor that I had to baby it wouldn't be much of a tractor. Pulling a backblade in dirt in 4wd can't be any less strain on the drivetrain than plowing in deep snow with chains on front. My front chains made a huge difference on side slopes, deep snow, and climbing grades while dragging a 7 foot backblade with a full snow load. Wouldn't be without them (until I move south anyway).

I'm glad somebody understands where i'm coming from. I even pondered the fact that it is a minimum of a couple inches between rows of chain...how much wheel slip is needed? :mur:

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Yes, 40" is correct. Below is the artice taken from The Post Standard paper in Syracuse. It snowed 7 days in a row. 3 of the 7 set new records for most snowfall ever recorded on those days. I live 20 mi. north of there in the snow belt and we rec'd much more than the 30.9" Syracuse got.

""Tuesday was the second day in a row that a record amount of snow fell at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The day's 9.3-inch snowfall brought December's total to 30.9 inches, eclipsing in seven days the 28.6 inches that Syracuse normally gets for the entire month of December, according to the National Weather Service.""

WOW!!! We have only got a few flurries so far.

 

[OneMarineE5]

Hey OneMarineE5
I got them from a friend that is in the tire business.
I opted for the 4 link style,didn't think I would need the 2 link. Cost was 185.00.
I haven't fooled with the tire pressure.................yet.
Actually,the chains fit pretty snug.
Hopefully,I can leave that alone.

Greg

Thanks Greg. I haven't decided on 2 or 4 link yet. Guess I better soon or there may not be any chains to be had.

 

[Milton Burro]

JMO, you won't find a tire made that does well in snow with ice underneath.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks Greg. I haven't decided on 2 or 4 link yet. Guess I better soon or there may not be any chains to be had.

Good point.
After the blizzard last Feb (in our area...I'm in Red Lion), snow chains were not to be had. I ended up getting mine in May.
As far as 2 link vs. 4 link, I went with 4 link chains (rears only) based upon our fellow TBNer, Arrabil, recommendation. His drive (in Winterstown) is paved and steep. He has the 2 lnks chains fore and aft. My drive is pretty level and hard pack gravel (with some asphalt spoils). The 4 link chains are pretty heavy (70-80 lbs each is my estimate), so figure the 2 link chains are 25% more weight.
If you do want chains, I suggest you decide pretty quickly. Once they run out, you probably won't be able to get them until Spring.

 

[Gleumer]

I have about 5hr of blowing snow and have had no issues to mention with my r4's. my dealer told me turf tires would be terrible. I even had my tractor out saturday to pull out my burried 4wheeler in my back yard and it was fine. (wish I had a video-Its a polaris 700) Ive blown through almost 3ft of snow and still ok. 2 wheel drive on the other hand is awful! Hopefully this stays true. I have no weights or chains.

 

[OneMarineE5]

Good point.
After the blizzard last Feb (in our area...I'm in Red Lion), snow chains were not to be had. I ended up getting mine in May.
As far as 2 link vs. 4 link, I went with 4 link chains (rears only) based upon our fellow TBNer, Arrabil, recommendation. His drive (in Winterstown) is paved and steep. He has the 2 lnks chains fore and aft. My drive is pretty level and hard pack gravel (with some asphalt spoils). The 4 link chains are pretty heavy (70-80 lbs each is my estimate), so figure the 2 link chains are 25% more weight.
If you do want chains, I suggest you decide pretty quickly. Once they run out, you probably won't be able to get them until Spring.

Ok Roy, just ordered V-Bar Ladder chains for rears. Think you may have scared me out of procrastination. I just hope the "In-Stock" status on the internet site is accurate.

May? That's a bummer!

 

[JC4HD]

I recently got a new JD2520 with R4 tires, and really haven't had a chance to use it with any reasonable amount of snow. From the post I've been reading hear, sounds like I should have ordered the turf tires.

I don't want to chain them unless absolutely necessary, so is there anyone out there using R4's for pushing snow that has anything good to say about them?

I have the JD front hitch and 54" blade, and a ballast box if necessary.

I have a 2320 with Backhoe (nice for ballast) and a loader. Last year in Southern NY we had record snowfalls and the R4's worked fine. I found the separate brake pedals helped a lot with turning when on slick surfaces. I have posted some pictures from last winter and plowing!

 

[bp fick]

Do I "like" my R4s for snow? Not gleeful, but they work just fine. Mine are neither chained nor filled and I manage just fine in 4x4.

The R4 is a compromise. It's tough alright, and is easy enough on the grass, for me anyhow. No complaints. It just is what it is. A utility tractor tire is a funny deal. It is asked to be gentle on grass, tough in rough stuff, have traction in dirt and in the snow. Now, we all know nothing is going to be perfect when asked to do all that.

 

[Tractor King]

I thunk this has already been thought.....ever heard of bobcats.....traction back and forth with r4's just more money for the salesman....R1 no traction to the rear....less anyone has forgot....