Snow Deep Snow Traction

[Engine66]

My new JD 4720 w/R-1s had trouble getting around in the woods through deep snow in Vermont. It was fine keeping my 250' drive cleared and I had no trouble blading some deep stuff, but when I ventured out onto my hilly trail, the wheels started to spin once the snow started to pack up against the axles and under the chasis. Going straight and flat was not a problem, but trying to go uphill or turning was very difficult. I had my loader w/grapple, 650lb rear blade and rears are loaded, so weight was there but tires would just spin. Snow level was 30" average with some deeper drifts. Top was crusty and a little wet under the surface and then some lighter powder at the mid to bottom. Even when I hit ground with the r-1s, I was pulling up soil with no progress...turning had to be done carefully as the smaller fronts just wanted to go sraight and push more snow.

I talked with a few farmers locally who siad they were having trouble getting to their maple trees with their large ag tractors much bigger than mine and a logger told me he was even having trouble his tree skidder with chains on all tires. Anyone have any suggestions on whether chains would help or is it just a fact to live with?

(I also have a Polaris Ranger and it was useless unless I rode in 4720 tracks where the snow had been reduced down...otherwise the bottom skid plate rode up on top and the wheels just spun. It sure was great for snow machines!)

 

[ChuckinNH]

We always used a similar type of chains to those you see on logging skidders on our little Allis Chalmers "C". It had R-1's that were loaded, and we broke trails across fields, and in the sugar orchard with it this time of year. It took a little chewing, and some backing up for fresh starts, but I do think those chains really helped here in NH!

 

[plastikosmd]

dunno, that is a lot of snow. Sounds like you are bottoming out. Taller tires or get on top of the snow with those aftermkt track products

 

[dirtworksequip]

Geez........I think asking your tractor to go through 30 inches of snow in the woods is asking way too much of it.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Engine66]

Geez........I think asking your tractor to go through 30 inches of snow in the woods is asking way too much of it.

Sincerely, Dirt

Dirt...I think you're right. I love the snow, but had a few projects to take care of that will have to wait...and you know with a new tractor I just had to give it a try...

Guess I'll have to get that Sky Crane afterall.

 

[dirtworksequip]

I was thinking you had a bad case of "cabin fever"

Have fun-be safe.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[johnk]

Sounds more like a job for a snowmobile. Hook a sled to the back with your gear and off you go. 30 inches is quite deep for a tractor. This was slick enough for me.

 

[Engine66]

JohnK,

I leave ruts like that as well when it's the wet season. One of my problems is between my ruts are lots of stones of all sizes, so blading out the ruts is problematic. What do you do with your ruts? Blade them out or just keep em that way throughout the year? I was wondering if they could be filled with 2-3" crushed stone which would allow water to pass but hold up against further tractor damage? Any ideas?

 

[Hookblock]

I have a set of turf tires on my 4310 and I had hard getting through deep snow 20-30''. I got a good deal on a set of R-1's thinking this would solve my problem. They helped alot, but the snow depth was still hard to work with. Thinking my tractor was the problem, Last weekend I got to use my uncles MF 1552 with R-4's and had the same problems getting around.

 

[SuperDutyDave]

the new Nokian's that I had mounted on my 5525 go great in snow...big suprise being from Nokian...snow tire champion....also seem great on a variety of other tasks too.

Realistically going up hill in 30"+ of snow??? that would be tough on just about any machine regardless of tire choice and/or chains.

I for can tell you that I am very anxious to get back out into my fields and do some work....but considering this snow season it will most likely be mid-May before things dry out enough to allow it.

Cheers