For snow chained turfs on rear and studded R4's on front?

[Mike9]

I'm going to be moving snow with my Kubota B6200HSTD this winter with a back blade. I have turfs all around and while I'll chain the rears I have an option to put R4's (same size as my front turfs) on. The circumference ratio will be the same and I can stud the R4's if needed. Any drawback to this idea?

 

[brown40]

Sounds like an ideal set-up to me. You can get a harder hex head screw and go that route if you don't have the gear to do carbide studs. I do think the tires would wear a bit faster, but R-4's are not so good in the snow, and particularly slick on ice.

 

[arrow]

I wouldn't change a thing. I happen to think turfs and a set of chains are one of the most versatile set ups a tractor can have. Only draw backs to turfs is that they are not too puncture resistant so unless they were 8 ply, I would run something else for working in the forests. Many here feel turfs are better than R4's in snow.

 

[MMagis]

I would agree chained turfs are probably better than R4s in the snow, but without chains they're basically slicks. I's think about leaving the turfs up front and adding chains on them as well to help in steering.

 

[corl]

I agree with MMagis. I have a F2100 Kubota that has turf tires all around. I put chains on the big wheels and plow a drive with a 18% grade in part of it. Never had a need to add chains to the other wheels. The machine is 26 years old and has plowed a lot of snow. Will pile it up 4-5 feet high.Wouldn't even think of plowing with my MX5100 as its not needed here in Pa.

 

[varmint]

I have found that turfs do great in snow, and chains are only needed when you get icy conditions, or a frozen bottom under snow. R-4's (no chains) didn't work as well, for me, even though the tractor was much heavier.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Turfs tread looks like snow tires. They're great in snow. I had a B6200 like yours and it was great for snow plowing. You may not need chains but they will help a lot on the rears.

I wouldn't spend money on R4s and studs. Try it this year with turfs and no chains in front.

 

[arrow]

I would agree chained turfs are probably better than R4s in the snow, but without chains they're basically slicks. I's think about leaving the turfs up front and adding chains on them as well to help in steering.

What makes a snow tire, is the snow that packs between their lugs. It is snow against snow that creates the traction. This is why unchained turfs for many here are better in snow than unchained R4's.

 

[Coyote machine]

I use Aquiline chains on my rear loaded R-4's and nothing on the front, except R-4s too. Chains and studs can change the front axle's ability to turn at the right speed in relation to the rear axle, especially when turning. I use a large front mounted all angle plow and have no problems. I've used this setup for a number of years, no problems. Last year we had mountains of snow/ice/cold.

 

[Mike9]

I'll give it a try as is - thanks fellas.