Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Improving traction in snow?

[Z-Michigan]

The only tractor I have (or have had) has R1s, pretty big ones too (16.9x28 rears) with filled rears. Traction in snow, mud, or any condition I have experienced is great. Turning in deep snow requires smooth planned movements - otherwise the front end just plows, even though in 4wd with those big R1s on the front as well - but forward and backward works great. Of course this doesn't do much for you with an L39 that probably doesn't have an R1 option....

 

[diyDave]

Nobody got the joke that I planted in that R1 vs R4 debate thread that, mercifully was shut down by the moderator. If anybody wants to hear it again, let me know, or just go read the closed thread.

 

[RalphVa]

Some folks (incl. me with my Gravely I had) put metal screws into the lugs of R1s or R4s.

Ralph

 

[MrJimi]

I did learn many things about traction from living in Maine more than half my life.
Lot's of weight on drive tires.
Skinny tires will give you more pounds per square foot wide tires will float over snow and not compress it for traction.
and the VolksWagens did the best (the old bugs) except for ground clearance
and studded tires were great till they got banned from use
Jim

 

[otus_branch]

I like the idea of studding the tires with 1/2" sheet metal hex-head screws into the R-4 treads, but I "road" my L-39 quite a bit: sometimes for just a half mile, but occasionally (several times a year) for 18 miles between my land (a 'farm-to-be') and my parents' land (a working market-garden).

This need to "road" the tractor also has me thinking second thoughts about buying those aggressive chains, though the rope trick referenced upthread sounds pretty promising.

-otus

 

[jimmysisson]

How about just getting chains for the fronts? Easy to install and remove, and cheaper, maybe just the boost you need. You'll be able to put them on only when needed, and not disfigure the tires. A sliding tractor really gets your attention, doesn't it?
Jim

 

[streamin]

I put some of those screws on a dirt bike rear tire when I was a teenager and I could do a wheelie on an ice rink!

 

[JerryG]

A guy I know that lives in Canada told me he always put snowmobile stubs in tractor lugs for winter traction. Unlike cars tires studs, the snowmobile studs can be removed.
Snowtech Magazine - Snowmobiles, Snowmobiling, Snowmobile Techncial Data

Some folks (incl. me with my Gravely I had) put metal screws into the lugs of R1s or R4s.

Ralph

 

[Northland]

How about just getting chains for the fronts? Easy to install and remove, and cheaper, maybe just the boost you need. You'll be able to put them on only when needed, and not disfigure the tires. A sliding tractor really gets your attention, doesn't it?
Jim

If you don't want to put screws into the R4's (which I think is a good idea if they stay in place) then I would vote for jimmy's suggestion and put the chains on the front tires only.

I had 4 link v-bar chains on my R4 rear tires until this winter when I bought 2 link v-bars chains for the front R4 tires. My tractor can now climb my 10 foot snowbanks, my tractor drives straight and it doesn't skid sideways at all.

For $100 it was a great investment and as jimmy suggested they are easy to remove and install as they are much smaller and lighter then the big rear chains.

 

[yankeerider]

Improving traction is not only about tires, chains, and weight.

For a number of years I kept open a very steep, maybe 150' road to my back lot, using my 755 with FEL, turf tires and no chains. Now, this isn't an efficient way to work, but for a thrifty (ok, cheap)Yankee, it meant I wasn't spending money on chains or such.

Using the loader, make sure you scrape down to below the snow or ice. If you can't get below the ice, have some sand/salt to spread after you expose it. Push the snow downhill only. When you can't push anymore, fill the bucket and back up the hill (4wd engaged, rear diff locked) and dump the snow up there, keeping the path clear.

The other thing you need to do, if at all possible, is avoid plowing when the temp is at or near to freezing. Cold snow offers traction. Warmer snow packed by the tires-especially a spinning tire- gets icy slippery in an instant. And, as you've experienced, you haven't lived until you've slid backwards down a hill with three of 4 wheels turning trying to move you forward.

After several winters of such fun, I built a woodshed at the top of the hill so I no longer needed to make weekly trips down the hill for the week's supply of firewood.