Kubota M7040 with grooved R4's

[Rob41]

Got around to grooving the rear tires today. Did the same as the fronts but added a shorter additional groove as there is more meat to work with. It took a bit longer even though the working height was better. Getting to the inside bars was more difficult due to the proximity of the rear fenders so I had to move the tractor a lot.

I've had several opportunities to operate the tractor in identical conditions over the last few days. Prior to grooving the rear tires I had to engage 4 wheel drive or lock the rear to get up the slope going into my shop every time. After the grooving no issue whatsoever just driving into the shop.

@sixdogs Here's a close-up you wanted to see.

 

[LittleBill21]

Glad it made a difference, I felt it was a big difference as well. I was going to buy chains. No need now.

 

[Rob41]

Me too. I figured it would make a good difference as there is no shortage of people who have found out first hand.

Chains are always an option if it ends up that I think I need them. But if just the grooving is able to meet my needs it's a win.

 

[sixdogs]

Rob41--Great pics. Thank you very much. Great thread.

 

[Rob41]

You're welcome. Getting good results is super easy. It is a little work to push the tool but not too bad.

There are a buch of tire grooving thread but I figured I'd do one also because the largest tractors I found doing this were along the lines of a Kubota L series. At least now an M series is in the mix.

 

[Smokeydog]

Have little experience in snow. When I first bought a used M59 it had worn R4 fronts. Easy to slip in mud, soft ground and grass fields. Used a chainsaw wood carving blade on grinder cut tires.

Made for significant improvement for my terrain. After a few years replaced with 12ply, extra deep tread R4s for better mud traction. Farmer who bought those used grooved tires still brags on those tires on his skidsteer around his barn.

B26 many chores is finish mowing the many hillside clearings we call yards.

Immediate improvement in wet grass.
Done with tire groover. Has worked good for 5 years, 500 hours.

 

[Rob41]

Wow, I guess it makes sense it would help on other things than just snow stuff. Obviously there are places it wouldn't help but this reinforces there are improvements to be had on R4's.

Given how every tractor tire type is some sort of compromise, it seems like the manufacturers of R4 tires are missing a huge opportunity to market an improved traction R4.

 

[Rob41]

Been driving around on the property a bit today. Went back almost a half mile to use the pole saw to trim back some branches. The grooved tires did well even in the snow with a bit of terrain.

 

[LittleBill21]

looks like a nice property!

 

[LouNY]

Now where are you going with that target deer,
are you one those people that would set that in a clump of brush or
the edge of a field to see how many road hunters will stop and unload on it?
It can be fun on a slow day