Loaded tires for snow removal?

[Opti-Mist]

With loaded rear tires I did not need chains at all on fairly level ground. A couple of small hills were doable.

 

[the old grind]

I was ready to sipe (groove) some R4s when going there from turfs, and due to the reputations of each on snow/ice. Dealer threw in Rim Guard when I traded-in my NH for a newer model (gained a few HP and SSQA but still a light machine). Move (push) snow mostly with the FEL and fronts don't track well as the bucket fills. (struggle to stay centered after re-crowning the 550' d'way last Spring) BB pulls snow from tight places to center where it can be piled out of the way, esp if more can be expected before the last mounds have melted.

Box blade is my default att on the 3PH (meager counterweight for FEL) and I'm guessing the 'knobbier' tread on the R4 fronts is helping too when moving snow. With a rear blade the weight of the att won't help traction. IMO hills will give one more trouble than any surface condition. Seems that chains alone will do more than ballast by itself, but best to have both when possible.

To me, loaded tires are a given 24/7/365 and chains the must-have for winter work if one's task isn't table-flat. tog

 

[oldpilgrim]

To me, loaded tires are a given 24/7/365

my sentiments exactly.

 

[tcreeley]

I use the bucket on my NH TC30 for snow. I have R1 ag tires. I used to have a 7' plow on it but I went to the bucket so that I could move horse manure during the winter. The tire are loaded with beet juice. I use chains. With the snow and ice, I need them both. The banks get high. I clear the drives and around the barn. Do them both- worth it. A blower would be nice, but I am too stiff to twist around in the seat. This is the previous year.