Looks like I need to get some rear wheel weights

xring100 · Jan 1, 2013

Deere Dude said:
I can't figure out why the guy didn't drop the blade?

Yes good question when panic sets in though people stop thinking clearly. Like in a non ABS Car when people lock up the tires and can't steer, even though they know they are supposed to pump the brake the fail too because they are more concerned with hitting the object they are sliding straight for. If its not second nature you won't do it in in a panic situation.

RPK · Jan 1, 2013

Forget the wheel weights. I have loaded tires and a BH90 backhoe on my L3130 with R-4 tires. It is useless on my paved driveway where there is a reasonably steep hill.

Bluegill2 · Jan 2, 2013

Chains are the way to go with snow and ice.

Also, if FEL is on the front and no extra 3pth ballast, the rears will have no traction on a slick surface.

ovrszd · Jan 2, 2013

xring100 said:
Yes good question when panic sets in though people stop thinking clearly. Like in a non ABS Car when people lock up the tires and can't steer, even though they know they are supposed to pump the brake the fail too because they are more concerned with hitting the object they are sliding straight for. If its not second nature you won't do it in in a panic situation.

Funny story about a similar situation. I was running a road grader removing snow from frozen rural gravel roads. Middle of the night. Going 20mph. Had the left end of the blade forward, rolling the snow to the right shoulder. Came to a 90 degree right turn. Inadvertantly had the diff lock ON. Started to turn the corner and the front tires simply slid, turned the wheel more, nothing but sliding front tires. Jammed the blade down to stop the grader. Picked up the front tires and acted like a sled runner and straight off the curve I went, down over a 20ft bank, thru some small brushy trees and stopped in a farm field. I went a lot slower around curves the rest of that night!!! :laughing:

allen in texas · Jan 2, 2013

If you still decide after reading this to buy cast weight, here is a good place. cheaper (per pound) and free shipping depending on where you live and how much weight you buy.
Lonestar Weights & Castings
The LS301 will fit your tractor.
I just bought 1284 pounds. (for 2 L5740's)

xring100 · Jan 2, 2013

ovrszd said:
Funny story about a similar situation. I was running a road grader removing snow from frozen rural gravel roads. Middle of the night. Going 20mph. Had the left end of the blade forward, rolling the snow to the right shoulder. Came to a 90 degree right turn. Inadvertantly had the diff lock ON. Started to turn the corner and the front tires simply slid, turned the wheel more, nothing but sliding front tires. Jammed the blade down to stop the grader. Picked up the front tires and acted like a sled runner and straight off the curve I went, down over a 20ft bank, thru some small brushy trees and stopped in a farm field. I went a lot slower around curves the rest of that night!!! :laughing:

LOL did you have to air the cab out and ditch your underwear after that :shocked: Lucky you did'nt roll the thing. I can definetly picture the angled blade turning into a ice skate edge pushing you straight off the road.

panchohughes · Jan 2, 2013

I live in northern MD near PA and the snow we get is usually very wet & quickly turns icy. My lane is on a gradual hill then the last section of driveway is pretty steep. I recently ordered chains from "tirechains.com" and had only put the rear chains on. (even tho i ordered them for front too) About half way thru the plowing I realized that I didn't even have the 4WD engaged! It was doing pretty good despite. The company i bought the chains thru was pretty good. Web site was easy to select the right sizes, prices were good, and they shipped very quick.
I was also a little worried that maybe the chains would mess up the pavement, but was really happy that there was no issue at all. But i was taking it slow and being careful not to spin.
Now i just need some more snow!

94BULLITT · Jan 2, 2013

I would definitely get some chains.

wmonroe · Jan 3, 2013

Did you go with standard ladder chains or the duo grip? Looking at them it looks like the duo grip would offer much better traction.

xring100 · Jan 3, 2013

wmonroe said:
Did you go with standard ladder chains or the duo grip? Looking at them it looks like the duo grip would offer much better traction.

I know for R1 tires you need the duo grip ladder chains will fall between the lugs not sure about R4s. Duo grips can be harder on paved surfaces just minimize wheel spin and you'll be okay

Dave

wmonroe · Jan 3, 2013

xring100 said:
I know for R1 tires you need the duo grip ladder chains will fall between the lugs not sure about R4s. Duo grips can be harder on paved surfaces just minimize wheel spin and you'll be okay

Dave

Thats kinda what i was thinking. I have R1's and i cant see stadard chains workig too well since the lugs are taller than what the chains would be.

panchohughes · Jan 3, 2013

wmonroe said:
Did you go with standard ladder chains or the duo grip? Looking at them it looks like the duo grip would offer much better traction.

I went with standard ladder chains. I thought about the 'v-bar' and the '2-link ladder' but decided to save a buck and got standard 4 link ladder. The 2 link ladder would have been nice, but these work fine. In a severe ice storm however I would be telling a different story.

wmonroe · Jan 3, 2013

do you have R1 tires, do the chains settle between the tire lugs?

94BULLITT · Jan 3, 2013

If you have R1's half of the cross link will lay in the lugs, it is not quite as bad on a R4.

panchohughes · Jan 4, 2013

No. I have R4 tires. Chains seem fine. I could take a few pictures if you want.

wmonroe · Jan 4, 2013

If you would, a few pictures would be great.

panchohughes · Jan 4, 2013

wmonroe said:
If you would, a few pictures would be great.

Sure no problem.

wmonroe · Jan 4, 2013

thats exactly what i was looking for, thanks for the pictures.

SDT · Jan 5, 2013

wmonroe said:
After spending some time plowing the driveway the last week i think i am going to get some rear wheel weights. My driveway is fairly long at approximately 1000' and has a fairly steep section. The tractor struggles to make it up this steep section in the snow, about 6 - 10", i have to lock the rear end and it spins and claws its way to the top. I haven't had traction issues doing any other work yet but in the snow the R-1's just are biting in good. The rear tires are not filled as i use is to mow my grass also and try to keep the weight down. I guess my plan will be to add as many rear wheel weights as i can for winter and then take them off when snow plowing is over.

I've plowed snow with different tractors with and without chains with and without weights or loaded tires for decades. Farm tractors are not designed for operation in snow and weights will provide only marginal iimprovement. If you plan to plow anything more than nuisance snow with your tractor you will need tire chains, preferrably F & R.

SDT

crazyal · Jan 6, 2013

If you don't have pavement or cement and you don't mind spending extra for premium chains you can get some Aquiline Talon chains. They work with any type of tire. Here's a pic from another member, Whistlepig. I don't use the springs to hold them tight.