Snow Equipment Owning/Operating R4's and snow don't mix

[Builder]

You plowed 4" of snow for the first time this year. The dirt and gravel was barely covered.
Many members here that are having traction problems are pushing many more inches or even several feet of snow that has been pounded down for weeks now with layers of ice under the snow.

Actually, I plowed 4" of snow on top of a packed snow/ice on pavement. That's more slippery than gravel.

 

[djradz]

Well, that feeling is not 100% correct. I have R4's and they suck for traction. No plow, loaded tires and a 1000# box blade on the 3pt. I'm not talking about pushing on fresh plowed driveway, I'm talking about going thru 20" or more of accumulated snow across fields and thru the woods. They stink. Going across side hills and the tractor will go downhill for every foot forward - if you are lucky. The deep lugs on R1's limit that from happinging as easily as the R4's.

There is more to traction than what pushes snow when the tractor is on the fresh plowed part. Go cross country without the plow and let us know how you like going up, down and across hills. Some of us used to do it frequently and have formed opinions from that experience.

Yep, that has been my experience too. Especially in deep snow, they are absolutely terrible. Can't tell you how many times I wished I'd had R1s, like I had on my old 1720. There have been so many times I've come this close to having my TC40D wrapped around a tree as I've slid sideways (gradually, but consistently) on a small hill with a side slope.

I think what also contributes to the problems is that often the tires are HUGE for the typical load they need to carry.

 

[DK35vince]

Actually, I plowed 4" of snow on top of a packed snow/ice on pavement. That's more slippery than gravel.

Well then, its a good thing you are a "Superior" operator under those conditions!!

 

[Builder]

Yep, that has been my experience too. Especially in deep snow, they are absolutely terrible. Can't tell you how many times I wished I'd had R1s, like I had on my old 1720. There have been so many times I've come this close to having my TC40D wrapped around a tree as I've slid sideways (gradually, but consistently) on a small hill with a side slope.

I think what also contributes to the problems is that often the tires are HUGE for the typical load they need to carry.

I definately agree that R-1's would be better in deep snow, like trying to drive a tractor across a field with 20" of snow. Then I'd want the "paddle effect" of Ags. That's a situation I rarely get into. Most of the time my rigs are operated on lawns, driveways or relatively level jobsites. Somehow, day in and day out, I seem to survive and bring home a paycheck with my machines.

 

[jcmseven]

I agree...

John M

 

[nightrodjc]

Got to really test the r4's with chains today. A deer got stuck in my fence up on the back hill. I took the deere up to dig it out of the snow while it was still good and froze. I was able to cross and pull up out of the creek with little tire spin. It did some side sliding farther up on a side hill but with the help of the steer brakes I made it to the top with little trouble. I feel like I have already got my 260.00 worth of traction out of these chains.

 

[Jon E]

I got my new chains installed on the deere and I should kick myself for not getting them sooner. I have a hill at the end of my drive thats 40ft long and on a 30 deg. angle. This hill always gives me trouble(even my last tractor with loaded r4's) but this time it walked right up it in 2wd without the diff. locked. For 260.00 shipped to my door they are worth every penny..

Excuse me, but WHAT? 30 degree angle is a 58 percent slope. You mean to tell me that you have a hill that is part of your driveway that goes up almost 24 FEET in a 40 foot stretch? The steepest driveway I have ever seen was about 28 percent, and that was nearly undriveable even in the middle of summer without four-wheel drive and a good running start. I wouldn't even begin to drive a tractor up a slope like 58 percent. That's even hard to walk up.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Excuse me, but WHAT? 30 degree angle is a 58 percent slope. You mean to tell me that you have a hill that is part of your driveway that goes up almost 24 FEET in a 40 foot stretch? The steepest driveway I have ever seen was about 28 percent, and that was nearly undriveable even in the middle of summer without four-wheel drive and a good running start. I wouldn't even begin to drive a tractor up a slope like 58 percent. That's even hard to walk up.

Agreed! The OP has to be talking % slopes but saying degrees as I posited in an earlier unanswered post. There appears to be a communication problem.

However, I do run the tractors up 30 degree slopes frequently - not on snow but no problem under normal conditions on any of my tractors.
larry

 

[Rebel]

R4's and snow don't mix...Total BS

I say this knowing full well I'll ruffle a few feathers, but so be it.

If you find R4's to be worthless in snow then.
1.) Your tractor is not up to the task.
2.) You have not weighted your tractor and/or have the weight distribution balanced incorrectly.
3.) Your operating skills are not up to par, it takes a lot of seat time to get proficient at operating in marginal conditions. I've got 20,000+ hours experience running all kinds of eguipment.
4.) Any combination of the above.

R1's do have there place (Ag applications, deep mud etc.) but in my experience there is not that big a difference between R1's and R4's in snow, and yes I have used both types in the past. I'm just tired of R4's being labeled as junk.

OK, I've donned my flame retardant suit. Flame away

 

[LBrown59]

If you find R4's to be worthless in snow then.
1.) Your tractor is not up to the task.
2.) You have not weighted your tractor and/or have the weight distribution balanced incorrectly.
3.) Your operating skills are not up to par, it takes a lot of seat time to get proficient at operating in marginal conditions. I've got 20,000+ hours experience running all kinds of eguipment.
4.) Any combination of the above.

I'm not far behind you with 1100 Hours.