curvecrazy
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
- Messages
- 39
I'm using Koldkutter ice screws on my 2wd 23HP tractor right now. It was that or install the big stupid aggravating chains on the rears which always find a way to rub on the fenders, although they do provide good traction they are a total PITA to put on and I would avoid doing so if possible as its completely aggravating. So just today we had 10 inches of powder snow I had to get through and not just that but up a steep slope to get to my equipment. Tractor was spinning with the turf tires. I tried to make a run for it and was able to get up the slope in forward top speed but then no way to turn around to install the 3pt snowblower once there. I could not get up that slope in reverse hi or low. Ended up putting on the 1/2" koldkutter ice screws which are hardened and have the V'd heads. These do work although they will mark concrete if you spin the tires and probably blacktop too. If your garage floor is a concern get the tractor supply rubber floor/horse mats which will eliminate the problem. You can also put down other things such as cardboard depending the weight of your tractor. Mine is just over 1 ton and I never have issues just backing across concrete but again, if you spin at all it will put scratches in your concrete. I noticed this first in the springtime having not realized I spun the tire just a bit just one time in the winter. Might have been icy who knows but there was the 16th inch deep groove clear as day on the concrete. I find that in use if the undersurface is frozen these screws work great. If not frozen not so great. Because the tire can then still spin, not get traction and the ice screws dig the more. fwiw These are about $21 or so for 250 screws before shipping. My front tread isn't deep enough to use them. I tend to run these off the sides of the peak of the rear tires so they don't engage too aggressively... just enough. On the peaks they do dig in and you will go. On ice they go. That simple. If you're into spinning your tires a few might fall out. It's a balancing act between getting a long enough screw without putting a flat in your tire. The longer the screw the better they stay in.