Snow Snow yesterday

[GMtb42]

Something you could try is to canvas local businesses such as large trucking companies, road contractors, agricultural equipment dealers, etc for end of life chains to donate to your non profit. Purchase a large chain pliers tool (mine cost $65) and repair links and you've got a couple of days of entertainment--for you and the reality show.

I decided on 2-link ladders for my DK35 front R4's this year but balked at the $390 price (including tax). I had an old set of 4-link, v-bar ladders my neighbour gave me when they moved back to France. They were unsuitable for the rears because the cross links got completely lost in the tread. I bought DUO's for the rears.

2-link ladders would have worked for the rears but the chains weren't long enough to convert. But they were long enough for the fronts, with two cross links to spare. I had to shorten each cross chain by three links. The front chains made a noticeable improvement.

Another neighbour is a parts man for an AG equipment company. He built his free chains using their tool on a couple of lunch hours, and old chains from the scrap pile (all with the company's approval).

+1 Looks real simple to make a set.
I am a stud so, Maxi Grip Tire Ice Studs 30MM No More Tractor Chain (200 PGK) with Tool on eBay!,

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/91729-studded-tractor-tires.html,

FARM SHOW - Studded Tractor Tires,

Tire Chain Traction Ratings from the Traction Specialists,

https://www.google.com/search?q=studded+tractor+tires&hl=en&client=firefox-a&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=fAjSUIDTHZHtqAHiioGwBg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoADgK&biw=1024&bih=638,

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/StudLaws.html.
Have a neighbor from the north, he has chains on his ridding lawn tractor, in Texas, what a lug.
Use to love watching the ice racing on motorcycles, there was a spike in that for a while. ;-)

 

[landedakioti]

+1 Looks real simple to make a set.
I am a stud so, Maxi Grip Tire Ice Studs 30MM No More Tractor Chain (200 PGK) with Tool on eBay!,
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/91729-studded-tractor-tires.html, FARM SHOW - Studded Tractor Tires, Tire Chain Traction Ratings from the Traction Specialists, https://www.google.com/search?q=studded+tractor+tires&hl=en&client=firefox-a&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=fAjSUIDTHZHtqAHiioGwBg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoADgK&biw=1024&bih=638, http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/StudLaws.html.
Have a neighbor from the north, he has chains on his ridding lawn tractor, in Texas, what a lug.
Use to love watching the ice racing on motorcycles, there was a spike in that for a while. ;-)

Have you or do you know anyone that has Used studs in there tires.

 

[seacap04]

With your luck with the law. Studs are illegal May -Oct on the roads in Maine.

 

[GMtb42]

Yes, but that was a long time ago, worked great.
Have used them in motorcycle and atv tires with great success.
Tire chains should be easy to farm a pair out of available chain stock.
Separated links.

 

[Dingo Man]

So those of you that have had your tractors for a winter or two do you need chains or not? For regular driveway snow removal with R4 tires is just having 4WD good enough or would you recommend chains. I guess I never really thought about it until someone mentioned their driveway being a sheet of ice and the light bulb went off in my head saying, "Hey my driveway commonly becomes a sheet of ice.

 

[nybirdman]

Ice and any tire means chains are required....I have R1's and have had no problems in Northern NY but I am pretty flat also.
Hills ,ice and R4's you might want to order chains now.

 

[seacap04]

Dingo Man, I have only had this DK45 for 1 winter. And as you know last winter was not something I would use to make long term plans with. I did not have my R4's loaded last winter. The tractor only plowed 3 times. I did 2 and my wife had to do 1. Not a lot of data was collected. This tractor took the place of a 25 hp Satoh traditional with R1's and 3ph snow blower, maybe 15-1800#. Unloaded rear tires, 4wd. I have had this tractor up to belly in wet clay with a bucket full of sod and she keeps on going and has for over 20 years. Now the DK45 with unloaded R4's. Not impressed, I was using the bucket a lot to get it unstuck in the woods just on roots about 3" above ground. Bought chains, very agressive ones. Big difference in the woods. Have to be careful about brush and limbs getting caught and driven up underneath the tractor and recking havoc. Plowing snow. OK on level ground they can dig into. Ice, I have taken some sideways slides I am to old too enjoy. And if you try to go anywhere fast you will be knocked silly. The Canadian ring chains the loggers use on their skidders look to be the ticket. The barbs on the rings address the ice issue. But very expensive. This year I have had my rear tires loaded. Do much better in the woods, but not what I was hoping. I'll go as long as I can before I put the chains back on. Thinking studs to address ice issues. Just have to hear from a long term user as to issues. My 4wd truck is a different truck with studded tires.

 

[kiotiken]

I've never used chains and I've never had any issues. I'm on pretty flat ground, and my tires are loaded. I wouldn't worry about it at all unless you've got hills, but if your car doesn't slide off, your tractor won't either.

 

[Dingo Man]

I guess I will play it by ear. I have loaded r4. If I find I need or want chains I ll buy them later.

 

[landedakioti]

I found chains for the front for 75.00 vs 475.00 for the back . Was thinking for now buying front chains just worried it mitt Screw up the front end