Studded tractor tire...sort of...

[BTDT]

For those with 4x4, FWD, 4 wheel assist, whatever you want to call it, instead of chains on the front, could you take a used tire (with studs), cut flaps in sidewall so it could be slipped over your present tire, bungee in place, and be on your way. Added traction, no damage to turf, easy (???).

 

[PILOON]

An idea that I have heard about from a tire guy--------------

Since tractor tires have deep ribs, he suggested self tapping # 10 or #12 sheet metal screws (they are tempered), the kind with the hex heads.

The trick is to select a length that is about 3/8" shorter than the rib debth and simply screw them into the tire ribs.
He claimed that they last forever and provide great traction.

Never tried this myself as I have a good set of chains but am very tempted to do so.

Just an I dea that was passed on to me.

 

[BTDT]

An idea that I have heard about from a tire guy--------------

Since tractor tires have deep ribs, he suggested self tapping # 10 or #12 sheet metal screws (they are tempered), the kind with the hex heads.

The trick is to select a length that is about 3/8" shorter than the rib debth and simply screw them into the tire ribs.
He claimed that they last forever and provide great traction.

Never tried this myself as I have a good set of chains but am very tempted to do so.

Just an I dea that was passed on to me.

That thought crossed my mind, but I read where some states only allow studded tires during certain months of the year. I realize that the majority of the time tractor will not be on pavement, but that when it is this might be an alternative. If you are just working on your own drive, this may not be a concern, but if you do parking lots, etc, for part time work or for a living, your way might be better.

 

[thcri]

I don't have time to do a search but I beleive a guy here actuallyl did the sheet metal screw thingy. It worked great as he used it for the ice on his concrete driveway. Worked great and then in the spring he just took them out. But on concrete they will wear with time.

I have a really steep concrete driveway and was thinking of doing it also.

murph

 

[JoeL4330]

For those with 4x4, FWD, 4 wheel assist, whatever you want to call it, instead of chains on the front, could you take a used tire (with studs), cut flaps in sidewall so it could be slipped over your present tire, bungee in place, and be on your way. Added traction, no damage to turf, easy (???).

Pirelli beat you to it, in the late 60's: they offered tires that had replaceable tread bands ...deflate the tire, change the tread band--summer to winter, or rain to dry--then reinflate.

 

[RalphVa]

For some reason, my post on this didn't show up.

I put screws into the outer part of the lugs on my Gravely ag tires. Wasn't too much longer after that I bought the JD though, and we didn't get much snow the last couple of winters. Didn't get a chance to try it out much. Gravely's sold now.

Did this by searching for screws in threads herein. Some people use them in motorcycle tires to race on ice in the winter.

Ralph

 

[Maine_Polack]

These hex head screws are also good to put into the bottom of boots, for walking on ice. I have a pair of the orange safety chainsaw boots, and a pair of steel toed leather boots that I have installed these screws on. I like to wear them cutting wood.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Mike,
We did something similar to that when I used to ride my dirt bike during the winter months. The only difference was that rather than remove the screws in the spring we would just take those knobbies off the bike and put on new tires.

 

[ELMO67]

I wonder if the screws ever come out by themselves? Climbing over rocks or doing loader work can be rough on tires at times, and I would hate to be leaving the screws in my drive way.

 

[dwenham]

I put hex-heads in to my hard-tired forklift 20 years ago and they are still there. Had to add some last year as the old ones were worn down, but it added the extra skosh of traction the forklift needed to be less helpless on ice. Not perfect, but cheap and good... Dave