Tire Chain Use

Trev · Jan 16, 2003

Okay, this will probably qualify as the dumbest post ever in the history of TBN... but...

Would it be possible to have a set of solid steel wheels made up? Picture them as big enough to equal the size of a normal set of wheels and tires.. solid metal.. with say R1 type tread pattern. They would weigh a LOT, but with some help you could put them on each winter, and take them off in the Spring.

Is this idea totally nuts, or only 99% nuts? /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Does anyone get what I'm trying to describe here?

beenthere · Jan 16, 2003

Why would you want them?

Years ago, in the 30's, they had tractors with solid steel wheels.

Not getting the picture of what solid steel would do. Rubber works great and has been for almost 70 years. Why go back?

If you are getting at an improvement because we put chains on the rubber (steel), the chains only rough up the slippery surface so the rubber can get a bite (friction). While roughing up the slippery surface, the chains do help with forward motion.

Tell us more. You can't have too crazy a question in here (IMO).

Egon · Jan 16, 2003

Trev:
Take a look at some pictures of tractors of long ago. Nary a piece of rubber will be found on the tires.

Go buy the chains!!!!

Them steel wheels do not ride very smoothly. Those traction projections may keep you off all public roads and if you use what is called street threads on the wheels you still won't go anywhere on the ice except sideways on all the slopes.

Go buy chains!!!

Egon

Trev · Jan 16, 2003

BT,

If you are getting at an improvement because we put chains on the rubber (steel), the chains only rough up the slippery surface so the rubber can get a bite (friction). While roughing up the slippery surface, the chains do help with forward motion. 

Yeah, I was thinking added weight, no need for chains because you already have metal to rough up the ice, and chains seem like such a hassle.

Hey, I said it was a dumb question!! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Trev · Jan 16, 2003

Egon,

Go buy the chains!!!! 

Will you put them on for me each fall? /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Trev · Jan 16, 2003

Tell us more. You can't have too crazy a question in here (IMO). 

You wanna bet? /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I was just thinking that people add liquid and metal weights to their tires, they add chains, etc... so why not just go all the way and do it all in one shot? Tons of weight, metal to rough up the ice, R1 type "treads" for traction, and all you need to do is talk a few longshoremen into helping you install them once a year. Okay, I read the replies.. and I still maintain that this is probably the dumbest idea ever put forth here. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Egon · Jan 16, 2003

Trev:

Just leave them on all year. Great for traction in the mud and when pulling big rocks or logs.

Egon

Egon · Jan 16, 2003

Trev:

Another way to go would be a Round piece of steel with tread pattern welded on one side. Just deflate tire, slide in place over tire and reinflate tire to hold it in place.

Egon

Thomas · Jan 17, 2003

I understand your question..but why would one wish to do so w/so many types of different tires chains offer today. /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif

Our old Farmall H had the rear steel wheel,and on solid ice going up a hill the traction wasn't all that great,and coming down a slope one nedded low gear plus idle down,for if the tractor got to bouncing a tad those steel wheels didn't offer much traction.

During sugar season & hauling wood out of the forest in late summer into autumn steel wheels work great.

The only place I see steel wheels used much anymore at our local landfill..does a pretty good job.

Trev · Jan 17, 2003

Hi Thomas,

I understand your question..but why would one wish to do so w/so many types of different tires chains offer today.

Oh, it was just an idea.. so many people (even two JD dealers) tell me what a royal pain tire chains are. Actually, I think I can get by without them.. at least so far it hasn't been too bad.
Thanks,
Bob