Tire Studs

bgott · Dec 13, 2002

I've been reading about the traction trials and tribulations you snowbirds have during the wintertime for a while now and I'm just wondering if any of y'all have tried studded tires rather than chains? Can you use studs in tires not designed for them? I'm sure that if someone was to ask around they could find a set of tires and wheels that someone traded out because they didn't like the tread pattern and rig them a set of winter tires for a reasonable price. I don't even know if you'd have to trade them out, it's not like your going to be running down the highway at 70 mph during the summertime. Is it feasible?

RobS · Dec 13, 2002

That's certainly an interesting concept. We could use the same set up the ice motorcycle racers use. Basically drill and screw the tire lugs. There should be more than enough rubber in a tractor tire to hold a screw. Sure would take a lot of screws though /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

bigrazor · Dec 13, 2002

Might work but typically studs are used on winter-only tires. Once the studs are removed, there will be holes in the tread. I would worry about the holes leading to tears and pre-mature tire failure.

The great thing about chains is that they can be installed and removed easily and they don't damage the tire. Studs would take all day to install or remove.

Ray

gerard · Dec 13, 2002

I would think you could do it. Could even use short drywall screws and screw them right into the lugs but as mentioned it would take a lot more time than just throwing on a set of chains and I don't know how well they would hold up to the torque you can apply with a tractor. With a car you usually don't spin your tires cause you're not pulling anything but the car. Not the case with a tractor moving snow. (I live in snow country and have never seen a plow truck with studs, must be a reason......)

WVBill · Dec 13, 2002

Studded tires would help on ice but wouldn't do much for you in snow or mud would they?

deepsnow · Dec 14, 2002

Anyone look into mounting snowmobile track cleats? I think there is an insert that allows replacement of the cleats once they wear down. Maybe a blank can replace the cleat for summer use.

dkalmoe · Dec 16, 2002

My last tractor, 1962 Ford 2000, had studs in the rear tires. It was a USAF surplus tractor that had been used on the flight line in the UP of Michigan. My experience was that they helped with traction to some degree but not a great deal. On a runway they may have provided just enough additional traction that they were worth it. Why they didn't use chains I don't know. I think that would probably be a better alternative. I just traded the tractor in on a Kubota L3010 with FWD and am anxiously waiting for 1st snow to try it out.

rdbrumfield · Dec 16, 2002

Built a set of tracks for mine. Took me a weekend. They work great. Thought I might have problems keeping them on, but they have been great for traction. I have run them on pavement and they don't make any more marks than chains do. For snow, mud and the like, it works well. I have them on a 5300jd 4X4.