Snow Tires for chains

[DrDirt]

I just bought a pair of mounted turf tires (rear) to permanently mount my chains on my BX25. I normally use the industrial treads year round. The dealer told me that Kubota frowned on mixing tires from front to back, and it could void any warranties. The reason was that the circumference was different on the turfs vs the industrials, and it wasn't healthy for the 4WD. My viewpoint is that using chains will effectively change the circumference of the rear tires regardless of the treads, and since Kubota isn't keen on using chains on the front, I cant see how this argument is valid.

Do I have anyone who agrees with me, or should I buy turfs for the front for snow use with my chains?

 

[AStanton]

I've never seen mixed tires on 4-wheel street vehicles. Even dualies rears match the fronts. Can't be that expensive to pick up a front set with turfs. Could even come in handy, if you get a flat in the front. I'm a big believer in chains.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Well it depends! If you only run the chained tires on snow covered roads there is enough slippage for the fronts to relieve any mismatch in tire circumference and nothing to be concerned about. If you need to do a lot of close turns on dry pavement you will be either pushing or dragging the front tires and adding extra stress and wear to the front axle parts. I'd run the chains on rear with the fronts you have and pop it into 2WD anytime I had to drive on dry pavement. Do run a compatible front to rear set in the summer or you will suffer rapid front tire wear plus axle bearing wear on the front.

 

[KennyV]

If you switch to turf tires all around you will likely find that you will never need chains.
Good Snow tires are designed closer to turf tires...
I put the Largest Turf tire & wheel That would fit in the rear wheel opening on my L4200... Then had the tire guys find a Ratio matching wheel & turf tire for the front... Have Never had traction problems on any surface.
If you are only going to do the rear, simply measure the actual rolling circumference of the old rear tire and compare it to the New rear tire... If you are not changing the front that New rear tire Must have the Same rolling circumference ... KennyV

 

[dragoneggs]

If you switch to turf tires all around you will likely find that you will never need chains.

Really? That is a bold statement but seeing that you are from Kansas, it explains your comment a bit. Up here in Washington state we have little hills that you might call mountains. Turfs won't cut it. My driveway isn't passable sometimes without chains whether a 4WD truck or tractor regardless of tread.

 

[KennyV]

Really? That is a bold statement but seeing that you are from Kansas, it explains your comment a bit. Up here in Washington state we have little hills that you might call mountains. Turfs won't cut it. My driveway isn't passable sometimes without chains whether a 4WD truck or tractor regardless of tread.

on snow You will get Great traction using turf s....
If you are talking ice, then chains are the only thing that will help.
Chain will have best contact over turf tires, if you end up with ice. Over size tallest and widest... you will need different Wheels & Tires but keep the front to rear ratio the same as stock.
And Yes we enjoy the Flat land here in Kansas... but I am familiar with mountains and snow... Colorado and Utah.
Your Best all around traction tire will be Turf... largest that you can fit... then add weight to make it all work.

 

[vtsnowedin]

With these on it doesn't matter what tread pattern you have under them. Ice surface with rain on top and no tire is worth a darn without chains.

 

[skyhook]

I've had filled turf's(21") on my L2550, no chains and had no issues in snow or hill's.
I now have filled R1's,(28" that could use replacement) and again have had no issue's
in the same condition's. I do have chains but never needed them.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is, WEIGHT is the key for good traction.
It's always good to have a set of chains handy, though.

 

[skyhook]

vtsnowedin, do you have ballast in your rear tires.
Nice chains, by the way.

 

[vtsnowedin]

vtsnowedin, do you have ballast in your rear tires.
Nice chains, by the way.

Yes 'Rim guard'. About 500 lbs each side. These chains certainly do a good job.