Traction Tires for steep muddy hills

[Yamforlife]

Hello all.

Just purchased a Kubota L39 backhoe (my first ever tractor). I will be using it at my cottage up in Parry Sound Ontario. I am planning on fixing about a mile of very steep bush road to get into my 13 acres. 20 -23 degrees in worst spots.
The machine is in great shape and has the R4 tires. I am thinking of putting on chains on the rear or change to Ag tires. What is the best route to go?

Appreciate the help.

Mark

 

[Bluegill2]

Welcome to the site!

R1 Ag tires are by far the way to go. R-4s' are no good for steep muddy hills! You may end up wanting/needing chains on the ag tires to...

I'm in the woods a lot logging and Ag tires work very well for me when it's muddy. I rarely need chains, but when we have snow, ice and mud mix, chains are handy.

 

[sandyc]

Whichever u use, look to getting them loaded. It will help with traction and lower center of gravity. Also, you might to check and make sure you do not loose fel capacity by switching to ag tires.

 

[Yamforlife]

Can you put R1 Ag on the Back and leave the R4's on the front? Snow, mud ice ......till May!! LOL!!

 

[Egon]

Go with the ugliest looking chains you can find.:thumbsup

 

[k0ua]

Well since you already have the R4 tires, just get some good chains and you should be good to go. To put AG tires on it you will need new tires and wheels and you may still need chains. A good set of chains on your existing tires will do what you need to do. And you will have the advantage of the R4 tires: better puncture resistance and better load carrying capacity. You should not mix tire types, as they are usually of different diameters, and can cause binding and scubbing in 4WD.

 

[Yamforlife]

I will probably go with chains on the rear and spacers. which chains are the best?


15-19.5 Tractor Tire Chains

 

[MarkV]

Just my opinion, I have a B21 and a L39 Kubota tractor. They have both done an amazing amount of work for me. The L35 is a very capable piece of equipment and the forerunner of my L39, but not one to build a mile worth road on grade. Depending on the grade you really need some heavier equipment to create a road with a crown and ditches to keep the water that always comes down a road on grade. Just my opinion.

MarkV

 

[KYDan]

MarkV is spot on. Heavy road work is best accomplished with something on tracks and good down pressure leveling capabilities. I have tried both methods and a capable machine is worth the money. If you are not skilled and don't have abundant time to spend learning hire someone with the proper equipment and skill and watch and learn when you can. I have R4's on my current tractor and love them although they do not get the traction using ground engaging implements that the R1's provide. Good luck.

 

[homedad]

Georgian Bay is such a beautiful area.