To chain or not to chain?

[landshark67]

Just had a Kubota BX 2660 delivered Easter weekend. Got the BX 2750D snow blower for the front end. I'm trying to decide if I'm gonna need chains for the R4 tires or not. This is where you experienced guys come in. I'm in the "Snow Belt" part of northeast Ohio that frequently gets "lake effect" snow.

It's not uncommon for us to get 100+ inches a season, and it varies from a dry, fluffy snow to the wet heavy stuff. FWIW, the tractor does have 4WD.

Thanks!

 

[2458n]

As you know lake erie really puts out the snow. Yes you will find the chains are very useful, even necessary. Beware that they can scuff up the seal coating on asphalt drives. Something paying customers should be made aware of before you plow for them.

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I have a 4x4 compact tractor with turf tires. (had it since 2004) My dealer said I wouldn't need chains even though I have a pretty steep long hill in my driveway. He was right! I get lots of snow of all types and have yet to wish I had chains.

 

[RoyJackson]

Although I think your estimate of 100+ inches might be high, I do recommend chains 100%.
You could try a season or two without them...but it's a good chance if you decide you need them come winter, they may not be available at that time...that happened to me in 2010.
I did do OK for 8 or 9 years without chains (also R-4 tires), but there were times I had to push myself out with the loader.
Since you bought a snow blower (I assume this is front mounted), you won't have a loader to help out, if and when you need it.

 

[MrPete]

I have the same exact set up with turf tires. I used it all winter with no chains, with no problems.

 

[silvertramp]

My driveways are hilly and tend to ice up. Chains are a must for me. My tractor is chained in the rear. My plow truck is chained on all 4 corners.

 

[bigtiller]

Go ahead and get the chains. They are cheap enough for those little 26x12x12 inch tires. I wouldn't consider going without them but I have a long double wide driveway and parking area that I don't want to spend half of my free time slipping and sliding moving snow.

 

[crazyal]

Small chains are pretty easy to put on so if you get them you can leave them off and decide for yourself if you really need them. I've tried a couple of times and while I don't need chains it really helps. With chains I can use the rear brakes to keep the tractor from getting sucked into the ditch on the side of the road. Without them I have to be much more careful.

 

[Don87]

If your area is level, (wich a lot of your area is) I would not buy chains. If you have any grades where you clear snow,,,,,,get them.

 

[North Country]

Although I think your estimate of 100+ inches might be high, I do recommend chains 100%.

I was curious, so I looked it up. Looks like he's dead right. There's a little "island" that averages 90+ inches. Who woulda thunk it?

Ohio Map of Average Snowfall