Traction Traction Issues

[bugstruck]

Jim, That's the setup. I was advised by two people (familiar with my driveway) at the local Deere place that my little 325 wouldn't return up the driveway incline after I pushed snow on the way down. It bites off 5" of snow on 3/4 of the blade on the uphill pass. It's those chains and being properly weighted. I'm one mini suitcase weight over the factory max. with wheel weights installed. When it's icy I won't move the 4wd Kubota. If I chain that up it would be a driveway eater on my slope. So sometimes bigger and much heavier isn't the best solution. Attached a photo of the little one. Similiar to your tire cross chain frequency. Now, where's the snow???

Thanks,

 

[JimR]

Is your incline like this driveway? I plowed this this morning with my rear blade in 2 wd with the chains on. I never spun a wheel.

 

[Achilles]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tend to frequently use the loader to clean bits and pieces up, however it isn't essential. I suppose I will try with it off as this is the cheapest solution as someone stole our moneytree. I opted out of the loaded tires as much of the yard is a bit squishy (is that a word?). I suppose wheel wts and lowering pressure may be the next step, aside from JimR coming over with his blacktop eaters. Wifey likes the nice new driveway.
thanks again guys.

4310man

 

[JimR]

Why do people call tire chains blacktop eaters? I had chains on my 8N also and never destroyed my smaller driveway that I had before we replaced the old one with a much larger driveway when we built our garage. The old driveway was 14 years old when I had it replaced. It was in perect condition except for a few stress cracks from the frost we get each year. Chains do leave marks if you spin the wheels alot. They do not rip up the pavement unless you run off the edge and catch it. In which case that is the drivers fault and not the chains.

 

[bugstruck]

Jim, Can't tell how steep what your plowing is. Looks level but cameras aren't good at indication inclines unless your on the side taking the shot or have a reference. Mine is attached. If you can make out the top of the distant tree line (dark narrow band) through my trees, that is about level with where I was standing when taking the shot. The main road is the little light spot at the bottom of my drive. It's 380 feet of drive with about 50' drop. The fuel oil company that delivers to me (largest around) has to back up as the turn-a-round is inclined enough to possibly roll them. Takes them a couple of tries sometimes and the load has to be just right. To full or empty and it can't be done. Driver told me there are about 10 real tough delivery addresses that are known just by the house number. No need to mention the road name. Mine is # 2 on their list for hardest deliveries. The # 1 most difficult is a steep gravel with a cliff. It's allot worse than this photo can show.

 

[JimR]

I think we are running about the same on elevation. My driveway is a little over 65 feet long with about an 8 foot drop. It is wicked in the winter when it snows. We can't get out with the cars without salt or sand for traction if it is snow covered. My truck 4WD has no problems climbing out.

 

[TMcD_in_MI]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Why do people call tire chains blacktop eaters? ... Chains do leave marks if you spin the wheels alot. They do not rip up the pavement unless you run off the edge and catch it. )</font>

JimR,

I totally agree. I used to plow our blacktop with a Ford 2000 and a front blade. There were some light scratch marks each spring from wheelspin where I was pushing back the snowbanks, but never any real damage.

I now have a 4310 with a front blower, loaded rear tires and no chains. I've had no traction troubles this winter - knock on wood.

Tom

 

[bugstruck]

Now I have the picture. That is allot of drop in 60 odd feet. Same on our cars. If I can't see 60% plus asphalt it's a walk up with the cars. The 4wd trucks don't do as well as one would think. It's all over for them at about 3". Make it maybe halfway and then it gets real interesting with the curve and trees on the backdown. Former owner told me the same and I didn't believe him. Showed me his bent up rear bumper from his attempt at 3". He had it right.

Most people clear and maybe salt. Guess were stuck with adding traction control to that equation. I use barn grit most of the time.

 

[Dave4410]

I think you guys with 4wd would find that when the driveway is slippery it's quicker work to simply plow, push or blow on the downhill passes only. This is true for a blade, bucket or blower. Unless you're on an extremely steep slope, you shouldn't have to do more than lowering the rear tire pressure to get the uphill traction you need. It also helps to keep the front wheels straight when backing-up on slippery surfaces.