Turf Tire Chains...NOT

[srjones]

Okay I couldn't think of what to call these, nor do I know if they even exist, so I'll describe it and see if anyone knows.

Ag tires are great for traction, but what if the ground is really soft and I want to leave very little impact? Like finish mowing, for example. The traditional answer is turf tires, but I really don't want to fork out the bucks for additional set of tires and maybe rims.

I'm wondering if the following thing exists: Instead of chains that give you more byte into the ground, is there a thing I could attach over the ag tires that would give me less grip(bite) into the ground?

Does anyone know if such a thing exists and if so, what's it called?

Thanks,

-Steve

 

[bx23barry]

Maybe tracks

 

[MrJimi]

How about w i d e r tires

 

[Thomas]

Sounds like a catch 22 Steve...maybe some weights for a better bite could help...or set of R4's instead of turfs.

 

[kwolfe]

What about a set of semi retreads. Deflate the tire, jack up the tractor, slip it one, inflate the tire, presto.

Or if money is not an obstical, new set of turf tires and rims.

 

[darkviper]

R4s would be the best option. I have them on My Ck 20. The pull just as good as ags in most cases and dont mess up the grass as bad. Only when it is real wet. ANd that is going to be the case i dont care what kind of tire if you have a 3000# plus machine. Also that hold up better with you on hard surface travel.

 

[AKfish]

I finally took the plunge and bought another set of tires and rims - R1's. I've already got a set of special turfs but when it's a little bit wet or when I need to be crawlin' around in the woods with my backhoe --- those turfs just don't cut it!

Tires aren't weighted or filled so I can drop off the R1's when it's time to mow or work the hay fields and need the turfs.

But, if you're lookin' at the best compromise --- I agree with darkviper, R4's is the way to go.

AKfish

 

[srjones]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. Since cost is the biggest factor, I'm inclined to go for something like a "slip on turf tire", by using discarded semi truck tires.

However, the tires are calcium filled, so I can't deflate them, but if I cut the tire in half or thirds, I may be able to slip it over the tire and rachet it down (just like tire chaines).

If I do this, pictures will follow.

-srj