White Christmas was Slippery for my Branson 3510

[colestin_valley]

Hi, Stongman.

The rear tires of my Branson 3510 are chloride-filled. I've never driven it without, so I can't compare. On the level or going downhill I can plow a foot of snow (I don't even bother with less than 8-10 inches) but going uphill I can't do much work before the tires start slipping. On my uphill passes I usually just move the berm another foot or so toward the edge, making room for the next snowfall. With aggressive chains I expect to plow going both ways except on the steep places.

Does that help?

 

[Strongman]

That helps a lot! Thank you! Do you have R4 industrial tires? Do you or anyone else have any problems with mowing lawn and having loaded tires?

 

[Strongman]

Thanks Golfgar4 for the references. All of the information on this site is a little overwhelming for a newbie. After reading the links it is pretty clear to me that I will get the tires filled when I purchase the tractor. The only question I still have to answer is whether it should be CaCl or a Rimguard or equivalent. From reading some of the links it seems like really high quality dealers will do this automatically if you get a FEL. Thanks again!

 

[rameye]

Strongman,,

I'm using R-4's with rimguard filled tires...take a look at my attachment earlier in this thread and you'll see what I'm up against. I have front chains only.

I like the R-4's they are thick and tough and offer excellent traction without tear -up...a good compromise.

My dealer only will fill with rimguard. He wasn't going to honor the warranty with anything but. Some folks use windshield washer fluid for a cheap alternative.

welcome to the forum.. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[colestin_valley]

Mine are filled with calcium chloride. Over many years I guess that can corrode your rims, so RimGaurd sounds like a good thing. Wish I'd heard of it.

My dealer usually uses anti-freeze, but given the winter temps at my altitude too much would have been required. Plus it's toxic to animals.

 

[thartsell]

I've had a hard time here on the side of the Blue Ridge Mtns. with my Branson 3510. On my mountain road, the front tires, especially are pretty flat and don't have much friction even with fluid filled tires (which I wouldn't do without)

Of course 2 feet of snow twice in 6 weeks doesn't make any
vehicle great.

Where do you find chains?

My tires are 28x8.5-15 and 43x16-20...
Most of the chain vendors on the internet don't seem to carry these sizes...

Was thinking of making my own.

Love Branson tho... Have had it about 4 years. Have bucket, box loader, York rake, blade and DRField Brush wood splitter for 3 pt. hitch & PTO.

 

[polo1665]

I've had a hard time here on the side of the Blue Ridge Mtns. with my Branson 3510. On my mountain road, the front tires, especially are pretty flat and don't have much friction even with fluid filled tires (which I wouldn't do without)

Of course 2 feet of snow twice in 6 weeks doesn't make any
vehicle great.

Where do you find chains?

My tires are 28x8.5-15 and 43x16-20...
Most of the chain vendors on the internet don't seem to carry these sizes...

Was thinking of making my own.

Love Branson tho... Have had it about 4 years. Have bucket, box loader, York rake, blade and DRField Brush wood splitter for 3 pt. hitch & PTO.

Welcome to TBN thartsell. My 3510 does pretty good in the snow, but I'm on pretty flat land compared to you.

 

[gldwing57]

Hi, Stongman.

The rear tires of my Branson 3510 are chloride-filled. I've never driven it without, so I can't compare. On the level or going downhill I can plow a foot of snow (I don't even bother with less than 8-10 inches) but going uphill I can't do much work before the tires start slipping. On my uphill passes I usually just move the berm another foot or so toward the edge, making room for the next snowfall. With aggressive chains I expect to plow going both ways except on the steep places.

Does that help?

My 3510 has filled tires also, but in the deep snow its still tough going. I have been stuck 3 or 4 times this winter , once really bad. My driveway is steep and paved so chains are not an option for me. I do have a plow on my 4 wheeler that does a good job when the tractor wont go.

 

[Lunk]

43-16-20 Tire Chains

I only use the FEL for snow plowing. It does just fine on my 300+ ft driveway and parking area.

For ballast, I have filled rears (+640#), my 3pt box-blade (550#), and a combination of sandbags and 2-24" square concrete ballast blocks strapped to said box-blade (750-850#).

I use a 6' SS utility bucket (about 31 cu ft struck). Although it's a bit heavy -630#, I haven't had a bucketful yet that I couldn't curl and lift. I do find myself using the steering brakes for directional control when the snow is heavy though, as my fronts tend to lift off the ground when the going gets tough.

Hope the link helps, and good luck!

Lunk

 

[g a f]

I have used front chains on my 3035 since it was new. Probably put close to 200 hours on it with the chains on. Have had no drivetrain problems at all. These are rear chains from an 8-N ford I dont have any more. Very heavy duty, 3/8's cross chains. Makes a huge difference in forward and steering traction.
Jesse