Why is Weight The Only Solution Being Offered To The Problem Of Traction?

[Blue hood]

"If you need more traction ...it made more sense and was more cost effective to just move up a size or two to a bigger machine"

Excuse me,
I just sent a youtube title Fold-Out Cleats Improve Tractor Traction, were not only one but two 4x4 tractors, (that probably both has double the draw bar force, weight and friction surface) can't pull a cargo trailer because the ground it's frozen, and in another sequence shows the same tractor trying to pull a chisel plow on a wet field without a positive result unless you apply the cleats that bite the ground.

So, it isn't necessary to move up a size or two to a bigger machine to improve a tractor traction, that in the long run will cost you more not including the extra diesel you don't need to burn if you improve your actual tires bite.

 

[LouNY]

If the fold out traction lugs had been effective there would be a lot out them out and in service,
they were not. They were not as effective as chains even, just a bit easier to use.
The best bolt on traction enhancer for 2wd tractors were the track kits they also never achieved any popularity because
of the cost and breakage issues.
To enhance traction increase the tire height, then the width or add duals or chains all depending on why traction is lacking.

 

[JethroB]

Taller or narrower tires aren’t just for increased traction but also for crop clearance. Fewer and less effective chemicals were available in the past for weeds and pest control so crops were cultivated or sprayed longer into a season. Multiple tractors or High Boy type sprayers aren’t affordable or practical for everyone. Cotton grows to over 3 feet and tobacco to over 5 feet. I operated a IH High Boy spraying cotton for boil weevils one summer as a teenager in the late 70’s.

 

[Blue hood]

I guess you misunderstand my point, what I'm trying to imply it's that weight and a narrow tire with a more aggressive bite, added (as needed) to the actual regular rear tires R4 or other, could be the difference to get better traction and no need to install same size double tires, chains or purchase a bigger tractor.
In other words the narrow tires could replace the old mechanical cleats concept.

 

[Jstpssng]

I guess you misunderstand my point, what I'm trying to imply it's that weight and a narrow tire with a more aggressive bite, added (as needed) to the actual regular rear tires R4 or other, could be the difference to get better traction and no need to install same size double tires, chains or purchase a bigger tractor.
In other words the narrow tires could replace the old mechanical cleats concept.

Then you have the issue of reduced flotation. You are correct, under certain conditions such as snow the narrower tires might work better... so long as the snow isn't so deep that the tractor drags. In real field conditions, they often are working the fields under less than optimum conditions, so need the extra flotation which wider and/or dual tires can give.

 

[LD1]

"If you need more traction ...it made more sense and was more cost effective to just move up a size or two to a bigger machine"

Excuse me,
I just sent a youtube title Fold-Out Cleats Improve Tractor Traction, were not only one but two 4x4 tractors, (that probably both has double the draw bar force, weight and friction surface) can't pull a cargo trailer because the ground it's frozen, and in another sequence shows the same tractor trying to pull a chisel plow on a wet field without a positive result unless you apply the cleats that bite the ground.

So, it isn't necessary to move up a size or two to a bigger machine to improve a tractor traction, that in the long run will cost you more not including the extra diesel you don't need to burn if you improve your actual tires bite.

Well, your excused.

But I never said it was necessary.

I said what made more sense and cost effective.

Farming isn't about always being at the max of your machine all the time...then whenever you hit less than ideal conditions you spin out.

Its about knowing your equipment and it's limitations. And if you found you had a plow that constantly gave issue in bad areas....you got a bigger tractor or a smaller plow. Pretty simple.

I agree that had them fold out cleats been that great....they'd be everywhere. But they aren't. As with any advertising propaganda....they probably weren't all they were cracked up to be.

 

[slider909]

I guess it depends on the application but then again I saw this video

The tires are close to $600 each for a 22x12!

 

[Fielding]

Think about a train locomotive, smooth steel wheels on smooth steel rails.

Weight should be proportional to the job. Ballast is your friend.

 

[LouNY]

Those Tweels might be nice some of the time, but they sure couldn't be used in the winter.
Fill those voids with mud or slush then get froze while stopped it would not be good.
Froze full of crap with a frozen flat spot that would be quite the ride.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Can you see the issues trying to put a loader on that tractor? Or the visibility issues up front when trying to do roe crop work or something.

100% I think your logic is sound here.

If you need more traction ...it made more sense and was more cost effective to just move up a size or two to a bigger machine

That to is another solid point to make. Let's assume the Tweels cost $4K that's additional money that you could spend on upgrading or buying other implements.