Tires Winter use Tires

[yooperdave]

I have been using turf tires without chains to plow my driveways for a number of years.
My driveways are pitched at least 10' over a couple of hundred feet of run.
I usually plow down hill, stay in 4wd, and try to not push my luck (no pun).
Do industrial tires offer less traction in the snow?
I see lots of people using chains and wonder if they really need them.
Just wondering what drove the use of chains?
TIA
Yooper Dave

 

[oldnslo]

My experience with industrial tires is on a skid steer and in snow they were next to worthless since the wide face and wide lugs just slide across the snow. Have no experience with industrial tires on tractors but would suspect same problem if on snow pack or ice.

 

[Rustyiron]

You seem to be getting it done as is, you know how conditions can be different with each storm and tire chains are a relatively easy fix that is not a permanent decision.

 

[k0ua]

This is why so many people have cut grooves in their Industrial tires. The extra biting surfaces pack more snow between them just like the turf tires do. Yes Industrial tires are poor in snow and mud for that matter. I have never owned any Turf tires, (only AG and Industrial) but from what I understand they are quite a bit better in snow than Industrials.

 

[RjCorazza]

I grooved the R4's on my last 2 tractors. The increased traction was certainly noticable, and I don't use chains. I road my tractor a lot, so the R4's are a good choice for my use.
I used to have the blanket opinion that turf tires are terrible in snow, but my experience with turfs was the old large diamond tread from the 80's. That particular tread pattern is horrible in snow or even wet grass for that matter (IMHO!).

 

[RoyJackson]

I've had both R3 (Turf) and R4's (Industrial). I prefer the R3 type tire for snow.
Most of the time, I don't even need 4WD...granted, I'm clearing level areas.

 

[Jchonline]

I have been using turf tires without chains to plow my driveways for a number of years.
My driveways are pitched at least 10' over a couple of hundred feet of run.
I usually plow down hill, stay in 4wd, and try to not push my luck (no pun).
Do industrial tires offer less traction in the snow?
I see lots of people using chains and wonder if they really need them.
Just wondering what drove the use of chains?
TIA
Yooper Dave

If you go R4 I recommend spikes if you are sliding around and you dont have easily damaged surfaces. It wont take many to give you adequate traction.

 

[Bavarian]

Turf tires for snow clearing. Hands down. Even over AG tires.

 

[seville009]

The benefit of chains (in my opinion) is for when you are working on non-paved areas, like pushing back snow banks or drifts on a field or grass. Basically anywhere that might be soft underneath, or where you could end up in deeper snow.

can be a benefit too if you slip off the edge of the road and need an added bite to get back up.

They give me peace of mind too when it's snowing and blowing in that I don't have to worry about getting stuck.

 

[SARG]

I've got loaded R4s in the back and 8 ply R4s in the front ...... with new chains still in the box because I've never needed them.