To chain or not to chain?

[landshark67]

Just had a Kubota BX 2660 delivered Easter weekend. Got the BX 2750D snow blower for the front end. I'm trying to decide if I'm gonna need chains for the R4 tires or not. This is where you experienced guys come in. I'm in the "Snow Belt" part of northeast Ohio that frequently gets "lake effect" snow.

It's not uncommon for us to get 100+ inches a season, and it varies from a dry, fluffy snow to the wet heavy stuff. FWIW, the tractor does have 4WD.

Thanks!

 

[2458n]

As you know lake erie really puts out the snow. Yes you will find the chains are very useful, even necessary. Beware that they can scuff up the seal coating on asphalt drives. Something paying customers should be made aware of before you plow for them.

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I have a 4x4 compact tractor with turf tires. (had it since 2004) My dealer said I wouldn't need chains even though I have a pretty steep long hill in my driveway. He was right! I get lots of snow of all types and have yet to wish I had chains.

 

[RoyJackson]

Although I think your estimate of 100+ inches might be high, I do recommend chains 100%.
You could try a season or two without them...but it's a good chance if you decide you need them come winter, they may not be available at that time...that happened to me in 2010.
I did do OK for 8 or 9 years without chains (also R-4 tires), but there were times I had to push myself out with the loader.
Since you bought a snow blower (I assume this is front mounted), you won't have a loader to help out, if and when you need it.

 

[MrPete]

I have the same exact set up with turf tires. I used it all winter with no chains, with no problems.

 

[silvertramp]

My driveways are hilly and tend to ice up. Chains are a must for me. My tractor is chained in the rear. My plow truck is chained on all 4 corners.

 

[bigtiller]

Go ahead and get the chains. They are cheap enough for those little 26x12x12 inch tires. I wouldn't consider going without them but I have a long double wide driveway and parking area that I don't want to spend half of my free time slipping and sliding moving snow.

 

[crazyal]

Small chains are pretty easy to put on so if you get them you can leave them off and decide for yourself if you really need them. I've tried a couple of times and while I don't need chains it really helps. With chains I can use the rear brakes to keep the tractor from getting sucked into the ditch on the side of the road. Without them I have to be much more careful.

 

[Don87]

If your area is level, (wich a lot of your area is) I would not buy chains. If you have any grades where you clear snow,,,,,,get them.

 

[North Country]

Although I think your estimate of 100+ inches might be high, I do recommend chains 100%.

I was curious, so I looked it up. Looks like he's dead right. There's a little "island" that averages 90+ inches. Who woulda thunk it?

Ohio Map of Average Snowfall

 

[Phil48]

I tried to do without... Most of the time it is possible... But I always need those chains at least five times per season. Without them, I would be stuck... Almost as expensive as studded vises, but a lot better: Tryyg chain, the new version 7mm chain. They're excellent!

Plywood on the garage concrete floor is a nice option! If you let the chain work, you won't have too many marks at the end of the season.

Phil

http://www.walcoequipment.com/file/walco_tire-chain.pdf

 

[Rad1956]

Landshark67:

I'm in hilly North Central Ohio and understand your pain! I also have R4's on my JD 3720 -- they are a great tire, but can be lousy on icy snow -- the chains do help.

 

[landshark67]

Thanks for all the help, guys. I did some pricing, and at less than $100 delivered it seems like cheap insurance...

 

[ejb69]

Get the chains. Its is better to have them.

 

[First one]

Just had a Kubota BX 2660 delivered Easter weekend. Got the BX 2750D snow blower for the front end. I'm trying to decide if I'm gonna need chains for the R4 tires or not. This is where you experienced guys come in. I'm in the "Snow Belt" part of northeast Ohio that frequently gets "lake effect" snow.

It's not uncommon for us to get 100+ inches a season, and it varies from a dry, fluffy snow to the wet heavy stuff. FWIW, the tractor does have 4WD.

Thanks!

Not only are they going to help you a lot in the winter ,but even in the summer when your pulling wood or digging out rocks , they really make a diff. in traction , and that is the key to getting all you can out of what you have. Weight in the back also , either loaded tires or a 3-pt att. helps .:thumbsup:

 

[landshark67]

Not only are they going to help you a lot in the winter ,but even in the summer when your pulling wood or digging out rocks , they really make a diff. in traction , and that is the key to getting all you can out of what you have. Weight in the back also , either loaded tires or a 3-pt att. helps .:thumbsup:

I hadn't thought about using them like that... Good idea. Thanks!

 

[Dadof3]

I can't believe you guys are talking snow already!

 

[rsewill]

I can't believe you guys are talking snow already!

The snow season isn't necessarily over. We had three snows last May.

 

[landshark67]

I can't believe you guys are talking snow already!

Already? We're just finishing up! Although we had an extremely mild winter for the snow belt, it's not uncommon to get ***** slapped by Mother Nature well into April. I'm just doing my homework on chains now so I have everything lined up for the coming winter, which around here could start in October...

 

[whistlepig]

You can always try it without chains for a year or two. I did. I have chains now.