Snow Equipment Owning/Operating S'no traction at all

[dgeesaman]

This is my first winter using anything other than a shovel to clear snow. I have a NH TC45DA with front end loader. Worked like a champ for our first two snows of the season. Today, not so much. I got stuck twice on what was essentially level asphalt.

It was markedly colder than before (10F) and when pushing snow on the asphalt part of the driveway, I had hardly any traction at all. The rubber tires were actually leaving ice prints that matched the tread - anywhere I was going, the weighted tires were compressing snow and making ice. Where the wheels would spin I'd make a sheet of ice. The snow conditions were 8" of powder on a clean cold driveway - it cleaned up completely with a broom. On the gravel part I had no issues, just the asphalt sections. My car with snow tires got around just fine.

What are my options when the rubber tires have no grip on the asphalt? I certainly don't think chains will be safe for the asphalt. It's not like it's a spot or two where I can spread cinders or salt - the whole 700' was super slick.

 

[Toddao]

You need tires chains

 

[murphy1244]

screw in studs should work.

 

[Thomas]

What type of tires?
Colder weather or warm temps different traction bite w/out chains when pushing.
Have you consider rear scraper blade?
Different types of less aggressive tire chain on market,if you don't want to mark tar take lees of blade worth not to spin tires or sharp turns.

 

[moship]

dgeesaman,

The 1st year I had my tractor I was shocked how little traction I had with turf tires and how easy it was to get stuck in just a little bit of snow. Tractor was a JD 750 with front end loader and 7' backhoe for weight/ballast. Having standard tire chains on the rear made all the difference and I feared no slope or off road situation. The bottom line is I would have never believed how much difference they make until experiencing first hand.

On my current tractor I've gone to rubber tire chains after seeing how well they worked on my neighbors tractor. The ride is not as harsh and they don't leave marks in the driveway which was a concern for some of my neighbors. FYI... The rubber chains are made fairly close to you in PA.
Rubber Tire (Snow) Chains - Traction without damage.

Many forum members buy chains from this company, which is also located in PA. They have a lot of "chain" info on their site. Tire Chains by TireChains.comj

Before you buy any chains, check your tire to inner fender clearance.

 

[dave1949]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/snow-removal/193438-cutting-groving-siping-r-4-a-5.html

Check these threads on siping tires. TeikasDad is another poster for this.

You may be in a situation where it is the best for you.

 

[dgeesaman]

I'm running the standard R4's. Given that the treads are like 2" wide it's understandable how snow trapped underneath can't move and will simply compress into ice. Especially considering I'm on loaded tires and the total weight is around 5k.

I'm not going to use studs and chains that will damage the asphalt.

Rubber tire chains - interesting. They're like 30 miles from me too. I'm also 5 miles from Messicks. That should make someone jealous, I could use the boost today.

 

[HillStreet]

Operated my Kubota B2320 with turf tires for 3 winters and got stuck quite a few times, shoveled out a few times and needed a wrecker once. This year I have 4-link tire chains--- phenomenal difference--- no problems up or down hills frontwards or backwards, grass or paved surfaces. Very happy with them.

 

[Thomas]

I run R4's loaded w/rear scraper blade for extra weight,also at times face same issues as you..R4's adds more tire surface less traction..grip..compare to Ag's etc.,since your plowing level and most of my plow down hill can be like night and day.

 

[rekees4300]

I have a NH TC45DA with front end loader.

It's been my experience that a FEL isn't a very efficient snow removal attachment. Additionally, it is contributing to your lack of traction. You may want to consider a rear blade and/or a snow blower. Chains would be safe for asphalt if you get the proper type.

 

[k0ua]

You can also look into doing this to your R4 tires.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/snow-removal/193438-cutting-groving-siping-r-4-a.html

 

[murphy1244]

You can also look into doing this to your R4 tires.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/snow-removal/193438-cutting-groving-siping-r-4-a.html

That's pretty interesting, thanks for the link James.

 

[k0ua]

That's pretty interesting, thanks for the link James.

I actually did it to My L3400, but I only had one small snow to test it on, it seemed to me that it helped quite a bit, but I traded it off before we had more snow. I have not done it to the Kioti.

 

[dgeesaman]

Attachments weren't my problem. I was spinning wheels on asphalt with the loader up and empty.

 

[AceDeuce]

Attachments weren't my problem. I was spinning wheels on asphalt with the loader up and empty.

Did you have any counterweight on the rear end? Even an empty FEL will significantly reduce traction at the rear tires. Just about anything on the 3ph will help.

 

[dgeesaman]

Did you have any counterweight on the rear end? Even an empty FEL will significantly reduce traction at the rear tires. Just about anything on the 3ph will help.

No added attachment, but I do have fully filled tires.

David

 

[DFB]

Counterweight helps! That's a good sized tractor...what range were you using?

 

[k0ua]

I agree the counterweight will help a bunch.. a poster today reported on the cutting grooving siping thread I posted that he felt his R4's were greatly improved after the treatment.

 

[Hamor]

If not using chain, weight in the back , and don't try and take all the snow at once ,leave your bucket up off the ground half of your snow amount to try. Don't use float on you FEL ,that will make you lose traction (more without chains) , or at least the first pass. You could also try sanding your drive when it's icy before you get snow coming in . Just a thought for a:2cents:

 

[dave1949]

Were your tires cold when this happened, or did you have hundreds of pounds of warm fluid fill and tires? Just a thought.