Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Cutting / Groving / Siping R-4 for snow

[dickfoster]

I finally replaced the original 29 year old Bridgestone turfs on my Kubota B9200 recently with these Firestone turfs. The local dealer had them as new old stock and let me have them for $100 ea. (13.6-16 size) My only concern is that the tread pitch is much coarser than the old tires. May "get" to run them in snow this week but wondering if they need to be grooved to get more bite.

Edit: The old Bridgestones had excellent traction in snow and ice.

I imagine those large voids would not pack with snow well.

 

[npalen]

I imagine those large voids would not pack with snow well.

They look more like R4 industrial tread than turf. Maybe I should just consider them industrial tread.

 

[Glrret]

I would be inclined to groove them with a 1/4 inch pattern like this:

 

[npalen]

Thanks for your feedback illustration. I wasn't sure about what kind of groove configuration to use. That looks very simple to do.
Anyone have a used grooving tool and willing to sell it?

 

[dickfoster]

Thanks for your feedback illustration. I wasn't sure about what kind of groove configuration to use. That looks very simple to do.
Anyone have a used grooving tool and willing to sell it?

They don't cost that much and the fewer heads you get the cheaper they are. I got a kit with three width options but you could probably get away with just the 1/4" or #4 head. Probably something like 70 bucks. Just search for "Ideal Tire Grooving Iron" on the web and you'll get lots of hits including eBay and Amazon.

 

[Bronco82]

For those who grooved their tires years ago, and still have the same tractor, do you still have those tires, and if so, how are they holding out? Browsing tire grooving irons now.

 

[kennyd]

For those who grooved their tires years ago, and still have the same tractor, do you still have those tires, and if so, how are they holding out? Browsing tire grooving irons now.

Yes, perfect! I would do it again if I got new tires.

 

[Deadman]

My grooved R4's wore down as usually and had zero tears, ripped lugs or anything negative.

 

[Drewmon]

Just did my tires too. It was pretty easy. If anyone need to use the tool, contact me, I'm sure we can work something out.

 

[dragoneggs]

I guess it is time to revive this thread. Nice job Drewmon.

 

[KenB2920]

Grooved mine and very happy I did. No issues or extra wear. I.D have to look back and see how many hours I had on the machine and what I’ve put on since. However, the wear (or lack thereof) is if anything minimal. The gain in traction well worth it in asphalt.... (odd part, I think i have a few lugs I didn’t do originally. Maybe I’ll knock that out today).

 

[gladehound]

Checking in after 7 years! Wow, I can't believe it's been that long since I started this thread.

I sold the Kioti LB1914 from Post 1. But it didn't go far. It's now with my cousin with the same tires and there have been no issues with unusual tire wear. I grooved the Kioti DS4510 three years ago and no issues with that one either.

I never had a traction issue with either one after grooving the tires & and have never once regretted grooving them.

 

[Glrret]

This is the second winter on mine and I haven't had any chunking or splits. I'm very satisfied with the results.

 

[majorwager]

What tool was used to make the grooves, depth gauge or stop of some type?

 

[teg]

What tool was used to make the grooves, depth gauge or stop of some type?

Most were done with Ideal heated knive, with #4 blades, You set the depth with how the blade is inserted. I think most did 1/4" (some less). You use your hands and pressure, easy to stop at certain points.

Ideal Heated Knives 25W Grooving Iron - Includes (12) #4 Blades : 125

 

[FatTire]

IMHO, this is one of the "best ever" TBN threads. I hadn't even heard of anyone siping R4's and certainly hadn't thought of doing it before I saw this thread. On my list of "some day" projects.

 

[teg]

IMHO, this is one of the "best ever" TBN threads...

It's no "Pallets in fields" thread but yea pretty good! :drink:

 

[Glrret]

Most were done with Ideal heated knive, with #4 blades, You set the depth with how the blade is inserted. I think most did 1/4" (some less). You use your hands and pressure, easy to stop at certain points.

Ideal Heated Knives 25W Grooving Iron - Includes (12) #4 Blades : 125

That is the tool I used to groove mine, it works slick.

 

[2ndhalf]

That is the tool I used to groove mine, it works slick.

I have a PORTER-CABLE PCE605K 3-Amp Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool. I think I may try it on one of my lug's tomorrow. It is a great tool for cutting trim and removing grout. It has a built in depth gauge also.

 

[FatTire]

I have a PORTER-CABLE PCE605K 3-Amp Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool. I think I may try it on one of my lug's tomorrow. It is a great tool for cutting trim and removing grout. It has a built in depth gauge also.

Built in depth gauge should be nice. Please report your results.