Tire Selection Tires vrs chains in mud

[Glennz]

Help and opinion please. I have a Kubota B2300 series with Turf tires, works great on lawn and snow plowing. Needs have changed and I am doing more work in woods on slippery and muddy conditions. Would I be better to change tires, to what,or get tire chains?

 

[Citydude]

Help and opinion please. I have a Kubota B2300 series with Turf tires, works great on lawn and snow plowing. Needs have changed and I am doing more work in woods on slippery and muddy conditions. Would I be better to change tires, to what,or get tire chains?

Chains would be my choice. You would still have the lawn and snow removal covered.

 

[oosik]

It's been my experience - chains provide superior traction. I had R-1's on my first tractor( Ford 1700 4WD ). In severe driveway icy conditions I had to put on V-bar ladder chains to get adequate traction. There was insufficient "tractor weight" to get adequate traction from the R-1's. I now have a Kubota M6040 4WD that weighs - 10,100#. I no longer need chains. The Kubota has R-1's also.

Given half a chance - chains can tear the crap out of your lawn. For that matter, so will R-1's.

 

[Citydude]

It's been my experience - chains provide superior traction. I had R-1's on my first tractor( Ford 1700 4WD ). In severe driveway icy conditions I had to put on V-bar ladder chains to get adequate traction. There was insufficient "tractor weight" to get adequate traction from the R-1's. I now have a Kubota M6040 4WD that weighs - 10,100#. I no longer need chains. The Kubota has R-1's also.

Given half a chance - chains can tear the crap out of your lawn. For that matter, so will R-1's.

One would hope the chains are removed for lawn mowing.

 

[oosik]

I mow with a riding mower. However - there are times when I must cross my lawns to get to other portions of my property with my tractor. I definitely try to limit this to late summer when lawns are dry and hard.

 

[LouNY]

Chains without a doubt,
also just driving across a lawn in 2wd chains do not do that much damage.

 

[Glennz]

Thanks for the input. Would you put chains on all four or just rears?

 

[crazyal]

Just understand that chains are very hard on tree roots. If you are driving near any trees you like you could cause damage. They also love to retain the mud until you can speed up. If not careful that could happen on your lawn leaving large clumps or where you park your tractor (the mud dries out while it's parked). Finally chains will dig very quickly if you spin your tires. You could get yourself stuck before you realize it. But chains are probably the most economical way. I have never seen a log skidder around here without them. I would do the rears first and see how it goes since it sounds like you are doing it now without them. Usually in the woods where it's slick I'm using the brakes to steer anyway.

 

[donn12]

If you can swing another set get loaded R1s. I have a set on my B as well as a set of turfs - there is a massive difference ! I also have chains for the turfs way too bouncy for me

 

[mikester]

I'd chain all four tires. Instead of buying new tires I'd buy a bigger tractor with R1's for working in the woods.

 

[CobyRupert]

Yeah, buy a bigger tractor with R1 tires.
Just throw $20k, $30k,$40k at the problem. No more problem.
Geesh...that problem was easily solved.
Next!

 

[PILOON]

A lot will also depend on the clay content of the soil.
Heavy clay will simply clog up everything and chains will dig down deeper.
A light CUT might just ride up and over while a heavier one will dig right down.
No sure clear cut answer.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't disagree with any of the previous comments. Just be aware than chains can dig themselves down pretty quick. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[LouNY]

Yes, with chains mounted up you are usually going to go in the direction you wished to or down.
Up to the operator to back out of it before maximum down has been achieved.

 

[fruitcakesa]

Yes, with chains mounted up you are usually going to go in the direction you wished to or down.
Up to the operator to back out of it before maximum down has been achieved.

That is the key, knowing when to say when, then back out fast.
BTW LouNY, I used your chain mounting procedure and got my Euro's on in minutes and am ready for any mud or more likely ice that may come with the predicted warm rain that is coming

 

[LouNY]

Glad you got yours chains on,
I put mine on the Branson before the big storm dumped on us, didn't do the IH till after I needed her.
If we get 3 inches of rain on top of this 38inches of snow it is going to cause problems,
then a sharp cool down again to give use ice on top of thawed muddy driveways and roads,
fun fun fun.

 

[mikester]

Yeah, buy a bigger tractor with R1 tires.
Just throw $20k, $30k,$40k at the problem. No more problem.
Geesh...that problem was easily solved.
Next!

First world problems!