Tire studs?

[BlueKnife]

True, but that's when using 2WD is practical. Aided by locking the rear diff as needed.

Yeah...... Not a lot of folks leaving it in 2wd when they're doing loader work.

 

[LouNY]

Interesting. Hadn't heard that before. I'm trying to envision how front chains on ice or snow would put more stress on a front axle than using a loader on dry, rocky and/bumpy ground..... The chains do help a lot with steering. I suppose if the wheels can just slide around maybe there's less stress?

Conventional cross link chains can put more "shock" loading on drive trains because of there constant slip and grip between cross chains as the tires tend to spin then grab as the cross chains get and lose traction.

 

[86Scotty]

Interesting. Hadn't heard that before. I'm trying to envision how front chains on ice or snow would put more stress on a front axle than using a loader on dry, rocky and/bumpy ground..... The chains do help a lot with steering. I suppose if the wheels can just slide around maybe there's less stress?

That's a very good point. My Kioti is a pretty light tractor and I pretty much have no steering when floating out gravel in reverse. Same for snow. It also slides sideways on off camber situations due to not having much weight on the front, even with the loader.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Yeah...... Not a lot of folks leaving it in 2wd when they're doing loader work.

I do. The exception is when filling the loader bucket from a dirt pile. Then I engage 4WD to avoid tire slip, right before the bucket reaches the pile - if traction is low or the dirt hard enough to warrant using 4WD.

Once the bucket is full I disengage 4WD as I back up and turn. That's easier on the tractor and the ground.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Conventional cross link chains can put more "shock" loading on drive trains because of there constant slip and grip between cross chains as the tires tend to spin then grab as the cross chains get and lose traction.

That can indeed break parts, especially if the operator doesn't notice what's going on.

Had it happen with the BX25D once, in snow that was deeper than what it cared for. But ironically that was with chains in the rear only.

 

[jonsstihl]

I have studs on my rear tires only. I'm sure the studs help a little but you mention hills and steep parts. you will never regret getting chains especially euro style studded chains. I bought the tractor used with the studs already installed so I can't say how they work with a before and after comparison but my driveway is flat and I can still get the rear tires to spin in the wet spring snow but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to if I had chains on.