Buying Advice best tires for snow/plowing

[oosik]

You want the best tire for ice/snow. You don't want R-1's or chains. That, my friend, will be an interesting nut to crack. I guess I would recommend those new R-14's or Nokian's - if they are affordable.

 

[crazyal]

Had Nokians on a truck and the traction was great but the wear was unacceptable. If all you use your tractor for is snow removal then it wouldn't matter but for me they wouldn't be an option without proof they can handle what my current tires do. Some of the rocks around here have taken noticeable chunks out of my R1s.

 

[Blue Mule]

I prefer R3 tires. Similar to how an all-terrain is better on a pickup truck than a mud-terrain, likewise an R3 tire is better than an R1 or R4 in snow.

Having said that, due to market conditions and supply, I had to take a new tractor with R4 tires on it. We had a well publicized ice storm in mid-February, followed by two back to back sleet and snow storms on top of that, all in 7 days time. I plow snow on a 400' long uneven paved farm entrance with a grade that's probably almost 10%. I went into the job afraid that the R4 tires would slide and try to kill me. I was shocked to find that the R4 tires did a GREAT job on compacted snow and ice. I had absolutely no issues pushing or pulling snow on the hillside, even at temperatures in the 10F range. Color me surprised, but HAPPY!

 

[LouNY]

I've been running the Nokian snow tires for several years on various pickups and SUV's.
I've always run studded tires and in my opinion the studded Nokians are the best snow tire out there.
I have no idea how their tractor tire will do as far as traction or longevity.
If they work as well as their pickup tires they will be the best for traction.
As to the longevity does it really matter on a small tractor, even if they wear out in 4000 hours
how many CUT owners will come close to that many hours.
I have seen several AG tractors with R1's that have 6-9000 hours on a set of rear tires, the fronts
seem to be changed around 4-6000 hours.

If you want the best, be prepared to pay for it.

 

[Jchonline]

Can I answer ‘The tires you put chains on’

 

[Jchonline]

The secret about snow tires....they are just softer rubber. The pattern doesnt make much difference. The downside is softer rubber, more wear. For vehicles I do use snow rated tires in the winter around here....they do help a considerable amount. For my RTV I have studded chains on standard Worksite tires. For the tractor none...but it weighs enough I dont usually get into trouble. On slopes I use the RTV with chains and a plow.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'm not sure about the tread not making a difference, there's quite a few guys here that have invested in a grooving tool and report good results. I'm totally with you on chains being the ultimate. I run about 10 miles on the road each 2"+ storm plowing with my tractor, so I'm not going to beat myself silly, not to mention wearing out my chains. 18.4x30 chains are in a little different price range than a CUT .

 

[5030]

No matter what tires you use, the coefficient of friction (traction) will always be greater with chains than rubber tires only, don't care what brand or tread design, especially on snow over ice. I just run chains on my R1 radials but only on the front axle (front wheel assist). never on the back. Front chains mostly eliminate plow steer which is exactly what I want. My only issue with front chains is I have to remove my front fenders as the chains will destroy them and front fenders aren't cheap.