Ford 1700, looking for better traction in mud, plowing, etc.

[JohnFourteenSix]

I have a 2wd 1700 with rear diamond tread tires (13.6-16), and I would like to get increased traction when pulling, plowing, and similar. I have no steep inclines/declines, but the ground is quite wet and sometimes muddy/silty. This is Florida, so no snow here. I don't really have much of a "lawn" to speak of, but I do have 1/2" irrigation tubing scattered around the property.

What's the most cost effective way to get more traction?

 

[LD48750]

I have a 2wd 1700 with rear diamond tread tires (13.6-16), and I would like to get increased traction when pulling, plowing, and similar. I have no steep inclines/declines, but the ground is quite wet and sometimes muddy/silty. This is Florida, so no snow here. I don't really have much of a "lawn" to speak of, but I do have 1/2" irrigation tubing scattered around the property.

What's the most cost effective way to get more traction?

Chains.

Load the tires with liquid. (water or windshield washer fluid)
Loading the 13.6x16 turf tires on my 1710 didn't seem to help traction on wet grass or mud but did seem to help stability.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

Any particular chain type you'd recommend?

 

[LD48750]

Not really, I tried regular tractor ladder chains on the rear and the ride was REALLY rough.
I ended up putting chains on just the front of my 4x4 1710.

I don't need to do anything in the mud bad enough before it dries up to *NEED* traction on the tractor.
Being retired helps with getting things done too.

Suggestions here seem to favor something in an H pattern or Net pattern for a smoother ride.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

In FL with such a high water table, it's never really dry. Even if the top 3 inches of soil are dry, there's always some kind of wet outside. It's not bad if I'm just driving around, but if I'm carrying any kind of heavy load or trying to pull something from behind, that wheel just starts slipping, and digging -- and eventually hit mud.

Funny story; my ZTR got stuck near the pond a few weeks ago; I tried to get it out with my truck. The truck got stuck there too (4wd wouldn't engage). Had to end up pulling out both with the tractor (with the help of two neighbors), but we had to make a custom ramp for it, because the tires started spinning inside the mud.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I would try 4 link chains and see how that goes. Thats probably the cheapest solution at this point. I really don't think you need netted v-bar ice chains especially in a sandy soil. I have 2-link v-bars on the front axle of an l3400 and its all the help the little tractor needs in the ice and snow unless I have the snowplow on.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

Are there any sources you're recommend in addition to tirechain.us? Tire Chains-13.6 16 I see mainly "v-bar" styles, which might be good if biting in the snow, but wouldn't do much good in the mud, where I would need more protruding surface area.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Tirechains.com and tirechainsrequired.com

 

[mike48130]

I assume the 13.6-16 are turf tires? Did you look at R1 tires? Different rims and front tires, so you need to find a complete set. I have a set of tire chains (somewhere) that came with my 1700 2wd with turf tires. Never used them since it is only for cutting grass.

Do you have a loader on it? Weight on the rear tires is critical. It helps with the traction, but also causes you to sink into the mud, so can be a negative as well.

Also, do you use the rear diff lock? It helps more if you use it before you start to spin the tires.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

I've been looking for R1 tires/rims, but besides not being able to figure out what rim/tire combo will work, it also seems to be quite expensive for tires alone.

I do have a loader; I often attach the bushhog on the back to provide extra weight on the rear. I've tried using the diff lock, but it's in an awkward position and makes it difficult to shift gears and have the diff lock off at the same time.