getting better snow traction with R1 tires

[nfisheremti]

Big lugged tires just don't do good when there is a chance of that slick building up. Grooves and sipes should help but you are asking the question before you cut up good tires. Understandable. I think you are in a bind and I hope someone can help you. :drink:

Exactly I can't think of any place else where someone might have this knowledge (that I have access to). Hopefully someone on here has the answer.

 

[airbiscuit]

You might check out this thread, and PM moship.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/tires/267476-rubber-tire-chains.html

 

[nfisheremti]

I've looked at these too. I didn't see them in 11.2-24 or 7.2-16. Maybe somebody has them, if so I missed them. I did have the crazy idea of making my own. I still might, though I'm thinking that might be a bit pricier than a grooving tool. Of course it won't damage the tire, so it might be cheaper than a new set of R1s to replace the set I might slash.

 

[airbiscuit]

You could try a set for the front. You could also contact the seller to see if they have anything close for the rears.

SoftClaw Rubber Tire Chains, Traction without damaging your surface

 

[Oldpath05]

Kubota BX25D - R4 Tire Grooving - Improve Winter Traction - YouTube

Ideal Tire Groover Cutter With #4 Blades Grooving Iron IMCA | eBay

 

[LouNY]

I don't know what you are running for tire pressure,
on my 18.4-30s I run 12-14PSI.
On the tractor that I mow hay with in the summer which runs 20.8-42s we run 20-25 psi.
I have absolutely no idea what sipping R1's will do for you.
I run the studded Euro style chain, I seldom see any damage from the chains as they get a good enough grip that I do not spin.
The only time I saw pavement damage was pulling a stuck truck back up on the road, he was high centered on snow with his plow blade digging in as I pulled him back onto the road. I did scratch the road surface a bit but not bad. Can't even see it after a few months.

I would wonder what a set of non studded utv chains would do for your front tires.
ATV - Diamond - Page 1 - TireChain.com
This style should run smooth enough not to slow down your travel speed.

 

[nfisheremti]

I don't know what you are running for tire pressure,
on my 18.4-30s I run 12-14PSI.
On the tractor that I mow hay with in the summer which runs 20.8-42s we run 20-25 psi.

That's a really good question. I guess I'm running whatever pressure the previous owner was running. They feel pretty darn hard, while driving. How far can I air them down and not risk losing the bead? I'm assuming that lower pressures will help me.

 

[5030]

That's a really good question. I guess I'm running whatever pressure the previous owner was running. They feel pretty darn hard, while driving. How far can I air them down and not risk losing the bead? I'm assuming that lower pressures will help me.

Interesting comment. Without coming across as insulting, it might behoove you to check it. Like Lou, I check and adjust my tire pressures regularly, kind of like checking the fluid levels before starting my machines. There is no ideal tire pressure for everything, but knowing what it actually is rather than a crapshoot is always better.

 

[old and tired]

While you are at it... front axle is normally low on fluids from most dealers. Check that while checking air pressure...

 

[nfisheremti]

When I bought the tractor (used from a friend) i went through and checked all the fluids, changed the oil, and gave all the grease zerks a good zot, and replaced a few clogged ones. Changed the filters etc. Tires never made it to the list, since it had to go into service the day after I bought it. I know checking the tires is a pretty easy thing to do, I just haven't gotten to it. It raises the question, what should my tire pressure be (high or low vs factory recommend) for best snow traction?