Kubota M7040 with grooved R4's

Rob41 · Nov 30, 2021

Got around to grooving the rear tires today. Did the same as the fronts but added a shorter additional groove as there is more meat to work with. It took a bit longer even though the working height was better. Getting to the inside bars was more difficult due to the proximity of the rear fenders so I had to move the tractor a lot.

I've had several opportunities to operate the tractor in identical conditions over the last few days. Prior to grooving the rear tires I had to engage 4 wheel drive or lock the rear to get up the slope going into my shop every time. After the grooving no issue whatsoever just driving into the shop.

@sixdogs Here's a close-up you wanted to see.

LittleBill21 · Nov 30, 2021

Glad it made a difference, I felt it was a big difference as well. I was going to buy chains. No need now.

Rob41 · Nov 30, 2021

Me too. I figured it would make a good difference as there is no shortage of people who have found out first hand.

Chains are always an option if it ends up that I think I need them. But if just the grooving is able to meet my needs it's a win.

sixdogs · Nov 30, 2021

Rob41--Great pics. Thank you very much. Great thread.

Rob41 · Nov 30, 2021

You're welcome. Getting good results is super easy. It is a little work to push the tool but not too bad.

There are a buch of tire grooving thread but I figured I'd do one also because the largest tractors I found doing this were along the lines of a Kubota L series. At least now an M series is in the mix.

Smokeydog · Dec 1, 2021

Have little experience in snow. When I first bought a used M59 it had worn R4 fronts. Easy to slip in mud, soft ground and grass fields. Used a chainsaw wood carving blade on grinder cut tires.

Made for significant improvement for my terrain. After a few years replaced with 12ply, extra deep tread R4s for better mud traction. Farmer who bought those used grooved tires still brags on those tires on his skidsteer around his barn.

B26 many chores is finish mowing the many hillside clearings we call yards.

Immediate improvement in wet grass.
Done with tire groover. Has worked good for 5 years, 500 hours.

Rob41 · Dec 1, 2021

Wow, I guess it makes sense it would help on other things than just snow stuff. Obviously there are places it wouldn't help but this reinforces there are improvements to be had on R4's.

Given how every tractor tire type is some sort of compromise, it seems like the manufacturers of R4 tires are missing a huge opportunity to market an improved traction R4.

Rob41 · Dec 1, 2021

Been driving around on the property a bit today. Went back almost a half mile to use the pole saw to trim back some branches. The grooved tires did well even in the snow with a bit of terrain.

LittleBill21 · Dec 1, 2021

looks like a nice property!

LouNY · Dec 1, 2021

Now where are you going with that target deer,
are you one those people that would set that in a clump of brush or
the edge of a field to see how many road hunters will stop and unload on it?
It can be fun on a slow day

Rob41 · Dec 1, 2021

LittleBill21 said:
looks like a nice property!

Thanks, I love it here.

LouNY said:
Now where are you going with that target deer,
are you one those people that would set that in a clump of brush or
the edge of a field to see how many road hunters will stop and unload on it?
It can be fun on a slow day

It fooled my Ma on FB. Said I was tooling along about 40 mph (lol) when it jumped out and I couldn't stop in time.

That would be funny to see. I just figured I'd bring it back to the barn for now. Might have to put it near my bow stand though.....I still have a tag left.

daiseysage · Dec 3, 2021

Liquidsilver said:
I could never use turf tires in my 'rock city' - - but a guy I'm working for this winter swears that turf tires work best for tractor snow plowing. I have no idea if he's right.

turf tires are the worst for moving snow

Smokeydog · Dec 3, 2021

Noticed the grooves pick up some gravel. Stone studs. Can’t say if any improvement in traction. Snow does pack in grooves and snow on snow and extra edges helps with traction.

Rob41 · Dec 3, 2021

I was thinking that too....poor mans studs

LittleBill21 · Dec 4, 2021

Smokeydog said:
Have little experience in snow. When I first bought a used M59 it had worn R4 fronts. Easy to slip in mud, soft ground and grass fields. Used a chainsaw wood carving blade on grinder cut tires. View attachment 723052
Made for significant improvement for my terrain. After a few years replaced with 12ply, extra deep tread R4s for better mud traction. Farmer who bought those used grooved tires still brags on those tires on his skidsteer around his barn.

B26 many chores is finish mowing the many hillside clearings we call yards.
View attachment 723053
Immediate improvement in wet grass.
Done with tire groover. Has worked good for 5 years, 500 hours.

I actually used this picture of the b26 when I did mine. Just realized it, you made it to google search!

Rob41 · Dec 6, 2021

It got pretty stormy here last night and windy today. Touched up the driveway and around my barns no problem.

It's not even that slick yet but I went back on my main two tracker and couldn't back up a couple hills even in 4wd and the rear axle locked. Had to go at them again with a bit more speed to make it up.

I'm good doing the driveway and around the barns, but if I want to continue to get my trail to the back of my property I'm going to need chains.

Not sure if I can afford them this year with all I've spent though. Where is the cheapest place to get decent chains?

LouNY · Dec 6, 2021

No such place, just out of curiosity I have looked and priced some this fall,
sticker shock $1300-$2100 for 18.4-30's.
The only chains I will or would recommend are the TRYGG, OFA, and Aquiline Talon style chain.
I have used the others and the grip is not comparable,
and there is no comparison on the ride.
Those full pattern chains ride almost as good as your tires do on frozen ground, no bucking or bouncing.

Rob41 · Dec 6, 2021

I suppose if I'm going to lay down the money I might as well get something good, I have seen a few videos and review of the4 TRYGG and they seem to be well regarded by many.