Traction Logging with industrials

[PapaPerk]

Here's my L3830 logging. For my uses... the industrials are best! :thumbsup:

 

[rd_macgregor]

When I got my Kioti DK45 in 2006, I ordered it with R4s (loaded). I was ready to accept the trade-off of slightly reduced traction for greater sidewall toughness and a bit gentler footprint on turf.
Without chains, the R4s can pack up with mud or slip in snow more than ag tires would, but I've adapted my use to these limitations...I'm guessing I also use the diff lock more often in the woods with the R4 tires than I would with ags.
If I were going to replace my tires, I'd probably go with R1s, but pay extra for ones with additional plies...these exist, but likely aren't what your dealer would offer as an alternative to R4s on a new tractor.
BOB

 

[arrow]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. Allow me to get a bit more detailed knowing I am narrowing the "field of experience" and may get less answers. I have included a picture of my terrain. I know how ags react as that is what I have now. Ags could negotiate this forest floor w/o chains but chained up made them more efficient and more effective in deeper snow. This is a rock strewn, leaf covered and debris laden environment. Is anyone with loaded industrials negotiating the same type of footing or have you found them hopeless without chains on when traveling on this type of surface?

 

[Carl_NH]

Rock strewn, dips and holes and lightly snow covered I have navigated with my R4's unloaded but with 3900 lbs. The biggest issue I had was the log getting caught on some rock or making a turn and crabbing against another tree the R4's w/o chains would slip but I think R1 would too,

I dont have chains and probably will not get any because I dont run in the winter much anymore - just the fall.

You know what R1's do, and as RD Mcgregor said get R1's with a stiffer ply 6-8 ply.

You have to weigh it out - how much time is in the snow covered, then deep snow and if less than 10% of the time then R4's are fine.

Also, your JD chains - will they fit the Mahindra w/R1 or R4? You are going from a 20HP 750 to a 30HP 3016 if I recall correctly - i didnt check the tire sizes but thats one more thing to consider.

 

[arrow]

Rock strewn, dips and holes and lightly snow covered I have navigated with my R4's unloaded but with 3900 lbs. The biggest issue I had was the log getting caught on some rock or making a turn and crabbing against another tree the R4's w/o chains would slip but I think R1 would too,

I dont have chains and probably will not get any because I dont run in the winter much anymore - just the fall.

You know what R1's do, and as RD Mcgregor said get R1's with a stiffer ply 6-8 ply.

You have to weigh it out - how much time is in the snow covered, then deep snow and if less than 10% of the time then R4's are fine.

Also, your JD chains - will they fit the Mahindra w/R1 or R4? You are going from a 20HP 750 to a 30HP 3016 if I recall correctly - i didnt check the tire sizes but thats one more thing to consider.

Thanks Carl
I value your input as you have experienced similar terrain. I just got back from the Mahindra dealer and looked at these tires side by side. There is no doubt in my mind that the R1's are traction masters over the R4's. I know I can skid with those in a foot of snow. I am very unsure that R4's can do that even with chains as I have no experience with the beasties. Where the R4's will shine is when I stop skidding wood which I estimate to be in about 5 years. You bring up a good point. The chains, if I get some extenders, will fit the Mahindra with ags. I would have to buy new chains for the industrials which are around $225 for 4 link which isn't too bad in my mind and thus not a stopping point. The Mahindra with loaded industrials will also be around 4000#'s. With ags, it will come in around 300 less pounds. Nothing else fits. My tooth bar, my debris tines will all have to be modified. I'm looking at both tractors not knowing which tires to choose. As I am going over all the pluses and minuses of not only the tires but the entire thought of getting a new tractor, my mind scrambles and goes into a recycling mode just like it did when I was a youngster in school confronting yet another learning situation. I need to step back because right now I don't even want a new tractor if it is causing this kind of consternation.

 

[Carl_NH]

Arrow,

Paralysis analysis - too much thinking. I would focus on what you want and need. Also your 750 is 20HP and is a good tractor - would you not be served by looking/considering a bit bigger than the 29 HP 3016?

Also used JD's are around - here's a decent JD in my area 43 HP and 500 Hrs $21K - this would be a big step up IMO from your 750. John Deere 4120 4wd 43hp Tractor w/ Loader

Here are two Kubota's 08 Kubota L3240 and another one 2006 KUBOTA L4400, DIESEL 4X4, PRACTICALLY NEW!

I would keep your eyes out for a good used JD or Kubota machine and get 32-35HP range.


Tire type and chains can be changed, HP and functional capacity/capability cant.

Carl

 

[DieselnHooters]

I log with R4s way up in Canada in deep snow and no chains, only liquid ballast but my tractor is quite a bit bigger than the one you are looking at. Ground clearance may be an issue with R4 on those smaller units in the wood IMO.

Maybe you should consider a larger unit.... Mahindra, seriously?

 

[arrow]

You guys are trying to get me committed . LMAO. Seriously I appreciate your input. Yes, a larger tractor would be helpful but I have a tendency to "make do" and I'm only skidding 5 to eight cords per year and not for much longer. A big tractor would give me more range but I refuse to chase stems more than a quarter mile. Lets say I've become spoiled after my skidder days.
I think I am formulating a plan based on what you guys have been telling me. Diesel, I believe Kubota makes the best tractor and if I were a youngin, that's all I'd consider but the dealership near me is plagued with an attitude that prevents me (and perhaps others) from doing business. Also, I am not a "brand specific" guy and I feel all the tractor companies makes stuff that will work. Also under consideration is a price point. I am at 12K out the door, tires loaded with my JD as trade for the 3016. This tractor has twice the lift and weighs a thousand pounds more than my JD so I'm thinkin it should suffice. If I can do what I can with the JD (pictured), I'm guessin the 3016 will do it a bit better. It'd be considerably more for the tractor I really want (Mahindra 4010). Plus with minor alterations, much of what I have now will fit the 3016. The other advantage for the smaller tractor is that these woods are so dense, it sometimes becomes a pain just getting the JD through.

 

[Carl_NH]

Arrow,

Have you considered putting your JD750 up for sale? It appears to be clean and well kept and I would thinkin between $7-8K would sell reasonably fast.

What's your dealer offering? I guess what I am getting at is if you can get a bit more selling private and get what you really want (the 4010) then thats the course I would take even if it means parting with a few more $ today will make you happier in the loong haul.

 

[arrow]

Arrow,

Have you considered putting your JD750 up for sale? It appears to be clean and well kept and I would thinkin between $7-8K would sell reasonably fast.

What's your dealer offering? I guess what I am getting at is if you can get a bit more selling private and get what you really want (the 4010) then thats the course I would take even if it means parting with a few more $ today will make you happier in the loong haul.

I have Carl. He's showing me 6K for it. The JD needs about a thousand bucks of new rears as these are the original tires and are cracked to smithereens. But I'm high jacking my own thread. I believe I have enough info from all the different posters to make a decision. Much of whatever efficiency industrials have for winter skidding has to do with both the size of the tractor and the size of the tire itself. Therefore I think this is a doable entity to run the 3016 with over sized tires they normally put on the 3616 hydro. If they are not sufficient, I'll chain them up.