Tire Chains for Traction on Turf Tires - Areas Beyond Snow?

therooksatchickadeefarm · Dec 26, 2023

So, we're new to tractor ownership. Just purchased a little CS2220 with a FEL and mid-mount mower. It has the turf tires, which I think will be fine for most applications and I don't want to tear up the ground if I can help it since we only have a couple open acres right now. All that said, my question is, what would be some recommendations for improving traction when working in the less developed parts of our property? A bit of mud and timber. I was wondering if you could use snow chains on the rear to help in soft ground/uneven terrain? Or is there some other option (besides swapping out the tires). Our main activities will be a little bit of clearing, putting down chips on trails, moving down/cut wood for firewood. The tires are ballasted with beet juice and the tractor is 4WD. Thanks in advance!

oldballs · Dec 26, 2023

I'd try it "as is".....until you get an idea how what you might need. Some time ago, I had a Kubota BX with turf tires and it worked just fine for my conditions and didn't even need chains in snow. Whereas a later Kubota B model with R4 tires wouldn't function at all in snow. That Kubota got chains and they worked fine for other winter chores such as plowing.

Cheers,
Mike

BTW......rear ballast really helps in most functions....but not necessary when just mowing.

ruffdog · Dec 26, 2023

Chains work great on turfs because the chains won't fall between the tread lugs. Be sure you have clearance between the tire and fender.

Catchthedig · Dec 26, 2023

In winter I fit 3/8 inch ladder-style chains on my JD950 rear turf tires. Had to fit extenders to move the wheels out about one inch to clear the fenders. JD advises against chains on the front tires to prevent fouling the power steering plumbing. Tractor with 4wd works fine, even on glare ice. I use the loader to shove back the snow berms when they get too narrow for the pickup snow plow. Chains stay on until late spring as they're like cleats on soft soil and mud. Don't hurt the turf if you don't spin the wheels.

CalG · Dec 26, 2023

I never take the ladder chains off the B7200 turfs. Not the Bolens HT-23.

Keeps from spinning on grassy slopes, and doesn't appear to harm turf at all.

therooksatchickadeefarm · Dec 27, 2023

Thanks everyone! Excellent food for thought!

oosik · Dec 27, 2023

My first tractor - 1982 Ford 1700 4WD. Under heavy snow plowing - it didn't have the weight to have sufficient traction. Even with the R-1 tires. I put on HD V-bar ladder chains - on all four. The improvement was fantastic.

dj1701 · Dec 27, 2023

I have the same tires as you on my Kubota BX2680. I have been stuck a couple of times mowing some of my trails. I just avoid those areas till it dries up enough.

Winter on the other hand is different. I put chains on all four tires.

Dave

LouNY · Dec 27, 2023

Ladder chains are better then no chains but that is all.
The studded Euro type chain will have much more traction and the ride will be almost as smooth as just tires are.
Ladder chains will be bouncy on hard ground or hard ice.