Tire studs?

[BlueKnife]

True, but that's when using 2WD is practical. Aided by locking the rear diff as needed.

Yeah...... Not a lot of folks leaving it in 2wd when they're doing loader work.

 

[LouNY]

Interesting. Hadn't heard that before. I'm trying to envision how front chains on ice or snow would put more stress on a front axle than using a loader on dry, rocky and/bumpy ground..... The chains do help a lot with steering. I suppose if the wheels can just slide around maybe there's less stress?

Conventional cross link chains can put more "shock" loading on drive trains because of there constant slip and grip between cross chains as the tires tend to spin then grab as the cross chains get and lose traction.

 

[86Scotty]

Interesting. Hadn't heard that before. I'm trying to envision how front chains on ice or snow would put more stress on a front axle than using a loader on dry, rocky and/bumpy ground..... The chains do help a lot with steering. I suppose if the wheels can just slide around maybe there's less stress?

That's a very good point. My Kioti is a pretty light tractor and I pretty much have no steering when floating out gravel in reverse. Same for snow. It also slides sideways on off camber situations due to not having much weight on the front, even with the loader.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Yeah...... Not a lot of folks leaving it in 2wd when they're doing loader work.

I do. The exception is when filling the loader bucket from a dirt pile. Then I engage 4WD to avoid tire slip, right before the bucket reaches the pile - if traction is low or the dirt hard enough to warrant using 4WD.

Once the bucket is full I disengage 4WD as I back up and turn. That's easier on the tractor and the ground.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Conventional cross link chains can put more "shock" loading on drive trains because of there constant slip and grip between cross chains as the tires tend to spin then grab as the cross chains get and lose traction.

That can indeed break parts, especially if the operator doesn't notice what's going on.

Had it happen with the BX25D once, in snow that was deeper than what it cared for. But ironically that was with chains in the rear only.

 

[jonsstihl]

I have studs on my rear tires only. I'm sure the studs help a little but you mention hills and steep parts. you will never regret getting chains especially euro style studded chains. I bought the tractor used with the studs already installed so I can't say how they work with a before and after comparison but my driveway is flat and I can still get the rear tires to spin in the wet spring snow but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to if I had chains on.

 

[Green Acres Homestead]

I have a Kioti CK27, 4wd small tractor. I live in hilly Appalachia and can't get around on my property when it freezes/snows. I am mainly driving on old rocky/muddy road beds that are pretty steep but no problem when wet, impossible when icy/snowy.

I keep a sand filled ballast box on the rear year round and mostly just swap out my front bucket and forks (all I have) depending on what I'm doing.

I never drive this tractor on pavement, just some gravel driveway.

I don't keep much pressure in the tires but they are not water/fluid filled.

Would studding my tires help me get around in winter?

Note if you install Studds don’t allign them on the same spot on each thread. Offset them. If they are inline one digs the scrap in the ice and the other goes in that same goove making them useless.

 

[JRH02]

4 whole pages on this.... The TBN loves the traffic generated. I like TBN. But this stuff angers me so I chime in - What does it take to do your darn chores?!? Without getting stuck?

Chains. V-Block chains. Front and back. Cross - x. Certainly not a 2WD.

But like 4WD the further you CAN go the worse you get stuck. And the harder to get out. So you don't do it in the first place. Certainly not on a garden lawn mower.

Don't scratch that driveway.

 

[86Scotty]

4 whole pages on this.... The TBN loves the traffic generated. I like TBN. But this stuff angers me so I chime in - What does it take to do your darn chores?!? Without getting stuck?

Chains. V-Block chains. Front and back. Cross - x. Certainly not a 2WD.

But like 4WD the further you CAN go the worse you get stuck. And the harder to get out. So you don't do it in the first place. Certainly not on a garden lawn mower.

Don't scratch that driveway.

Yeah, there has been a lot more feedback here than I expected, and I appreciate it! Several things I had not thought of have been fleshed out.

No driveway for me. Just some gravel and lots more rock and mud.

I think chains are the answer, and they will probably not come off the tractor, no matter the season, until I get some proper roads in. That might be a year.

Your comment on 4x4 getting you stuck worse wasn't lost on me. Been offroading my whole life. Funny thing is I can actually get my Jeep a lot of places I can't get the tractor on my property because of this phenomenon called 'momentum' that my tractor doesn't create.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

You'll get used to what your tractor can and can't do, just like you have with your Jeep.