Toolcat Snow Blowing Tires

[trlbrkr]

I got the rims but I am having trouble getting studded tires - how much do you think the studded add versus M&S winter tires?

I am plowing-snowblowing and moving 4' round bales with studded tires on steep driveways and rough pasture for feeding bales. For 6 years I used chains on front tires, often had rear end slide sideways on hill or lacked rear traction when front end was in ditch. So far studded tires have eliminated those issues but I never tried Hankook snow tires without studs?
Best part's are ride is so much better in rough conditions and added confidence crossing spots I had trouble with in the past. Also not having to worry about tire chain coming apart.
I did use bucket to clear a concrete feeding area the other day of packed hay and noticed the narrow snow tires do not give me the same traction as the skid steer tires in those conditions.

 

[repairs]

I have been reading a lot about using LT tires on the toolcat for snow removel but how are they working during the summer with heavy attachments on or a load in the bucket. Are the LT tires buckeling under the load.

 

[Freeze Plug]

Old post, but I am wondering the same thing

 

[mykleh]

I wondered about it but found it hard to find the Toyota rims that would fit.. I bought these and put on all 4 made a world of difference on traction.. Note I have the 29" tire package so you might need a different size.. even on the 29" they overlap..
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Square-Link-Alloy-Truck-Chains-with-Camlock/46379022#about-item

 

[DEWFPO]

If you don't have to drive the TC any distance on paved roads in the winter then chains will be your easiest and cheapest option, as well as giving you the best traction, especially if your on sloped terrain. If you go this route, get chains that have many cross chains since many of them will lay below the ribs of the R4 tires if you're using them.

DEWFPO

 

[Freeze Plug]

I ended up buying new R4 tires. I have never used chains, will they tear up my driveway? 600ft long and (old) pavement and some gravel

 

[DEWFPO]

I ended up buying new R4 tires. I have never used chains, will they tear up my driveway? 600ft long and (old) pavement and some gravel

They won't unless your driveway is just a crumbly mess that used to be called asphalt. The chains take more abuse than even a bad asphalt driveway.

DEWFPO

 

[Freeze Plug]

not crumbling, yet!

 

[Spudgunner]

Old but always applicable thread... In the past I've always used chained-up LT tires (8 ply) during snow season. We get LOTS of cake ice and I would certainly be down the gully without chains. I no longer do snow removal commercially and this year I decided to use my "normal" 8-month tires which are something like 265/75x16 off of my old Tundra. These are worn but aggressive tires. So this is only 12/6 and we've had but one substantial snow (about 7"). Nevertheless, for around the homestead, I've found these tires to be quite decent. Sorta surprised me. Our driveway is also asphault (coated) and my old chained tires did leave scratches...but nothing that I was particularly concerned about. I'm going to hang-out with the chainless approach as long as possible. Makes for a much easier riding TC as well.

 

[IdahoToolCat]

Hey Spudgunner do those 265's rub at all? I was thinking more like 245's I have a 2016 5610 and need the all wheel steering. your thoughts
thanks

 

[Spudgunner]

I have not had any problems with rubbing and my machine pretty much lives in All Wheel Steering all the time. But I do not have chains on these tires and I haven't had my Toolcat in every twist possible...so no guarantees. As per my much earlier posts in this thread (pg1/2), I have always used 15" LT tires with chains in the winter. Those have worked very well and height-wise are closer to the stock R-4's (?). Since those old posts of mine, I have retired and I pretty much just do snow removal for myself and some of my neighbors...and I thought I'd leave the small tires/chains off just for experimental purposes. You folks, like us, are due for some good snows this week so by the end of the week I may have the chains back on. (I'm probably about 50 miles S of you.) If you think it'd help, I'd be willing to take some pics tomorrow of the tires at full lock to give you an idea of the clearance. Also, machine is a 2007 "D" 5600. Don't know if that'd make a difference or not. In terms of 225's or 245's...I like the idea of a less-tall tire and would look to see what is most common/cheap. I just had these old Tundra tires laying around...so I figured I'd just try 'em.

 

[IdahoToolCat]

Pics would be awesome if its not to much trouble. I have 75 residential accounts and an apartment complex and some sidewalks. Have had good traction with chains on rear and grip studs in front on stock 27's. Top speed for 5610 is at 16.9 starts dumping hydro at 16.9 my 5600 would do right at the 18 mph. was wanting the taller tire to give me just a little more top end. Bobcat in the valley said they couldn't do a new wheel speed flash/program for me. The guys in Wisconsin and Minnesota have got it figured out. I wish I could fly them in for mine would love 25 mph then I could outrun the big boys in the loaders when they swoop in behind me. lol....storms are a coming...…. last weekend they called for 1-3" we got 9"....sweet..... gotta love it....let it snow....one thing to mention for anyone with 5610 the wipers can get overloaded and blow a fuse just so happens aux hydros are on same circuit....carry extras with me always. Thanks for your time and expierence its much appreciated....Thanks again

 

[Spudgunner]

Sorry about the orientation of these pics. They looked fine on my PC but after uploading I noticed that they all need to be rotated CW by 90.

Pic 1 is the machine as-photographed. The blower (SB200-72) is lifted off the ground so as to compress the springs. The second pic is of the sidewall of tires showing 265/75-16. The rest of pics show clearances. The clearances are better than they may look. I did include a chunk of a 4x4 post in some of the pics to give some perspective. Clearance was typically 4.5" or greater. In any event, as she sits, there is good tire clearance. With one or more of the tires dropped into a hole (stuck!) that clearance may go away. Having said that, I've been stuck more than a few times and clearance hasn't been an issue. Pics 3-6 are up front while the rest are the rear. I don't recall how tall these tires are; however, Tire Rack has an nice online chart of tire sizes/heights.

 

[ruffdog]

Good pics Spud...thanks for taking the time.

 

[IdahoToolCat]

Good pics Spud...thanks for taking the time.

Awesome thxs Spud just ordered the 265's got some blizzacks I will post up when I get them on.
thanks again...let it snow

 

[IdahoToolCat]

Awesome thxs Spud just ordered the 265's got some blizzacks I will post up when I get them on.
thanks again...let it snow

whats top speed?

 

[Spudgunner]

I don't know what the max speed is as the indicated speed is gonna be off due to the tire height and the "governor" tends to try to throw me through the front windshield. I suppose I should use the GPS on my phone to find out how fast I'm really going before the speed nanny kicks-in.

 

[DEWFPO]

Saw a Toolcat yesterday with 31x10.5x15LT B.F. Goodrich All-Terrain tires on stock rims in Rochester, MN.

DEWFPO

 

[Pillager]

I know this is a very old thread but I'm wondering if anyone has any updates or new experiences with Toolcat snow tires?

IdahoToolCat if you're still around wondering how the 265 blizzacks worked out for you?

Purchased an F series Toolcat that I'll be using with a blower on my rural property, the Toolcat has 29" R-4's on it (no chains currently). Wondering if I should do something before this winter or use it for at least part of a season so I have a better idea of what might work best.

I've read all of this thread and a few others that deal with tires. Seems 6 bolt rims that would likely fit the Toolcat (pending offset & hub hole measurments) are plentiful on Facebook, so buying a set of rims and a set of tires that are good for snow and would be easier on the lawn in summer is where I'm leaning at this point. Not looking to swap tires back and forth if I can avoid it.

Wondering if I should have a set of chains too, though I think I would like to wait on those to judge the need (you know, stuck to the bejesus before getting what you needed in the first place!) FWIW, I've always had tractors with blowers, and on a 2 wheel drive tractor always put chains on before the snow flew, the last 10 years I had a larger 4x4 tractor and never put the chains on that I had for it. How many of you run chains on your Toolcat and how many of you don't ever use them?

 

[DEWFPO]

It really depends on what your conditions are terrain, slopes, type of snow. Blizzarks are great on glare ice/packed snow, not as good in deep snow or on inclines. Chains work very well on slopes, ice, deep snow but if you have to drive on pavement anywhere with the chains on, it a lumpy ride and slow going.

All things being equal I would recommend chains. You don't need spare rims or tires. You can put them on or off whenever you want and don't need to jack the equipment up.