winter traction options

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Eugen Canada
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Re: winter traction options

Post by Eugen »

One of the reasons I got the parts tractor from Al were these chains. Not only they have bigger links than the chain I had previously on the 446, but they got these pieces welded on the outside of the links, like little claws.

3A17827E-3688-49BE-9261-60DD9F52DF74.jpeg


I realize it would be a lot of work to add these to a regular chain though.
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propane1 Canada
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Re: winter traction options

Post by propane1 »

In my area, those are called ice chains. Great grip with those.


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Re: winter traction options

Post by Eugen »

My experience so far has been like this. When I had the 226 with big lug tires in the back, it was at the beginning when I didn't know much about these tractors. And I was very frustrated trying to blow snow with that tractor, getting in a rut at times and one wheel turning, the other not. Wasn't even very icy. That taught me that if you don't have differential lock, you better have a lot of weight on rear. When I got the 446 and put lug tires on the back plus a lot of weight it seemed to do fine in most conditions, except when really icy. I had no chains at the time, but very icy conditions didn't happen often.

My 644 right now has lug tires, no chains, but a lot of weight on the back. Good traction so far, haven't had to deal with any real ice.

The 444 on snowcaster duty has turf tires and the v-bar chains, or ice chains as Noel calls them. Also JD combine weights at 162 lbs per wheel. This is a new setup for me, and got to test it yesterday. The snow close to the ground, which is gravel, was on the soft side, as it was not very cold (near 30F or 0C). I was worried that they would not provide enough grip as they don't have such an extended profile like the lug tires, however, they were great.

Possibly the studs on lug tires may by one of the best combination in terms of performance and value.
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propane1 Canada
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Re: winter traction options

Post by propane1 »

More ways to gain traction are, 2 ply tires, lower air pressure, fit your chains loose, use lower gear, keep the revs low, if possible.

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Gordy United States of America
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Re: winter traction options

Post by Gordy »

DavidBarkey wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:42 am image.png
Saw these and thought maybe with these I would not have to do seasonal tire change over on Frankie an leave the lugs on year round . Thoughts ?
The mechanic showed up one day and installed these on the rubber tracked Cat skid steer I was operating. I asked if I should take it easy with these in, he said no run it like you stole it. By the end of the week there was not a stud left in the tracks :( Maybee those ager type ones would work better?

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Re: winter traction options

Post by Timj »

Eugen wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 10:21 am One of the reasons I got the parts tractor from Al were these chains. Not only they have bigger links than the chain I had previously on the 446, but they got these pieces welded on the outside of the links, like little claws.


3A17827E-3688-49BE-9261-60DD9F52DF74.jpeg



I realize it would be a lot of work to add these to a regular chain though.
I really like the v-bar chains, they're a little harder on the concrete if you spin the wheels.

I ended up putting the set of v-bars I have been running on the 4118 on the 448. The other set I have that were too long went in the service stuck, they will fit the 19.5" tires on it. Already needed them, glad I didn't cut them down.

I put a set of chains I used to run on the 4118 for now. They are a set of cut down truck chains so they have bigger sized chain than Lt chain. They don't bite into the ice as well but are good in the snow. The 4118 has a little more clearance to the inside of the fender than the 448.
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Re: winter traction options

Post by TLD89 »

I welded up a z plate and weight bracket for the 3018 with atv tires on works well. (Just removed tire chains not in pic.)
The 4020-dose plow snow a little better than the 3018 though.
Had them both ready this year but no snow this season.
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z plate.jpg
snow wieght 3.jpg
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Re: winter traction options

Post by Eugen »

I'm wondering why the 3018 doesn't do as well. @TLD89 that weight bracket looks nice. How much weight do you find acceptable to get good traction?
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Re: winter traction options

Post by TLD89 »

Eugen, not sure why the 3018 pushes snow better maybe the tire differences. One might think with the wider tires it would push more.
100lbs never tried any other weight.
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