Front tire chains

[NLM 0]

I'd like to get better steering control for my 7117 on ice and snow. Should I put chains on my 4.80/4-8 front turfs or go to an ag tire (like the one on ebay)? I'm not snowblowing, just pulling the firewood cart around the yard. Thanks.

[BradW 0]

I don't know how well tire chains would work on a tractor without front wheel drive. I have put a tire called SnowHawg on 2 of my tractors that work really great whether it be sand-mud-dry snow or even wet snow. They are a little pricey compared to the ones on e-bay but I can assure you they do a great job. These tires are used on walk behing self-propelled snow blowers and other types of equipment with out the use of chains where as before these tires were used they needed them. I use these tires all year round and in the grass they really bite and can cause some extra steering effort but they don't slide on wet grass either. Now if I can find a pair for the rear I would be all set. Check out my tractor in the mixed tractor pictures to see them in action. Happyjack's homelite is I think the name of the section. I know other including Kent use the v-tread on the front and they can give you some input on how well they work for them. I had a Kubuta tractor being 4 wheel drive and it had the v-treads from and rear but if the tractor wasn't in 4 wheel drive the front didn't want to go where steered but there are just do many factors to take into concideration though. Best to all, >>->happyjack<-<<

[Kent 436]

First of all, I'm surprised that you have 4.80x4x8 tires on a Sovereign -- it should have come with the wider ones, and 10" wide rears. Second, I don't think chains would really solve your problem either. They give good traction forward, in essentially a straight line. They have much less grip side-to-side, in comparison. I like my front lug tires in the snow, especially for the money. Note that lugs mounted on the front of 2-wheel drives are mounted to turn in the opposite direction of those mounted on 4-wheel drives. (They will give more "bite" for turning because the ends of the lugs contact the ground first, biting in. I'm not sure that you can directly compare them.) Lugs can scuff the lawn a little in tight turns, however, if the ground is wet. I haven't used the Snow Hawgs, so I can't compare the two... But, a couple of things to "ponder": 1) You can't really have it both ways -- traction and easy on the lawn -- though lugs won't damage it if you're careful and the ground is dry. 2) Lugs would look kind of strange on the front and not on the rear, IMO. Snow Hawgs wouldn't look nearly as out of place. Chains go off and on, as needed. 3) Finally, chains will scuff your driveway, if it's paved...

[MikeES 469]

If you are pulling a "heavy" firewood cart or trailer you may need some front counterweight to put some weight on the front tires to help steer them. Good Luck! Mike S.

[arnoldir 0]

Hello Nat, I have the ebay 5x8 Ag tires on my 6216 for plowing snow, and just put a set on my 12 horse Gravely rider (rear engine). These tires work great in the snow, just order a set of tubes with them because they have been stored stacked up and it is almost impossible to get the beads to bulge out and meet the rims. They only charge $4 per tube which is a lot cheaper than $9 each at Home Depot. Happy tractoring

[Woodydel 0]

My next door neighbor collects full size tractors. His favorite a Massey Harris Pony he uses to push the snow out of his way. For a little extra grip he uses hex head screws in his tires. Just screw them into the lugs and you'll be surprised at how well they work. Self tapping screws work well and since they are hardened don't wear out too quickly and they're cheaper than chains and work better. Cars used to use studs in NY till they realized they wore out the roads so this idea should work. Besides I've seen it done....Woody

[MPH 12]

Back when Alaska was on the "wild side" every honky tonk bar along the road system was involved in some sort of ice racing for winter thrills. We use to run screw though the tires from the inside then put tubes in. Best I recall it worked really good but then again, there wasn't an overly large supply of brain cells involved in most our activeity back then...MPH