Lets Talk Traction

Wasper · Jun 9, 2010

Hi Guys,

I'm starting to think about traction on my JD 445 as I'm gearing up for my yard work. I was wondering about rear tire traction and have a few questions.

I see most people either add tire chains or buy bar-type tires for traction in the dirt. Well.. my wife and I were talking about the JB Sr. I just ordered and she asked if I was going to eventually get the plow as well for the winter (of course I was like "Wow, that's such a wonderful idea"

).

Anyway.. I do know that if I put chains on the tires and scratch the driveway to **** with them, then my wife will not be happy... and if shes letting me spend all this cash on tractors and attachments, then I want to keep her happy! So, I was talking to my neighbor and he said I should ask around about non-marring , rubber "chains".

What can you tell me about these products? Do they work well in the snow? Will they also work good in the dirt? And, if so, Where can I find me a set of them?

Next, I'll be looking for some wheel weights for my 12" rims. How much do these generally cost and where is a good source to buy them? Are any types better then others within reasonable prices?

Thanks for any info and help,
Wasper

gcbailey · Jun 9, 2010

have you thought about fluid filled tires and wheel weights? I've got fluid filled Carlisle All Trails and 75lb on each wheel on top of that and 4x42lb suitcase weights, no problems with traction, no need for chains...

Wasper · Jun 9, 2010

gcbailey said:
have you thought about fluid filled tires and wheel weights? I've got fluid filled Carlisle All Trails and 75lb on each wheel on top of that and 4x42lb suitcase weights, no problems with traction, no need for chains...

Hi,

Well, I bought my JD a couple of weeks ago.. to tell the truth, I don't know what brand tires are on it, but they look like regular turf tires. The guy I bought it off of said that the tires have tubes and the tubes are filled with... gah, cant remember what he said.:banghead3 I Think it started with a "C" or something...

So, you think filled tires and weights alone would provide enough traction for working with the JB Sr. and a landscape rake or box blade (still deciding on between those two) ?

EDIT

If you go to this thread, you can see the tires I have on now. I guees it can give you an idea of what type of traction I'm getting right now while pulling that rock. It did get fairly good traction moving that rock across the yard, even when it was digging in and leaving that furrow. The wheels only slipped once when I was dragging it. Looking at that, would you think I need the chains?

TUDOR · Jun 9, 2010

Wasper said:
Hi,

Well, I bought my JD a couple of weeks ago.. to tell the truth, I don't know what brand tires are on it, but they look like regular turf tires. The guy I bought it off of said that the tires have tubes and the tubes are filled with... gah, cant remember what he said.:banghead3 I Think it started with a "C" or something...

So, you think filled tires and weights alone would provide enough traction for working with the JB Sr. and a landscape rake or box blade (still deciding on between those two) ?

EDIT

If you go to this thread, you can see the tires I have on now. I guees it can give you an idea of what type of traction I'm getting right now while pulling that rock. It did get fairly good traction moving that rock across the yard, even when it was digging in and leaving that furrow. The wheels only slipped once when I was dragging it. Looking at that, would you think I need the chains?

The "C" something in the tubes is probably calcium, very corrosive to wheels if you don't use tubes. If the tire size is 26x12-12, there is probably 120-160 lb. of liquid in each ( I got 160 lb. in mine). Add 50lb. wheel weights (preferrably cast iron) to each wheel and you probably won't need chains of any description. With a 4' or 5' back or box blade on the 3PH, or 4 to 6 suitcase weights on the back, you can even pull a car out of the snowbank without chains. Turf tires have good traction on hard packed snow, not so much in slush where you really need the weight or more aggressive tires.

Without your tires being loaded, you would have had a harder time towing that rock. A 26x12-12 tire, tube and wheel weighs just about 40 lb. Weigh one of yours on the bathroom scale to see what you have for liquid ballast.

Bob :rauch10:

Wasper · Jun 9, 2010

TUDOR said:
The "C" something in the tubes is probably calcium, very corrosive to wheels if you don't use tubes. If the tire size is 26x12-12, there is probably 120-160 lb. of liquid in each ( I got 160 lb. in mine). Add 50lb. wheel weights (preferrably cast iron) to each wheel and you probably won't need chains of any description. With a 4' or 5' back or box blade on the 3PH, or 4 to 6 suitcase weights on the back, you can even pull a car out of the snowbank without chains. Turf tires have good traction on hard packed snow, not so much in slush where you really need the weight or more aggressive tires.

Without your tires being loaded, you would have had a harder time towing that rock. A 26x12-12 tire, tube and wheel weighs just about 40 lb. Weigh one of yours on the bathroom scale to see what you have for liquid ballast.

Bob :rauch10:

That's it.. that is what he said, calcium. Wow.. that liquid adds that much weight ??!!??

I'll have to try weighing them. I'm at work tonight, but maybe tomorrow I can pop one off and get a weight measurement to see what I find.. thanks for the information and the suggestion.

Where can I find cast iron weights?

Wasper

eddyyy302 · Jun 9, 2010

Wasper,
I have a 425 and use the 54" hydraulic plow, I have worn tires on the rear and had weights but took them off. I can tell you from experience that the weights were NOT a necessity and I have NEVER felt the need to use chains. The only use I could see for chains would be with the JB if trying to dig, to get added traction.
I would recommend that you try the machine for the winter before purchasing anything as far as weights or chains go. IF for some reason you feel the need, chains are easy to come by.

Dan

deevemon · Jun 9, 2010

Wasper said:
Where can I find cast iron weights?

Wasper

I found some weights for my Bolens on Craigslist after several weeks of watching. Also check eBay regularly. They go pretty high on ebay usually $125 + for a pair of 50lb weights.

Here's a thread I posted when I got the weights - http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=126359&highlight=weights

I have 26x12x12 ag tires filled with methonol solution (only thing available locally) plus the weights. Just got a JBsr, so hoping this is enough traction for most work. I don't have the JB assembled and installed yet, so have to wait and see. Good luck finding some weights - they're out there but you may have to be patient.

Lets Talk Traction

Wasper

gcbailey

Wasper

TUDOR

Wasper

eddyyy302

deevemon

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