Dec 20, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#1
M
Michael_Porter
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I've got a 3720 Cab model on order with the larger R4 tires and a boom-mounted front end blade. I wondering about traction and if it's possible to stud the R4 tires? Or are chains the only increased traction option?
Dec 20, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#2
PoleClimber
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I did a little experimenting with hardened screws of varying lengths. I couldn't keep them in the tires.After spinning the tires with all the weight of the tractor and filled tires they just peeled themselves right out of the tread so I gave up /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.If you find a solution i would be interested in knowing the secret.
Dec 20, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#3
RalphVa
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There was a thread in TBN somewhere about people putting metal screws into motorcycle tires and racing with them. I read this and decided to put screws into the outer part of the lugs of the R1 tires on my Gravely. Didn't really have a chance to test them out because I got my JD not long after that and used it to plow my driveway almost exclusively after that.
If you don't have some steep parts to plow and have 4wd, you likely won't need to stud your tires or to have chains. However, if you ever really have to go on ice, chains or studs would be the way to go. We once vacationed in Hokkaido, Japan. They didn't seem to clear either the sidewalks nor the streets there. All the cars had 4 wheel studded tires. They ran around on the streets fine. Of course, none of the people had studs on their shoes, and they walked around on the ice fine while the rest of us were falling on our butts.
After the initial effort of putting the screws into the lugs, they're certainly the easiest way to allow for icey conditions. Chains are a pain to put on. Always hated them. Used them once on my car in NJ and once to push the snow blower on my Gravely here in Va. Hung them up on the brake backer plate on the Gravely and broke a link. Thought they were about to rip the tire off when it happened.
Ralph
Dec 20, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#4
R
rvtech
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We use Bergstrom "screws" in our snowmobile tracks. Here's the link.
http://www.bergstromskegs.com/tg/tg_main.htm
I'm not sure they'll stay in.
Good Luck
Dec 20, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#5
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rvtech
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Here's another page on the same subject
Dec 24, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#6
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wolc123
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There are not many tasks for which R4's are the best choice. They will do an alright job on many things but definitely not on snow. The wide flat profile distributes the load too much and reduces bite. You might want to get a blower as it will require less traction than a blade to move snow. If you have any significant slope to your driveway you will be in trouble even with the blower. Chains are an option but they will tear up blacktop. If you can swing it, get an extra set of rims and loaded R1's. With fwd, chains will not be required even with a blade on hills. I use a 4120 equiped like this and have never lost traction on snow or ice.
Dec 24, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
- Thread Starter
#7
OP
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Michael_Porter
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The R4 tires are for mowing the meadow areas near the house without tearing up the ground so much. And also to reduce soil compaction when used in the garden.
I don't think a blower would work for me. The areas and driveways I need to clear are all gravel. I have a front blade on my Kawasaki Mule ATV now and it works pretty good except for the frostbite issues. I'm looking forward to that heated cab!
My 3720 cab tractor came in today and I went to the dealer to visit it. It's in the dealer's shop waiting for the loader to arrive. Right behind it in the shop was a new JD 8000 series tractor. My wife and I both burst into laughter when we saw the two together. Like a bear cub next to a momma grizzly!
The cab is wonderful. Lots of room and good ergonomics. It's a very attractive package. This was the first twenty series cab the dealer had seen and it stirred a lot of interest. The dealer immediately ordered another one to park out on the lot.
It's a good idea about a second set of Ag tires and wheels. But I wonder about how easy it is to change a loaded tire and wheel?
Dec 26, 2005 / Studs for R4 Tractor Tires
#8
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wolc123
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You might want to load only the R1's. This will also minimize compaction, lawn damage with the R4's which you mention as a concern. When using the loader with the unloaded R4's you will need to balast the back with a heavy implement, ballast box, etc.. The unloaded R4's can be safely handled by one guy. For the loaded R1's you will want to work on a level floor with a good jack and blocks and someone to help. With four loaded R1's and four unloaded R4's you will have a very versatile rig. You did not mention hills which tend to make R4's useless on snow even with chains.
