[markgru02919]

When I use my 4018 with the snowcaster especially on ice it is at times very difficult to keep the tractor going straight. Many times the front tires drift to the point I have to stop, back up and straighten out, then proceed forward again to continue throwing the snow. My question is has anyone put chains on their front tires? Did it help with being able to keep the tractor going straight? Has anyone discovered any other solutions to help with this problem?
Mark

 

[CASE 220/4]

I have seen people use chains on their front wheels. How much weight are you using on the rear of the tractor and are you using the blower with downward pressure or is it in float?

 

[markgru02919]

The only weight on the rear of the tractor is the two factory black wheel weights and me (which is substancial) I always use the blower in the float position, I never seen a reason to use downward pressure with it. The questions you asked about weight on the back of the tractor is an eye opener. Too much weight would make the front lighter causing the front wheels to have less traction. Do you think that is the problem even with the snow caster on the tractor hanging out over the front?

 

[CASE 220/4]

I asked about the rear weight because some guys go overboard and add 500 friggen lbs back there. Now Im not saying the tractor cant handle the weight but if the weight is on a weight box then it will want to pull the front of the tractor up. With just the wheel weights you are using, I dont see that having any negative effect on your steering issues.

My next question is the snowcaster itself. Are the shoes adjusted right or are is the entire bottom edge of the snowcaster dragging the ground?


Also, what tires are you using and what condition are they in? Good thread?

 

[Bob MacGregor]

Hi Mark and group,
Several weeks ago I bought a set of two link 8-16 chains and a set for the front but they were out of stock on the 16X8.5X8 two link chains but I think that front chains would be a good item to have installed with the weather that we have been getting this year. I checked locally for a front set and their price is too high.
I removed the Ag lugs and put my turfs back on with the two link chain set and I am pleased with the traction. I also have the plastic wheel weights and some added weight on the rear.
Bob MacGregor in CT :winterrules:

 

[boomers_influence]

mark
what is the tread pattern of your front tires?
can you post a pic. of them?
the tires make a TON of difference.
thank you. boomer

 

[Nutcase446]

I've used a lot of different things to move snow over the years and none of them steered very well on ice. When in the float position the blower isn't really helping. I will sometimes pick the blower up a little but since that leaves a little snow (which can turn to more ice) I'd rather just back up and straighten out. I have seen people wrap roller chain aroung the front tires giving them a ice skate effect but I do enough damage with the rear chains. Good luck, Gregg

 

[markgru02919]

The bottom of the snowcaster is not hitting the ground. When I adjusted the shoes I placed the tractor on a level surface and lowered the snowcaster's cutting edge onto a piece of 3/8 inch plywood. Then I raised and lowered the snowcaster several times and was able to see light under the cutting edge.
Most of my driveway is 3 years old ashphalt so it is in very good condition and level. The tires are the factory turf tires and there condition is new. The 4018 is an 2006 and the clock is just about to turn to 100 hours.

 

[markgru02919]

Greg, I hear you about the rear chains, I just sealcoated this fall and have some nice scars in the sealcoat.

I have a bucket full of old car chains a relative gave me years ago. I was thinking of cutting a set down to fit the front tires but I do not want to wear the front tie rod ends and have them and the steering sloppy.

I will take a few pictures of the front tires tomorrow and post.

 

[Hydriv]

The stock, smooth-rib flotation turf tires are pretty useless on ice or hard-pack snow.

One solution is to buy a cheap ten foot length of #50 roller chain at TSC and then do the following.

Deflate front tire totally - valve core out.

Wrap #50 chain around middle of tire to measure for length of chain.

Cut chain to a length that will allow you to make a circle of chain that you can just force onto the tire with it soft but when you add the air, the pressure will hold it in place. It needs to be centered on the tire all the way around before adding the air.

The entire weight of the front of the tractor will now bear down on this chain and the chain will bite into the ice and hard-pack making it easier to keep the tractor going in the direction you want it to.

When winter's over, you remove the air from the tire and slide the chains off. Soak them in a can of oil until next winter. Cheap, simple, effective.

 

[Bob MacGregor]

Hi Mark,
Years ago I replaced the front tires on both of my Ingersolls with turf tires. While commercially mowing with both of these machines I was getting to many flats on the front with the smooth tires. When I install chains I deflate the tires, install the chains fairly tightly and reinflate the tires. This makes the chains tight on the tires which is a good thing.
Turfs on the front are an improvement but not a great improvement traction wise. Lifting your blower slightly will increase front traction some and turfs will make it somewhat better.
Bob MacGregor in CT :winterrules: :mrgreen: :lol:

 

[markgru02919]

thanks, that sounds easy enough. I am going to try to do it tomorrow before the storm hits.

 

[markgru02919]

Thank also Bob, I have this one area on the walkway that is only 4 feet wide near a handicap ramp and it curves. When the front slides in this area it is a bit of work getting out of that area. Not to mention I have a trim board going around the deck that the chain on the back tire caught and caused it to split about 3 feet.

 

[99flhr]

. My question is has anyone put chains on their front tires? Did it help with being able to keep the tractor going straight?

Yes to both questions. There are pics over at MTF in a post started by me entitled "all chained up".

 

[mjodrey]

That's a good idea Tom.



Maynard :canada:

 

[Hydriv]

. My question is has anyone put chains on their front tires? Did it help with being able to keep the tractor going straight?

Yes to both questions. There are pics over at MTF in a post started by me entitled "all chained up".

HEY !!!!!!!!!! What's the big idea sending people to MTF??????

:sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh:

 

[99flhr]

HEY !!!!!!!!!! What's the big idea sending people to MTF??????

:sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh:

Well, there used to be a wag over there who provided hours of entertainment,have no idea what happened to him..

 

[Hydriv]

If you are going to send people to MTF, then it's only fair that you send that guy with the Colt questions to this site where he can be helped. That "wag" you used to be entertained by is no longer allowed on MTF or have you conveniently forgot that? :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh:

 

[Bill.H]

I read that post about the roller chain on the front tires, then a few days later I was at the town recycle center to drop off an old TV and saw a long length of #?? chain laying there and grabbed it in case I needed to try it. Looks like it's from a garage door opener. Not sure that I'll ever use it, but if anyone wants a few feet let me know.

 

[markgru02919]

Below is a picture of my front tires. They do not have a aggressive thread at all. I am going to try cutting down the chains I have to fit the front tires first. The roller chain solution sounds simple enough but I am concerned it may scar my driveway.
Mark
[IMG]http://i1223.photobucket.com/a...919/RI Snowstorm 1-27-2011/DSC00089.jpg[/IMG]