What is the best option for better grip while drivig on ice and packed snow during snow blowing? I hate chains.
Bx tires on ice
- Thread starter WoodCarver75
- Start date
Depends on what you've got now: loaded tires for weight, studs in tires, turf tires. Or bite the bullet and find a type of chain you can live with. Some studs can be improvised and installed yourself. If slipping puts you in danger, ie sliding off a cliff, puts the effort and aggravation into perspective.
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Like sheepfarmer said, depends on what you have now...
And why do you hate chains?
Alternate to chains is a lot of time and sand/salt.
After the first winter with by BX I bought chains, but didn't put them on. Until that one storm that went rain to snow and left ice sheet under the snow. Downhill no problem. Uphill running starts from the road with snowblower. Clear a little, sand it, repeat. Finally got to top, put on chains and magic of traction.
Now I just put chains on with the blower and back blade.
Look at types of chains. BX with R4s can get basic chains that slip most of the way down between the cleats and still give traction when needed.
After the first winter with by BX I bought chains, but didn't put them on. Until that one storm that went rain to snow and left ice sheet under the snow. Downhill no problem. Uphill running starts from the road with snowblower. Clear a little, sand it, repeat. Finally got to top, put on chains and magic of traction.
Now I just put chains on with the blower and back blade.
Look at types of chains. BX with R4s can get basic chains that slip most of the way down between the cleats and still give traction when needed.
Are you not happy with chains in general or is it installing etc? I know I'm not a fan since they seem to destroy everything on the pavement. But I've been looking into a set like this that might be a bit better to install as well as not hurt anything. (Note this might not be the right size just showing an example of what they look like)
Terra Grip Tire Chain
Terra Grip Tire Chain
Been my personal experience that on ice or iced over hard packed snow, NOTHING grips better than chains or studded snow tires in the case of automotive applications.
Rubber and ice don't mix well in any sub freezing conditions.
Rubber and ice don't mix well in any sub freezing conditions.
I have used https://koldkutter.com/ in a lot of applications. For ice they work great. If you use them a lot, they will wear down over time but they can be easily replaced/removed. We used them regularly on the skid steers. Not just good on ice, but really good on roots and wood too.
Last edited:
GP outdoors makes a good case for chains here on a B2601
Myself I'm loaded turf tires carrying a back blade for extra weight no chains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBatJLOzYlA
Myself I'm loaded turf tires carrying a back blade for extra weight no chains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBatJLOzYlA
RCW
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
I can't get around without chains on my BX.
I've been able to make them work without spacers for 6 or 7 years.
Do I like them, no.
Do I like putting them on, no. (Like it better if done before it gets real cold)
But otherwise, my $4,000 front-mounted snow blower is useless...
I've been able to make them work without spacers for 6 or 7 years.
Do I like them, no.
Do I like putting them on, no. (Like it better if done before it gets real cold)
But otherwise, my $4,000 front-mounted snow blower is useless...
Last edited:
Right now i have the loaded tires not the turf style, not sure what they are called, Industrial tires? I do also have my backhoe attached along with the snow blower on front.
For the chains I don't mind putting them on but I find the few times i have used chains the tires just spin on the ice. I will say i have only used the chain style where when the chains area laid out it looks like a ladder. I should mention when i used chains in the past it was on lawn tractors. Maybe the weight of my bx will make a difference.
For the chains I don't mind putting them on but I find the few times i have used chains the tires just spin on the ice. I will say i have only used the chain style where when the chains area laid out it looks like a ladder. I should mention when i used chains in the past it was on lawn tractors. Maybe the weight of my bx will make a difference.
Last edited:
RCW
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Yeah - especially with the 'hoe on, it will be like night and day. Just keep them real tight, so they're not flopping around on the inside. Tight also keeps them from getting "lost" between the lugs of the tire.
There isn't much room between the tire and tractor. Many use spacers; I haven't used them so far. I am careful when installing.
You make cheese? Always wanted to try homemade mozzarella, maybe some cheddar...
Last edited:
I have loaded R1’s with chains on my BX1860; so far so good. I think I’d be in much worse shape without the chains.
My driveway is close to a kilometre long, and very steep. Chains front and back are a necessity. Either you need chains or your don't. There really is no effective substitute.
Attached is a picture of our driveway. It is on an approximate 15 degree slope and 300 ft long. During winter, it is generally covered with hard packed snow and ice as you see it here. Without chains on my BX25 I would not be able to maintain it or even clear it. I also have a rear mounted blower attached. Even with the rear chains, It is difficult to steer on ice. I will be adding wheel spacers and front chains for next winter. The chains are the only option for this scenario.
Attachments
Last edited: